First we learned about Chardonnay, the most common white wine varietal that consumers get to know. Sauvignon Blanc is a great second wine to experiment with, although the flavors are distinctly different. Sauvignon Blanc is a pale, crisp, often dry, light, acidic and refreshing wine most often made without the oak aging that is characteristic of many Chardonnay wines.

Depending on the climate, the flavor can range from aggressively grassy to sweetly tropical. You may find the whole gamut of fruit flavors and aromas including gooseberry, Granny Smith (green, tart) apples, pear, melon, black currants, passion fruit, and mango. Occasionally you will experience vegetable flavors and aromas such as green peas, asparagus, and bell pepper, particularly in those from New Zealand.

Other wines that use Sauvignon Blanc grapes are Fume Blanc (California) and Melange Blanc (Bordeaux-style blend). Fume Blancs made outside of France tend to rely on some oak fermentation to create a smoky flavor. Melange Blanc is typically blended with a sweeter grape, such as Muscat or Semillon.

Sauvignon Blanc, when slightly chilled, pairs well with fish or cheese, particularly Chèvre (goat cheese). It is also known as one of the few wines that can pair well with sushi… yum! The wine is usually consumed within 1-2 years of release, as it does not particularly benefit from aging. Below are two Sauvignon Blanc wines with distinctively different tastes. These two wines will be featured in October’s Wine Club meeting in Newnan. Go to www.BrightEyesWine.com for contact information and be sure to sign up for the newsletter while you’re there!

Lumiere de Vie 2008 Sauvignon Blanc
This 2008 Lumiére de Vie North Coast Sauvignon Blanc is overflowing with brilliant fruit aromas. The bright grapefruit, green apple, orange and tropical aromas are balanced with a gentle grassiness common to Sauvignon Blanc. The flavor is silky smooth and a wonderful complement to the aroma. Enjoy this wine with vegetable soup or grilled fish. (for more info try this link https://extranet.securefreedom.com/Wineshop/Cart/ShoppingCart_Detail.asp?PriceID=70943&Cat=White%20Wines|All&Qty=1 or go to www.BrightEyesWine.com to “Shop for Wines)

Lumiere De Vie 2008 Melange Blanc
This 2008 Lumiére de Vie Mélange Blanc has aromas of ripe apple and pear with hints of flowers and fresh mint. The flavors are only lightly sweet with a balanced crisp finish. The mouth-feel is medium to heavy for a white wine but the flavors are balanced. Enjoy this wine with a fruit appetizer, seafood salads or havarti cheese.
(for more info try this link https://extranet.securefreedom.com/Wineshop/Cart/ShoppingCart_Detail.asp?PriceID=70871&Cat=White%20Wines|All&Qty=1 or go to www.BrightEyesWine.com to “Shop for Wines)