Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice for warm weather. It’s a green-skinned grape that originated in Southwest France. Like any grape, it takes on nuances of the soil and environment where it’s grown. Thus, Sauvignon Blancs from different parts of the world do vary in color, taste and body. My favorites tend to be described by terms like: fresh, crisp, aromatic and elegant. Usually, Sauvignon Blanc is both food-friendly and sippable, making it smart to have on hand in case of impromptu entertaining. I’ve got three to suggest. Two are the same price, but stylistically different. The third will be a splurge.
First up is Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc, 2016 ($19). In full disclosure, New Zealand wine is normally not my favorite, but it is wildly popular. It tends to be too stylized for me. This option is from a famous NZ maker, Kim Crawford, and is a great choice. The wine shows off big ole’ grapefruit flavors, typical of the region, without being too over-the-top. It boasts a successful blend of lemon, lime, fresh thyme and passion fruit flavors. Yum.
Second is a pretty French selection, Domaine de la Perriere Sancerre, 2016 (also $19ish). Almost green in color, it has perfumed aromas of white flowers and peaches. In the mouth, it is citrusy, minerally and a tiny bit smoky. This wine is a great choice with salads, asparagus or white fish.
Merry Edwards has been one of my favorite American (and female!) winemakers for many years. Her wine is great. All of it. The Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc, 2016 is $39 a bottle and worth every penny. Always highly-rated, it is a blend of 70 percent Sauvignon Blanc and 30 percent Sauvignon Muscat. Golden in color, it smells like nectarines, apples, pineapples and quince. Mouthwatering and bright, think tangerines, candied citrus, pink grapefruit.
Elizabeth Morse, owned the Corner Wine Bar in Broad Ripple for close to 20 years. She is a graduate of IU, Hoosier Chef, Food Writer, Wine Guru & Hamilton County Master Gardener who believes in supporting all things local. Morse has been a resident of Hamilton County for more than a decade. Check out her blog: www.schlepicurean.com.
