With summer fast approaching, most of us don’t need much encouragement to grab a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc. But if you do need an excuse to open a bottle, May 6th is sauvignon blanc day and the perfect time to try one of these wines. This year, why not expand your wine horizons and indulge in a bottle from Australia, New Zealand, Italy, the U.S. or Chile.
Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2022
New Zealand has established itself as a terrific producer of sauvignon blanc. This bottle from Villa Maria showcases everything that we love about blended Marlborough vineyards. Expect to initially taste hints of lemongrass, jalapeño peppers and fresh herbs from the Awatere Valley. In contrast, the Wairau Valley produces a pungent Sauvignon Blanc character with ripe citrus and tropical fruit flavors. Blended together, they are delicious. ($16)
Yalumba Y Series Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Another crisp white sauvignon blanc is available from Australia. The Yalumba Y Series features aromas of passion fruit, white flowers and freshly cut grass. Lemon, coupled with generous tropical and passion fruit flavors create a crisp, lingering finish. All Y Series wines are made with wild fermentation and the winemakers take a minimalistic approach with human intervention. The resulting wines are natural, vegan, gluten free and embody the complex flavors that represent Yalumba’s rich history of natural winemaking. ($14)
Root: 1 Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2021
Marked by tropical aromas and crisp, fresh pineapple and pear flavors and a vibrant finish, the Root: 1 Sauvignon Blanc from Chile’s first sustainable winery reflects the terroir of its Casablanca Valley vineyard, where the soil is warmed by sunny days and cooled by salty maritime breezes. This juxtaposition of long, hot days and cool nights combined with a longer growing season help to create a wine that is brightly tropical yet superbly balanced. $13
Waypoint Ritchie Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2021
If you are looking for an excellent white wine created closer to home, try this sauvignon blanc produced from the legendary Ritchie Vineyard, located in the Russian River Valley in Northern California. This powerful, aromatic and rare sauvignon blanc expresses lime, quince, yellow fruits and white flowers and is reminiscent of a powerful sancerre. ($45)
Attems Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Attems sauvignon blanc hails from Italy and is a lesser-known gem. These bottles can be compared in fruit ripeness to sancerre, with a more intense bouquet as well as a lusher weight and texture. Pour a glass and enjoy a beautiful bright color with green reflections. The fragrances of this wine are clear and decisive: you can taste tomato leaf, kiwi and verbena followed by white grapefruit and a hint of yeasty bread. The taste reveals an exuberant acidity and an aftertaste of mint and lime that gives the finish a surprising freshness. ($15)