Sips for Spring

Today, after a beautiful hike through the wildflowers, Kirsten and I opened all the windows in the house, I put on my shorts and flip flops and even listened to some baseball, yes, Spring is here! (Along with a rising pollen count... atchoo)! As the days get longer I am looking forward to lingering afternoon picnics and barbecues with friends, just the perfect setting for a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. I have been tasting a number of Sauv's these past few weeks and have been looking forward to sharing my findings with you.

First, a little background on the grape: Sauvignon Blanc originates from the Bordeaux region of France. The French translation comes from the word 'sauvage' (wild) and 'blanc' (white) and thefirst cuttings of Sauvignon blanc were brought over to California in the 1880's, from the acclaimed Sauternes vineyards of Chateau d'Yquem. Since that time, it's popularity has spread world wide. The grapevine itself is know for late budding and early ripening, which is perfect for warm sunny climates such as New Zealand and Australia and the grape flourishes in the Alexander Valley as well. In the late 1960's Robert Mondavi marketed this varietal as 'Fume Blanc' to try and broaden it's appeal and many wineries still use this term... don't let it fool you, the grape is the same. The expression of Sauvignon Blanc is often given the characteristics of grass, bell-pepper or grapefruit but sometimes you may pick up an aggressive "catbox" odor if the grape was harvested too soon or lacked sufficient sun exposure! Dryer Sauvignon or Fume Blancs go with a wonderful variety of foods and can handle tomatoes, bell-peppers, cilantro, garlic, smoked cheeses or other pungent flavors that might clash or overpower many Chardonnays.
This is a varietal to embrace and not be afraid to pair with your favorite dishes!!!

Here is my Top Ten list: (in no particular order)

Geyser Peak - Alexander Valley 2008 ($11)

Dry Creek Fume - Sonoma County 2008 ($11)

Brancott - Marlborough NZ 2008 ($13)

Murphey Goode Fume - Alexander Valley 2008 ($13)

Kim Crawford - Marlborugh NZ 2008 ($14)

Wattle Creek - Mendocino 2007 ($14)

Hanna - Russian River Valley 2008 ($16)

St. Supery - Napa 2008 ($18)

Duckhorn Decoy - Napa Valley 2009 ($18)

Provenance - Rutherford Napa 2008 ($20)

Cheers!!!