Summer is Sauvignon Blanc Season
Some wines seem to fit seasons better than others. That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with drinking a big Cabernet in Summer (especially with those grilled steaks), I’m simply suggesting that certain weather types brought on by certain seasons can call for certain wine varieties and styles to be more at-the-ready. For me, that means Summer is the season for Sauvignon Blanc.
“But what about Rosé?” you might ask. Yes, Rosé is lovely for poolside sipping and picnicking in the park, but I think of Rosé more as my Springtime wine – something about seeing that copper salmon pink color right around Easter really evokes a sense of Spring for me. And if April showers do indeed bring May flowers, then make my flowers Rosé’s. Again, that’s not to say it’s not great in Summer (or really any time of year). My preference for Summer is Sauvignon Blanc (among a host of other wonderful white varietals) because it’s pretty versatile in style, substance, and pairability.
You can picture those summer scenes now – basking in the warm sunshine on the patio, cruising through a garden soiree, standing next to whoever is in charge of grilling because they won’t relinquish their title of “Grillmaster” – and when I think of those scenes I somehow always seem to see myself with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc in my hand. And I want to share some of my Savvy B standouts this summer. These beauties have my tastebuds singing and have me refreshed from head-to-toe, so if you see them out in the wild, pick up a bottle or two – or, if you’re like me – go directly to the source (I mean winery website) and snag some Summer sunshine in a bottle – to pair with the Summer sunshine all around us right now. *(A quick note – these are all from California, and mostly local to me. These are what I’m drinking now and enjoying, but my SB tastes and favorites aren’t limited to just the wines below. Reach out if you’re interested in some of the other SB’s and wines I’m loving right now as well).
Mending Wall – 2018 Stone on Stone – $35
One of my favorite wineries for Cabernet produces a lovely SB from winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown. Kissed with Semillon, the 2018 is a gorgeously viscous wine that is redolent of summer with light notes of peaches, nectarines, and white flowers.
Louis M. Martini Winery – 2019 Sauvignon Blanc – $40
Even though this wine is crafted with 11% Semillon to add weight to the mid-palate, this wine really delivers a crisp, focussed acidity and a lovely waft of yellow fruits intertwined with a subtle grassy character that really reminds me of a Bordeaux Blanc. Aged in concrete, stainless steel, and a bit of new oak.
Theorem Vineyards – 2019 Sauvignon Blanc – $ Inquire with Winery
The wine and winery that inspired the #sauvignonblancseason movement, the 2019 version of the Theorem Sauv Blanc is a testament to growth in their winemaking. Made from 100% Sauv Blanc, they’ve incorporated 25% of the Musque SB clone and fermented the wine in concrete to really bring out acidity and minerality. I love this wine as it evokes more of a citrusy quality like kaffir lime leaves, key lime, grapefruit, and blood orange. Loads of white flowers like jasmine, and a long honeyed (not sweet) finish. Scallops in beurre blanc would be the dream pairing.
The Paring – 2018 Sauvignon Blanc – $25
This 100% Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from California vineyards and made at the Buellton winery location. It’s bottle unfiltered and unfined and really demonstrates a more dense style. Honey, agave, and roasted pears met with warm lemons and peaches. Excellent finish.
Belharra Wines – 2018 Sauvignon Blanc – $23
A brand new label to me – and not the last wines I’ll talk about or order from Belharra, either. Fermented in stainless steel, this 100% Sauv Blanc from Napa really brings out the fresh, bright, crisp style that makes SB perfect in Summer. For me, mangosteen and Asian pear, rounded out by classic tropical notes. Grilled fish tacos or summer corn salsa – perfect pairing. A killer wine all the way around.
Salvestrin Winery – 2019 Sauvignon Blanc – $28
Actually a bit of a broader palate array than the nose might lead you to believe, this wine opens with lots of tropical pineapple and mango notes. But the finish comes back more to the tart granny smith apple qualities that leave a lingering fresh finish. Velvety core, good mouthfeel. Pair it with peach salad and goat cheese.
Clos Du Val Winery – 2019 Sauvignon Blanc – $30
A shorter aged wine that sees just under six months in stainless steel, this 100% Sauv Blanc that’s source off the estate in Yountville has a lot of interesting tropical fruits on the bouquet, but it’s the zippy lemon/lime-like acidity rounded out by fresh nectarine that really is appealing to me – especially for fresh seafood dishes.
Picayune Cellars – 2019 Sauvignon Blanc $21 and 2019 Hyde Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc $32
The 2019 SB at $21 comprised of about 80% Napa and 20% Sonoma fruit is an unbelievable value. The texture of the wine alone is reason to love it, and it is strikingly focussed with good acidity and remains totally in balance. First time I tried it I bought half a case as one of my Summer patio sippers.
Not to be outdone, the 2019 Hyde Vineyard SB is a wine that also punches way, way above its price point. This is a more refined SB – a bouquet redolent of what you might encounter in French Sauvignon Blanc. Toasted bread, lemon curd, honeydew melon and pops of rocky minerality. These wines are reason alone to visit the little tasting room in Calistoga.