Originating in western France, this is a grape that seems happy in a plethora of environments. Truly lovely examples can be found in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley in France, New Zealand, Austria, and yes, California. Highly aromatic, its smell has been likened to everything from grapefruit to freshly mown grass to "cat's pee on a gooseberry bush." Virtually always dry, crisp, and refreshing, it's highly versatile and can be paired successfully with a wide range of foods from goat cheese to most types of fish.