subject: Sauvignon Blanc: The New Chardonnay [print this page] Sauvignon Blanc: The New Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc: The New Chardonnay
Western folks are accustomed to having a glass of wine with every meal. But not every wine bottle can actually enhance a hearty entree unless it matches the meal to a tee, or unless it's made from an extraordinary grape variety like that of the Sauvignon Blanc. Hailing from the Bordeaux region and the Valley of Loire in South Western France, the Sauvignon Blanc is an indigenous green grape known for producing only fresh, crisp, dry white wine. It's now cultivated in various countries, other than France, namely: Australia, Chile, New Zealand, Brazil, South Africa, and in the Napa and Sonoma counties of California, U.S.A. The very grassy and tropical grape variety made it's way to Australia and New Zealand in the 1830s, while cuttings from Sauternes (a well-known wine region in France) was brought to California in the 1880s. Many are now drawn to it for it's tonic characteristics. A Sauvignon Blanc wine happens to be one of the wine varieties that need to be drunk young, as aging does not really do it any good. It's noted for it's fruity and herbaceous acidity with tasting notes such as grass (lemongrass or gooseberry); fruits (lemon, lime, grapefruit, peach, and melon); and vegetable notes (jalapeno, bell pepper, green olive, and chive).Even the most highly recommended Sauv wines have vanilla flavors, and they usually have a long, silky finish. The Sauv Blanc grape is best raised with large bodies of water nearby. And there's nothing better that it could be paired of with than low fat fish and sushi. It also matches well with cheeses, vegetable appetizers, and garden salads. In fact, you could have it as your beverage when eating cold soup, sandwiches, chicken or vegetable topped pasta, or any meal with light red sauce. So if you're having a garden party, a picnic, a Sunday brunch, an afternoon wedding, a seafood fiesta, or any intimate occasion in an open environment that calls for fresh and classy taste, then you know the Sauvignon Blanc would be perfect for it.
