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Summery Sauvignon Blanc

Welcome the season with a crisp, citrusy favorite.

Whether from New Zealand or sunny California, this wine is always delicious.

It’s time to shine a spotlight on Sauvignon Blanc! The beginning of summer is the perfect time to sip on this refreshing varietal.

If you’ve ever tried Sauvignon Blanc from different regions, you might have noticed that one glass can taste quite different from the next. The reason for this is terrior, i.e. what makes a producing region unique based on soil, climate and geography. Terroir is the reason why a glass of Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand can taste vastly different than one from California.

New Zealand produces perhaps the world’s most easily recognizable Sauvignon Blanc. Its sunny vineyards benefit from wide temperature fluctuations between day and night, which preserve natural acidity in their fruit. New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc is beloved for its pungent, aromatic character with notes of tropical fruit, freshly cut grass, grapefruit and green bell pepper along with a refreshing streak of stony minerality.

California styles are typically crisp, light and refreshing with notes of citrus, melon and pineapple. They are often blended with a small amount of Semillon, which adds a slight honeyed note to the wine. It is fairly common to age California Sauvignon Blanc partially in oak to give it a slightly richer flavor.

When it comes to this popular white wine, both regions (and others) have much to offer. Not sure where to start? Join us as we highlight some of our favorite Sauvignon Blancs for summer.

Matua Sauvignon Blanc Matua produced New Zealand’s very first Sauvignon Blanc in 1974. Succulent nectarine and peach flavors are complemented by notes of mango, key lime and ruby red grapefruit. This wine is crisp and fresh on the palate with a long, expressive finish.

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc Oyster Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc boasts succulent tropical fruit flavors of pineapple and guava along with peach, lime, citrus and a hint of green bell pepper. The palate is youthful, fresh and elegant with a lingering, zesty finish. Well suited for summer sipping!

Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc embodies the classic Marlborough style. It’s full-flavored and medium-bodied with notes of juicy peach, tropical fruit and tart, herbaceous gooseberry. Showcasing a brilliant straw color and bright acidity, this elegant wine refreshes the palate with a long, clean finish.

Starborough Sauvignon Blanc Classic aromas of citrus fruit including lime and grapefruit are accented by hints of stone fruit and fresh-cut grass. Passion fruit, guava and kiwi harmonize on the palate with hints of fresh green notes, complemented by crisp acidity and a juicy, refreshing finish.

Merryvale Starmont Sauvignon Blanc This Napa Valley wine displays fresh aromas of grapefruit, lime and jasmine. A crisp, delicious first sip leads to a bright mid-palate showcasing flavors of guava, citrus, mango and grapefruit. It’s lively, with good acidity and structure and a clean, refreshing finish.

Rombauer Napa Sauvignon Blanc Aromas of key lime, mango, papaya and white nectarine mingle with hints of fresh cut grass. The palate is fresh and compelling, with notes of grapefruit, pineapple, passion fruit and mouthwatering Meyer lemon. A balanced yet lively acidity lingers on the palate after every sip.

Charles Krug Sauvignon Blanc This light- to medium-bodied wine displays vibrant, finely balanced acidity with aromas of lime and grapefruit and bright flavors of citrus and passion fruit. The finish is light and zesty with notes of green grass and stony minerality.

Chateau Ste Michelle Sauvignon Blanc This wine is from the Columbia Valley region in Washington and displays bright fruit character with notes of melon, guava, pineapple and herbs. The palate is lightly spritzy with grapefruit and citrus flavors that lead to a crisp and refreshing finish.