As I mentioned last time
in this column, Sauvignon Blancs are my
little summer project. Somewhere in my
wine formative years, I jumped straight
into Chardonnays and right over Sauvignon
Blancs. Now I’m doing a little better-late-than-never
learning.
First a little education:
Did you know that Sauvignon Blancs and
Fumé Blancs are (more-or-less) the same
thing? I certainly did not know that!
It all started some thirty years ago,
when Robert Mondavi christened a new wine,
Fumé Blanc. Apparently, he took a Sauvignon
Blanc "base," mixed in a little
Semillon grape, added a little oak aging,
and ended up with a dryer style of Sauvignon
Blanc. If I understand things correctly,
the name "Fumé Blanc" came from
the French Pouilly-Fumé wines, because
the wine was dry in the Bordeaux-style
of those wines.
You can read the whole story
on the Robert Mondavi website.
Click
here!
Of course, you should start
with the , and this
latest version (1997, $12) is lovely.
It’s bright and fresh, but not too
citrusy; round and soft, but not at all
heavy. A very good finish emphasizes the
full fruit notes.
Other great choices to
try:
($8). Full of orchard fruits, especially
pears and peaches, this Sauvignon Blanc
is crisp and refreshing. Turning just
slightly sweet on the finish, it would
be great with foods with a little spicy
kick.
($8). Very nice, straightforward wine
with bright, refreshing pear and apple
notes. This strikes me as a perfect picnic
wine - it would be great on a hot summer
day with just about any kind of summer
food.
($10). Without question, this has been
one of the highlights of my little summer
project. This wine is just wonderful.
It is a beautiful balance of bright apple
and pear, with fig and almost nutty undertones
that makes it round and rich. A definite
favorite - I'm going back for more.
($12). Good, strong citrus and orchard
fruits give this wine its character. Its
beautiful straw color, heady fragrance
and pleasing finish make this wine an
all-around good choice.
($9). This was fabulous - I especially
appreciated the determined herb and floral
layers that balance this very fruity wine.
Bright and definitely complicated.
($15). A little pricier than my other
selections - but well worth it. Merryvale
wines are consistently among my favorites,
and this Sauvignon Blanc is no exception.
The toasty, nutty finish lingered forever.
Outstanding with the Caesar salad at Pinot
Blanc. - check out the Skinny's trip to
Napa Valley!
($17). As
you may notice, this issue of the Wine
Skinny is somewhat of a Mayacamas extravaganza.
But they just keep making great wines!
This one is no exception. Vibrant and
bold and invigorating, with bright pear
and grassy herbs, this Sauvignon Blanc
is wonderful. And they say it will age
for several years!
Robyn Tinsley is the managing
editor of the Wine Skinny.
You can email her at editor@wineskinny.com.
For previous editions of Robyn's Picks
- click here.
