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Sauvignon Blanc "The Noble Grape of France"
Sauvignon Blanc (also commonly known as Fume Blanc, Sancerre, Pouilly-Fume, Vouvray, etc…) is best known for its wine from the Loire Valley in France which is South of Paris in the central portion of the country. This cool climate grape has distinct characteristics of sour green fruits such as gooseberry and tart green apple. It has nuances of green vegetables such as asparagus and bell peppers and aromas of fresh cut grass and a wisp of smoke. In France, it pulls the minerals from the soil, giving it a distinct mineral flavour on the palate. Just like many other grapes from the old world (France, Italy, Germany and Spain), the Sauvignon Blanc grape has been planted in many different parts of the new world. As I mentioned before, it is a cool climate grape, which means it grows very well in climates such as New Zealand, Coastal South Africa, the coastal regions of California near San Francisco and the Casablanca Valley in Chile. The new world Sauvignon Blanc exhibits flavours of exotic fruit such as mango and passionfruit as well as mint and honey. In a cool climate, the grape is slow to ripen, keeping the acidity high and the flavours tart. The winemakers also keep the compact, cylindrical bunches of grapes hidden from the sun under the broad grape leaves (which allows them to keep their yellow, green colour throughout the growing season and slows the ripening process). In some cases, such as the sweeter Vouvray or dessert wines of Sauternes and Barsac in France, the winemaker will allow the grapes to ripen fully and have an abundance of sun contact, hence the sweet flavour and dark golden colour of these wines. In the new world, winemakers produce most of their Sauvignon Blanc by allowing the fruit to ripen more than in France and age it in charred oak rather than stainless steel to imitate the smokey aromas of Sancerre. Robert Mondavi went to the extent of calling it Fume Blanc in order to boost sales (with great success I might add). Sauvignon Blanc, whether it be new world or old, is what I would call youthful and full of life. It is, for the most part, crisp, clean and refreshing and goes well with Oysters, poached seafood, vegetable dishes and cream sauces. What a fun grape! Cheers and enjoy responsibly, Jason Ernst |
October's Feature Producer Bellingham of South Africa
Bellingham, situated in the Franschhoek region of Paarl (just east of Stellenbosch) was established in 1693. Their approach to making wine has not changed much with the passage of time. They vinify with little intervention, using technology along side time-honoured methods to create an old-world style product in the new-world of wine. The 29 year old winemaker, Graham Weerts (former assistant winemaker for Kendall-Jackson in California), carefully monitors the use of wood ensuring that it adds subtle flavor dimensions without dominating the wine. The result of this pride and care in vinification has produced some fantastic wines that come to us at surprisingly reasonable prices.
2002 Sauvignon Blanc Retail price $11.95 This 100% Sauvignon Blanc from the cooler coastal region exhibits aromas of fresh cut grass, bell peppers and tropical fruits while offering a zesty gooseberry flavor on the palate and lingering aftertaste. Extended lees (spent yeast) contact adds an extra dimension and balances out some of the acid. Don't overchill this wine. The flavours that are so important to it will dissappear if served at fridge temperature. Pull it out of the fridge 15 minutes before serving. Because of its traditional Loire style, I would serve it with oysters, chicken or vegetarian dishes. 2002 Shiraz Retail price $12.65 Do you want an Aussie alternative? This is the wine! This big, round, fruit forward Shiraz would stand up to any $20 South Eastern Australian product. Made from 100% Shiraz and aged in both French and American oak, this wine exihibits aromas of fruitcake, spice and smoke (hard to imagine, but what a wonderful smell) with flavours of spicy ripe fruit. This product is available in the regular list section of the LCBO and as far as I'm concerned, it's one of the best values on the shelf. Start a fire in the fireplace, get some smoked meat, mature cheese and a glass of this wine and enjoy. |
