Radient
Radient
GRAPES: Chenin Blanc (80%) Viognier (20%)
VINTAGE: 2019
REGION: Napa Valley, California
ALCOHOL PERCENTAGE: 12.5%
PRICE: $7.99
Before we move on to Rosé wines in our Drink the Rainbow series, I wanted to sample one final white blend. If you recall, we tasted a white blend from France last week and I was less than impressed. I was hoping for something a bit bolder with a little depth, something that would wow me.
During my last visit to Trader Joe’s, I picked up a bottle of Radient, a white blend produced in Napa Valley, California by Carpathian Vineyards. This was a new arrival in Nashville, so of course, I had to snag a bottle and try it out.
Let’s be honest, there are NOT many details when it comes to wines from Trader Joe’s. On the rare occurrence that there’s a vineyard listed, I immediately google it to get all the details. In true form, I began to research Carpathian Vineyards and came up with very little information. Aside from their focus on the Stag’s Leap District and an overview of the prized red blend, Tatra Terrace (which had an $84.00 price point btw), I came up with nothing on Radient.
What do you do when you run into a dead-end? Pour yourself a glass and start sipping!
TASTING NOTES:
Regular cork
Pale golden hue
Crisp, fresh and definitely on the drier side
Tree fruit flavors throughout, think notes of pear and apple
Honeysuckle vibes
Medium body and acidity
Verdict: Trader Joe’s tasting notes state that this would be a “great choice with chicken, fish, pasta and cream sauces.” While I didn’t pair this wine with any food, I was blown away. This is what I was looking for last week, something flavorful and complex without being overbearing and boring. To be honest, this has been one of my favorite white wines I’ve sampled from Trader Joe’s all year. It was absolutely RADIANT!
Until Next Time!