White-hot allure of white wine

WHAT white wines for the new year? Chardonnay remains the most popular varietal by far, and I am encouraged by the increasing popularity of the simpler French Chardonnay wines over the past year. Other popular whites include Sauvignon Blanc, the varietal made famous by Cloudy Bay.

Judging from last year's sales performance, Riesling also appeared to be increasing in popularity, as more wine consumers find the light sweetness of the Kabinetts well counteracted by the delicious acidity. Indeed for some wine critics, Riesling is their preferred varietal, …