I was conducting a private wine tasting the other day for about 20 guests and one question came up regarding the difference between a Sauvignon Blanc and a Chardonnay. Now for a lot of you the difference is obvious. However, for some, who may be new to wine, it may not be. Therefore, if you're an experienced wine drinker, please bear with me while I take time to explain.

Both Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are types of grapes called varieties. In the United States, most wine labels will include the variety on the label. On the other hand, most French wine labels indicate the region, but not the variety. You have to know what wines are produced in the various wine growing regions of France to know if you're buying a Merlot (right bank Bordeaux) or a Cabernet Sauvignon (left bank Bordeaux).

The list of varieties of grapes used to make wine is pretty long and we could spend all day if not several days talking about them. Lucky for us the list has been reduced to what is known as the Big Dozen. They are Pinot Grigio (Gris), Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay usually used to produce white wines, along with Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Tempranillo, Zinfandel, and Sangiovese usually made into red wines.

One of my favorites is a classic Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec labeled Double T from Trefethen Family Vineyards: www.trefethen.com . It is a medium bodied wine, meaning that the texture or mouth feel is compared to that of whole milk. The winemaker describes the wine as having fragrant aromas of plums, blackberry jam, black pepper, clove and toasted oak displaying flavors of blackberries, raspberries and currants with rich chocolate on the finish. I say, it is simply scrumptious when paired with grilled lamb chops or a nice juicy steak.

I haven't been able to find any local merchants in Houston that stock Trefethen Double T, but you can order direct for $25 a bottle plus shipping. Since this wine drinks like a $60 Bordeaux , it's a great deal.

I'm going to ask my friends Frank Crapritto and Frank Butera at Frank's Chop House, 3736 Westheimer, Houston , Texas 77027 , to check with Republic National Distributing Company since Republic is the distributor for Trefethen in Texas and see if they can order some. Then I can enjoy Double T with one of Chef Butera's fabulous filet mignons with horseradish cream sauce. My mouth is watering just thinking about it! Also, check out his signature sautéed Black Drum in a key lime burre blanc sauce. Fantastic! Give Frank's Chop House a visit and tell Frank (your choice of which one) that I told you to ask for a bottle of Trefethen Double T. Check out their website at www.frankschophouse.com for directions.

Until next month,

Cheers!