This just happens to be my favorite white grape variety. Is it noble? Not hardly. Is it forthright and assertive? Not usually, but yet it always seems to overperform by offering a pleasant little citric surprise from its bouquet to the engagement of its fresh fruit flavors with the palate. Expectations for Sauvignon Blanc should be reasonable; we're not talking Grand Cru Burgundy here. Because of its live acidity we are talking cafe/bistro wine, good with salads and light meals and a wonderful tonic by itself and before dinner.
If your wine background is California-centered, the rise of New Zealand-style Sauvignon Blanc should be no surprise. This type of wine is brash and sassy with forward citrus fruits including some combination of grapefruit, goooseberry, lemon, lime, and even an assortment of tropicals. Is it noble? I don't think so. It sure is stimulating though. This week we are offering the 2010 La Playa Chilean Sauvignon Blanc ($9.99)as the best value in this genre.
If you are old world-oriented or favor a nuanced flavor envelope, the Loire Valley Sauvignon Blancs of Sancerre and Pouilly Fume will always beckon your taste buds. This style is really food friendly stressing balance with a lasting finish while toning down the citrus with a floral bouquet with grass and flint in the mix on the palate. This week we offer the '09 Pascal Jolivet Attitude Sauvignon Blanc ($16.99) which is drawn from the historic Touraine region in the middle of the Loire Valley where the soils really make this style happen.
If you are curious about these wines (tempted?), mention this blog for 10% off these wines. We may even have them open for tasting this weekend. They are so-o-o-o goooood!
Thanks for reading,
Don
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