This is one of my favorite varietals for summer because it is crisp and dry which is perfect for hot days; and you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good one either. Dancing Queen, this post is for you. Break out of your Pinot Grigio rut!
First a bit about the varietal. The grape is rumored to be a wild grape of South West France. Sauvignon gets its name from the French word for wild – sauvage. The vines flourish in cooler but very sunny climates. In France, this varietal is called Sancerre. Australia, New Zealand and South Africa also produce Sauvignon Blancs of note. This wine is meant to be drunk immediately and doesn’t age particularly well. If given a choice between different vintages, always choose the younger wine. As an added benefit, many of these wines are screw tops. Love the easy access!
Tasting notes for a good SB include a broad spectrum of flavors and aromas: kitty litter (although I think it it smells more like crushed tomato- plant leaves), grass, basil, lime, grapefruit, mineral and exotic fruits like mango, pineapple and passion fruit. This varietal is great with a wide range of foods. It is one of the few that pairs well with sushi. It is also great with cheese like chevre and feta, salads, seafood, and dishes that aren’t too citrusy.
So here is a list of my favorites:
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough: Kim Crawford really is the benchmark for this varietal. Crisp, dry, tropical fruits with a strong citrus note. Fresh and zesty and grassy. Can be a bit too citrusy for some. This wine is sustainably farmed. You can find this wine at about $15-18.
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough: This SB has a longer finish than good ‘ole Kim and less citrus and grass and more tropical fruits. Mineral and a balanced acidity with basil and crushed tomato leaves. This wine is more complex than most SBs and that comes with a higher price tag at $25-30. I love this wine, but I loved it more when it was less expensive. Hard for me to buy this wine at that price point.
Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough: Just had this last night with my sisters. Zippy and delicious with strong notes of passion fruit, grass and a hint of spiciness. Lychee and gooseberry are definitely present as well. Priced reasonably at about $13.
3 Stones Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough: My new favorite (Kim Crawford is now a distant #2) and it is inexpensive. Very tropical fruit forward with much less acidity than the other two. The fruit almost bubbles on your tongue. Grassy and aromatic, this sustainably farmed wine is a bargain at around $11. Good depth of flavor that holds up to food or just for getting your drank on.
These four wines are readily available in most markets and through on-line sources.
