Summer is here and it is time to enjoy a vibrant refreshing white wine. For those of you feeling the ho-hums about drinking another buttery, oaky, chardonnay, let’s break the mold and have a summer fling with Sauvignon Blanc.

A grape most notably known for its role in the French Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc has come a long way to rival the American favored white grape: Chardonnay.

Sancerre is the most affluent use of the grape that has been around for centuries. Winemaking techniques regulated by this French AOC assure that you are drinking a superb wine. However, this comes at a cost. At a minimum of $30 a bottle, I thought we should explore other options that are just as exquisite.

Thanks to the growth of New World wines, Sauvignon Blanc is now being made in countries all over the world: South Africa, Chile, the US and New Zealand to name a few. South Africa is a region this writer has yet to explore, so comments about any of its wines will be reserved for a later article. That said, although Chile and the US both produce wonderful crisp Sauvignon Blancs, it is this author’s opinion that New Zealand – specifically the Marlborough region – makes the most spectacular New World wine with this grape.

Until late in the 20th century New Zealand’s most important wine districts, such as Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay, resided on the country’s North Island. However, in the 1970s, the South Island starting gaining momentum when vintners started planting crops in Marlborough. Today, this district is now the largest and one of the most important wine areas for both of the country’s islands combined.

Marlborough wineries benefit from their proximity to the coast which contributes to consistent, cool weather. This climate allows for a longer growing period which is ideal for the grapes to take their time maturing. The end result is the grape is flourished with flavor. Sauvignon Blanc is the primary wine exported from this region since over fifty percent crop acreage is planted with this wonderful grape.

So what can you expect from a sip of a Sauvignon Blanc? Regardless of the country or region you decide to try, most Sauvignon Blancs can be described as having an herbal, grassy aroma with a dry citrus finish. I’ve found that wines from Marlborough exhibit these characteristics with more of a zing which causes refreshing bursts of fruit to be more prevalent. Thirst-quenching summer fruit flavors such as melon or grapefruit, pop right out to the nose and follow through with a snappy finish in the mouth.

Most sauvignon blancs are made to immediately enjoy and drink young. The complex flavors this grape produces allow for an excellent pairing for seafood or, my personal favorite combination, Asian cuisine.

Some notable and affordable bottles to look for:

Nobilo, Marlborough (New Zealand) Sauvignon Blanc 2007 ($10.00)
Kim Crawford, Marlborough (New Zealand) Sauvignon Blanc, 2006 ($16.00)
Benzinger, Sonoma CA, 2005 ($10.00)

So now that summer is here, I invite you to sit back, enjoy the weather, and sip on a delicious Sauvignon Blanc.

Salute!

Tags: New World Wines, New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc, white wine, wineries

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