Wine News: Simply Wine: Sauvignon blanc the 'other' white for summer

"I'll never forget my first taste of sauvignon blanc. It was from an Eastern Washington winery. I was assured that it was a classic example of this grape variety. One sip and my head was plowed into a freshly mowed hay field with a bunch or two stuffed in my mouth. The grassy flavors I tasted were further marred by a load of other herbs such as rosemary and oregano. I was not eager for more.

When I asked what this awful wine was about, I got a lecture about the true flavors and character of this unique grape, sauvignon blanc. My response: Fine, I hope there is someone out there who likes this stuff. It's just not me.

Wine, like life, is in a constant state of change. Vintages vary from year to year, new wine regions come on the scene, winemakers around the world get better with each passing year, and sauvignon blanc has become 'the other dry white wine.'"

"Today's version of sauvignon blanc has much more subtle, fruity, mineral flavors. While the grassiness and herbaceousness are still there, it is a delicate counterbalance to the ripe fruit flavors of kiwi, lime, ruby grapefruit and melon.

In other words, it's a great summer wine that does well with so many summer foods and is a refreshing break from another bottle of chardonnay."

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May 25, 2005

Wine News: Simply Wine: Sauvignon blanc the 'other' white for summer