FFWD Weekly
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Cool down with summer whites
The pleasures of Sauvignon Blanc on a hot summer day
by Dana OstapiukNow that we are finally enjoying the sun on a daily basis and feeling its heat as well, something that can be indulged in on its own or with a light summer pasta or salad now becomes the coveted drink. The classic summer white remains the Sauvignon Blanc. Readily produced throughout the wine growing regions of the world, the styles of Sauvignon Blanc vary as greatly as the labels which grace its bottles.
Enjoyed for its light texture, this wine has the capacity to thrill and excite for its composition alone. Ranging from a pale gold to a bright straw color, Sauvignon Blanc is enjoyed by many. Rarely does the fruit compete with the wood for flavor, in fact, more often than not this wine will not come into contact with oak at all. It's this aspect which makes Sauvignon Blanc an excellent alternative to Chardonnay.
One of the Sauvignon Blancs on the market is the R.H. Phillips Night Harvest from California. Although this particular wine has some Semillion added to it, 87 per cent of the grapes are Sauvignon Blanc, resulting in a classic Bordeaux-style blend. It has a very light bouquet fragranced with grass and herb notes while the taste builds with flavors of melon and citrus.
Another wine to try is the Terra Noble Sauvignon Blanc from Chile. It is manually harvested - a testament to its high quality and modest price. This Sauvignon Blanc offers a nose filled with fruit and citrus notes with a taste reminiscent of pears and soft flowers. It is terrific with fish, seafood and fresh summer salads.
The last wine is a rare one - you will have to comb through the boutiques in search of this bottle, but it is well worth the pursuit. Mulderbosch is ranked the leading Sauvignon Blanc in South Africa. Made from grapes grown in the Stellenbosch region, this wine is exceptional with its powerful and intense fruit flavors. This Sauvignon Blanc has had no oak aging, making it a fantastic choice for those days you want something light. If you find a bottle of this wine, do yourself a favor and don't pass it up!
Regardless which country you choose your Sauvignon Blanc from, sit outside on your deck with a glass in hand because after the May long weekend, whites are in season once again.
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