Drink of the Week: Bouchaine Alsatian Blend 2025

June 12, 2026

Maybe you’re on your way to a cookout. Or you’re planning a dinner party and fish tacos, bossäm, or barbecue chicken is on the menu. In any case, if you’re eager to sip something refreshing as temperatures climb, my advice is to put Bouchaine’s Alsatian Blend in your cooler.

As the name suggests, the white wine features grapes traditionally grown in Alsace, France. The blend features minerally Pinot Gris, aromatic Gewurtztraminer, bright Riesling, and plush Pinot Blanc. It’s sophisticated and approachable, with lots of food-friendly acidity and texture.

The winery is in Napa Valley, a region that many people tend to associate with beefy Cabernet Sauvignons or buttery Chardonnays. But Napa is a big and varied place, and Bouchaine’s winemaker, Chris Kajani, is a maverick with all sorts of crisp, elegant bottles—her structured Pinot Noir and racy estate Riesling are also among my favorites.

Of course, you don’t have to be in the mood to reevaluate preconceptions about Napa Valley or contemplate the signature grapes of Alsace to enjoy this wine. You might just want to pop open something delicious as the summer sun sets. Either way, Bouchaine’s Alsatian Blend delivers. $42.99, elcerritoliquor.com

Emily Saladino

Contributing Editor Emily Saladino is a New York-based journalist and recipe developer. Previously the managing editor of Wine Enthusiast and editor-in-chief of VinePair, her work has appeared in The Washington Post, Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, Food Network, and many others. A former professional cook and bartender, she holds a Culinary Arts degree from The French Culinary Institute and Level II Certification from The Wine & Spirit Education Trust. She has a poorly behaved cattle dog named Arby.