Tag Archives: Sauvignon Blanc

The Label tells all

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Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics.  Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.

A family owned estate, hidden in the heart of Marlborough New Zealand, one of the world’s purest wine regions. Six varieties of grapes are grown on over 160 hectares of pristine vineyards. It just so happens that they share the valley with a satellite communication station that finds the terroir perfect for spying too. 

Lifted floral notes, guava and citrus. Palate: Distinctive flavours of passion fruit and white nectarine intermingled with layers of minerality, finishing with a fresh, mouth-watering acidity.

For a wine which is consistently good year on year, this is truly outstanding in the small but excellent 2021 vintage. This is a full, fresh and fruit-forward New Zealand sauvignon, with grapefruit, lime, nectarine and passionfruit aromas, while the palate is generous, juicy and refreshing.

SAUVIGNON BLANC – SPY VALLEY MARLBOROUGH 2021

$22.97

13.5% Alcohol

UPC: 09421008350033

Uncomplicated

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Why do all the reviewers want to make complicated dishes to go with this?  

It’s simple, uncomplicated and straightforward.  What a good Sauvignon Blanc should be.  It’s dry with fruity flavours and stands alone by itself.

If your going to add food, do it with something hearty that is simple and fulfilling – like good old Mac and Cheese.

A cool growing season gives the grapes a chance to mature slowly and to gain some character.  There is also a nice, long finish that is very balanced.

Take your time with both – just make sure the Mac and Cheese is really hot and bubbly.SAUVIGNON BLANC – CUPCAKE

$13.99 regularly $15.49

13% Alcohol

UPC: 00081308000435

Why Wait for Summer?

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Chardonnay from the mountainous area of Trentino, Sauvignon Blanc grown near the warm shores of the Adriatic Sea, and a touch of Venetian Pinot Nero. 

Santa Margherita Rosé is lively and vibrant with fresh acidity and balance, with a pale pink hue and a uniquely light, floral taste.

Santa Margherita Rosé pairs well with salads, appetizers, pasta and risotto dishes, grilled meats, seafood, and soft cheeses.

AND, pork/lamb/beef meatloaf! First night was just as yummy – egg noodle pasta with lots of garlic flavour peppers/mushrooms and grilled scallops.

ROSE – SANTA MARGHERITA

$17.99 regularly $19.99

2.5% Alcohol

UPC: 08003930001323

Bold but refined

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Sourced from three premium vineyards within the Adelaide region of South Australia, grapes were harvested at night to keep the grapes cool. They are then pressed immediately, the juice clarified and then fermented over three weeks at a consistent, cool temperature. These processes ensure the pure aromas and flavours of this aromatic grape variety remain and this consequently reflects itself in the wine. This wine is most suited to drink in its youth.

This wine was fruit driven – light, fresh and dry. Delicious with or without food! It goes well with fish, pasta, or salads.  Pre dinner or with dinner. A great match.

This wine is dry and full of flavors. It went well with a Med style salad, chicken and pasta. 

SAUVIGNON BLANC – TEMPUS TWO QUARTZ 2021

$14.99 regularly 416.99

12.5% Alcohol

UPC: 09315743503765

Intense

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Southern Clays is a special sub-region within the Wairau Valley, situated on the dry eastern foothills of Marlborough. This sunny, warm and sheltered vineyard site produces intense Sauvignon Blanc fruit. Fresh herbal aromas and a rich palate with a zesty acidity.

It took several sips to get acquainted with the intensity.  Slow down and let the wine take your full concentration.  Yes, it went very well with food, but the next bottle I get will be solely to be enjoyed by itself.

SAUVIGNON BLANC – VILLA MARIA SOUTHERN CLAYS MARLBOROUGH 18

$29.99 regularly $35.99

13% Alcohol

UPC: 09414416105470

Chilled but not cold

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This is a nice and simple Sauvignon Blanc from Chile. Showing lots of lemon and citrus notes. Fruit forward and easy drinking. 

A nice pool wine and good for parties too. 

Good right out of the bottle, and good by itself or with food (seafood the first night, and lasagna the next)
Don’t serve it too cold – like it was outside at the moment.

SAUVIGNON BLANC – SINGERSTONE

$13.99 regularly $17.99

13% Alcohol

UPC: 07804426008137

Mr. Greedy didn’t get any extra

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Marqués de Riscal Reserva is one of the most famous wines in Spain, due to its long history, consistent high quality and also for the many literary references it has inspired over the years.  They have been voted 2nd best Winery in the World and 1st in Europe.

Marqués de Riscal Sauvignon Blanc 100% organic is a wine made with the minimum possible intervention and with total respect for the environment and the ecosystem surrounding us. Its fresh image represents a  wine born of the land, of its roots, a sustainable, fine quality wine.  

In 1974 Marqués de Riscal successfully introduced the French Sauvignon Blanc variety, originally from the Loire Valley region,  in Rueda. Nowadays the bodega has 70 hectares of its own vineyards producing this grape and it is one of the varieties authorised by the Rueda Designation of Origin. .

Marqués de Riscal Sauvignon Blanc is the fruit of this innovating spirit from the 1970s which the bodega maintains as a reference today, immersed in this commitment to organic cultivation methods.
This one is definitely for the Triumvirate.
Sometimes she lets me have the last little bit.  NOT with this one.  Her glass was firmly planed to her left, well away from Mr. Greedy.
Excellet with nibbles or spicy cheese.
Marqués de Riscal Reserva Sauvignon Blanc

$23.99 

12.5% alcohol

Still on First

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Matua, meaning “Head of the Family” is the first ever to produce Sauvignon in New Zealand.

A little different than most Sauvignon from here, this one comes from Hawke’s Bay on the Northern Island.  

This favourite boasts classic regional flavours. Its fresh and clean and very expressive.  Very light in colour, with a tinge of green in the hue. It finds the right balance of fruity sweetness and zesty acidity. The finish is semi-dry.


Definitely will be looking for this one again when the weather brightens and we can spend some time on the deck – munching crackers and cheese listening to stories of winter shenanigans.


SAUVIGNON BLANC – MATUA HAWKES BAY

$17.99

12% Alcohol

UPC: 09415305120994

Blossoms to the table

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Chocalan is a family winery located about 25 kilometres form the Pacific in the Maipo Valley.  It means “yellow Blossoms” reflecting the landscape of the Valley hills that are close to the coast.


Even before it went on sale this is outstanding value for price.  Fruit and blossom up front. Mineral Undertones.  Vibrant finish.

SAUVIGNON BLANC – CHOCALAN RESERVA

$13.99 regularly $15.99

13.5 % alcohol

UPC: 07804603661223

Mislabeled

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Definitely NOT evil flowers as the label indicates.

These belong on the list of The Wines of Summer.


Plunk me down in this chunk of South Western France. and let me wander.  I think we would do just fine weaving our way from vineyard to vineyard enjoying the wines of summer.


A little of this, a bit more of that, and lots of this – mix and match that go with tapas, cheeses, or even roasted poultry. Colombard, Ugni Blanc (known as Trebbiano in Italy), and Gros Manseng, along with international varieties like Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

Because they are high in acidity and have relatively neutral flavors, Colombard and Ugni Blanc are often distilled to make brandy in South West France.


I suggest that you serve the white a little colder than other whites.

COTES DE GASCOGNE – LES FLEURS DU MAL

$16.99

11.5% alcohol

UPC: 08717545260081


And then we experimented with berry fragrances and a clean, well-balanced finish.


20 to 40 year old vines in the Languedoc / Roussillon region.  


The wine worked really well with grilled pork tenderloin rings (salsa of apple, purple onion, and mushrooms)Great refresher in the heat.


CEVENNES ROSE – LES FLEURS DU MAL

$15.99

13% alcohol

UPC: 03495864011212