It’s hot. Real hot. Darn hot. It’s so hot that I need a wine to beat the heat, I reach for the proverbial “fire extinguisher” of wines: sauvignon blanc.
Nothing else quenches thirst or reanimates the palate quite like a sauvignon blanc. The white grape, originally of French origin, has now made its way across the globe, taking on a wide array of styles.
For example, sauvignon blancs that are grown in cool climates tend to produce crisp wines with green grass and citrus characteristics, while grapes grown in warmer regions can offer rounder flavors of passion fruit and grapefruit. And while many sauvignon blancs are made without fermenting or aging the wine in oak barrels — in order to accent the crisp acidity — some winemakers use oak for either or both to develop a touch of creaminess and toast to the finished product.
The sauvignon blancs produced in the Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume regions in the Loire Valley of France were once considered the standard-bearer for the varietal, but competitionfrom California, Washington state, New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and Chile has given consumers a plethora of tasty choices and great values.
Here are a few examples of my favorite way to beat the heat. Retail prices are approximate.
2006 Domaine Lalande Sauvignon Blanc, Languedoc, France ($10)
A great value in French sauvignon blanc, this example offers prominent gooseberry and grapefruit aromas and citrusy flavors across the palate. The abundant acidity combines with hints of slatey minerals to keep the finish crisp and refreshing. Perfect as an aperitif.
2006 Thierry et Guy Fat Bastard Sauvignon Blanc Languedoc-Roussillon, France ($10)
My wife is convinced that this wine is named in my honor, but despite its name, this is a seriously fun, lean wine to quench your thirst with. Refreshing flavors of grapefruit, lemon/lime and grassy notes come together on a crisp, bracing finish. Try it with grilled chicken salad for a light summertime meal.
2006 Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc Reserva Casablanca Valley, Chile ($10)
This wine is perennial favorite around our house. I like how the crisp, clean flavors of grapefruit, melon and nectarines remain light on the palate from start to finish. Perfect to start any party off on the right note. Good on its own or with fried clams.
2006 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand ($13)
Grown in cooler climates, the grapes produce a wine that offers scents of gooseberry and grassy notes on the nose. Ripe flavors of passion fruit and pear exhibit good intensity up front and through the crisp finish. All you need is a simple fruit plate and soft cheeses.
2006 Armida Winery Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley, Sonoma, Calif. ($16)
Every time I try this wine, I am momentarily transported back to a porch in Sonoma with views overlooking the Russian RiverValley. The charming scents of white peaches, melon and nectarines please the nose as much as the flavors of melon, lychee and passion fruit entertain the tongue. Enjoy with your favorite rocking chair or hammock.
2006 D’Arenberg “Broken Fishplate” Sauvignon Blanc, Adelaide Hills, Australia ($16)
The fruit for this refreshing white from Down Under comes from the cool climate of the Adelaide Hills region. According to the winery’s Web site, this wine takes its name “as a result of the fishplates which sit in the bottom of the harvester and collect the falling grapes, which are invariably destroyed” due to the rough terrain of the vineyard. Good thing that the light and refreshing flavors of passion fruit, nectarine and lemon/lime built on the medium body make it worth the trouble.
2006 Mulderbosch Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Stellenbosch, South Africa ($20)
Formerly known for its chenin blancs, South Africa is making big inroads with sauvignon blancs and this version is one reason why. Beautiful aromas of green melon, gooseberries and green hay whirl about on the nose, while crisp, delineated flavors of melon, white figs and citrus put on a show for the tongue. Pleasant mineral notes bats clean up on the crisp finish. A winner with freshly shucked oysters.
2005 Chateau St. Michelle “Horse Haven” Sauvignon Blanc, Horse Haven Hills, Washington ($20)
This is beautifully made domestic sauvignon blanc with hints of grapefruit and grassy notes on the nose. The palate is complex and juicy, with layers of nectarines, peaches and citrus fruit that expand through the lovely finish. A perfect pairing with Chinese chicken salad.
Do you have a favorite royalty of wine? E-mail me at [email protected].
