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Wine Party - Sauvignon Blanc

The next time you decide to gather with friends and pull corks, consider this theme for the evening, make it a varietal tasting, with one specific wine represented. When inviting your guests, explain to them that they should bring a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, but give each couple a point of origin for their wine. You might also choose a vintage to adhere to. That way, you’ll all be able to explore the wine of that grape, but also be able to decipher the nuances of each aspect of the wine that’s all related, but diverse. Since each bottle is from a different part of the world, the wine will take on specific characteristics representing that area of the globe and it’s climate that vintage. By doing this, you invite conversation and discussion, which is what makes gathering with friends and tasting wines so much fun.

One choice might be a California Simi 2003 Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc. Its faint wheat color is almost clear, surrendering an apparent nose that mixes the essence of dried mushrooms with clean citrus notes. Guests who sip this wine will notice it’s zesty and refreshing taste that has a balanced acidity and a long, sprightly finish. Pair it with goat cheese, feta and even some ricotta.

South Africa can offer up a bottle of Kanu Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc from 2003.

The Kanu is a mythological bird, and it’s said that if one is under its shadow as it flies over; you’ll be blessed with a bountiful harvest. In the case of the wine itself, it’s bounty is a faint gold color that blossoms with a distinctive nose reminiscent of melon, mango and distant honey. Even some green pepper can be detected in this piercingly aromatic beverage. It’s crisp and clean on the palate with hints of lemon and grapefruit popping forth. Its finish is tart and fresh. Present this wine with Brie and Camembert or even Prosciutto slices.

New Zealand offers up my favorite wine for this kind of function, a House of Noblio Icon 2003 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The enjoyment of this wine is a treat both chilled and tepid. Cold, the faint gold liquid surrenders a piercing nose with elusive aromas of herbs and gooseberries. But, let it come to room temperature and the nose graduates to scents of tropical fruits like mangos and papaya layered with honey notes. Sipped chilled, the taste buds will pick up grapefruit and more honey. As the wine warms up, the grapefruit gains personality while the mouth feel or viscosity thickens in a pleasant way, allowing the flavors to blossom. Try this with some mild cheddar cheese or small chunks of Locatelli and crackers.

Of course, you can create this tasting party around any white or red varietal wine. Just be sure to do so responsibly.

“Let us drink to have wit, not to destroy it.” - Panard, 18th-century French poet

Posted by Floyd at April 11, 2005 03:04 PM