Marsanne

Roasted nuts offer a savory, toasty flavor profile with rich oils that pair beautifully with oxidative wines like Sherry or crisp, cleansing beverages that cut through the fat. The nutty, earthy qualities are complemented by malty beers that echo those same notes, while moderate carbonation helps refresh the palate.

The Hermit Crab is named for the fossilized crustaceans found throughout the vineyard soils of McLaren Vale – a fitting tribute to the mineral complexity this blend delivers. D'Arenberg has a knack for quirky names and serious wines, and this Rhône-inspired white blend perfectly demonstrates their approach: traditional techniques, minimal intervention, and a healthy dose of Australian character. Blending Marsanne and Viognier creates a wine with the best qualities of both varieties – the structure and aging potential of Marsanne combined with the aromatic expressiveness of Viognier. What makes this particularly special is how it manages to capture the generous fruit character you expect from Australian wine while maintaining elegance and restraint. It's like finding that perfect balance between beach-casual and smart-casual – relaxed but still put-together. For those tired of the same old Chardonnay but wanting something with similar weight and texture, The Hermit Crab offers a delicious alternative that's both interesting and approachable.

While the red CMS blend gets most of the attention, this white counterpart deserves equal billing. The 'CMS' here stands for Chardonnay, Marsanne, and Sauvignon Blanc – a creative combination that showcases Washington State's versatility with white varieties. Hedges Family Estate brings their same thoughtful approach to this white blend, creating a wine with more complexity and interest than many single-varietal options in the same price range. The Sauvignon Blanc provides the backbone of citrus and herbaceous notes, while Chardonnay adds body and texture, and Marsanne contributes subtle floral and honeyed elements. The result is a versatile white that works year-round – refreshing enough for summer sipping but with enough substance to pair with fall and winter meals. It's the kind of bottle that makes you reconsider what Washington whites can offer.

Like its red counterpart, the Wabi-Sabi White from Populis embraces the Japanese concept of finding beauty in imperfection. This blend of Chardonnay, Colombard, and Marsanne represents California natural wine at its most approachable – vibrant, expressive, and utterly delicious. The Populis team sources fruit from organic vineyards, ferments with native yeasts, and takes a hands-off approach in the cellar to let the grapes express themselves naturally. The result is a white blend with character and substance – miles away from the mass-produced, technically perfect but soulless whites that dominate supermarket shelves. It offers the perfect introduction to the world of natural wine for those curious about the category but hesitant to dive into the deep end. This is honest wine made by real people who care about the land – and you can taste that commitment in every sip.