Sauvignon Weekend
As I dive deeper into the wine culture, I’m finding out just how little I know. Let’s face it, I’m never going to be Robert Parker, but I would like to tread water when it comes to wine. Last weekend was a sort of sensory overload for me. I drank four very different wines, and in the end was unable to really focus and grow from it. (That’s not entirely true, I grew quite buzzed by end of the adventure.) I’ve decided to try a different strategy and hope it carries me through the remainder of the summer.
I plan on dedicating this weekend to expanding my reference point on Sauvignon Blanc. I’ve studied up on what to look for, it’s aromas, the best places to grow it, and so on. I love French wine, so one will have to be French. But, should I go with a Sauternes or a Loire Valley selection? Drinking with the Chieftain, I’ve become quite comfy with the white Bordeaux and it’s character. I understand that the French like to blend Sauvignon and Semillon, and I’m cool with that, as long as Sauvignon is the primary varietal.
I’m thinking I should also go with one from Napa. I’ve been a little weary of California winemakers, because much of what I’ve tasted seems more appealing to a termite than a human. Should a wine taste like someone threw a couple of boards in a blender? I don’t think so. But my research shows that there are some good Savs from CA. Any suggestions? I’d prefer a grassy or grapefruit flavor over asparagus or cat litter. I’m serious, these were terms used to describe the wine by people who know what they’re talking about.
New Zealand would be the obvious choice to round out the lineup, but once again, I’m comfortable with what I already know. Chile intrigues me, but my ignorance of their wines inspires more reservation than anticipation. The only lead I have here is Valparaiso, and that’s not much to go on. Wikipedia also mentions Australia, but I’ve always understood that their specialty is mass producing passable wines at affordable prices. So, I’m sending this out to you. Any suggestions, insights? Am I close with my selections, or way off? It’s really a win-win situation for me, because I will drink whatever I decide on, as long as I manage to avoid the cat box character.
Update!!! We were inside Specs for almost an hour, but are now well stocked. Drum roll please!
- Casa Lapostolle-Chile
- Porcupine Ridge-South Africa
- Bogle-California
- Dancing Bull-California
- Sauvion Sancerre-Loire Valley, France
June 20th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
OH MY GOD
This is music to my ears. I would stay away from the Sauternes. Yes, it is divine stuff, but it’s pricey. Get a glass of it (the sweet version) at a restaurant with some fois gras sometime. You’ll want to die right there.
I would pick up a Sancerre for your Loire white. Definitely get a Loire if you can. You haven’t learned acidity until you do! And, you gotta with a Graves for your Bordeaux. And, you know for Cali, the Rancho Zabaco Dancing Bull I enjoy. It’s very grapefruity, and it’s economical to help your wallet recover from those French whites you’ll be buying.
Whatever you get, let’s hear about it. I wanna see some tasting notes on this wine blog!
Oh, man, I’m getting excited.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
This is music to my ears. I would stay away from the Sauternes. Yes, it is divine stuff, but it’s pricey. Get a glass of it (the sweet version) at a restaurant with some fois gras sometime. You’ll want to die right there.
I would pick up a Sancerre for your Loire white. Definitely get a Loire if you can. You haven’t learned acidity until you do! And, you gotta with a Graves for your Bordeaux. And, you know for Cali, the Rancho Zabaco Dancing Bull I enjoy. It’s very grapefruity, and it’s economical to help your wallet recover from those French whites you’ll be buying.
Whatever you get, let’s hear about it. I wanna see some tasting notes on this wine blog!
Oh, man, I’m getting excited.
June 20th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Sancerre would be my choice also for the French, look in misc. white section. There are loads of good California choices - try Geyser Peak for value, Groth for quality; For Chilean try Casa Lapostolle, my long-time house white @ $10; South African - Spec’s has 3 or 4 in the $10 range that are really good; I’ve already said that NZ to me is overrated but my choice is Charles Wiffen. Australia I don’t know sorry, but Penfolds is reliable.
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:05 pm
Nice pic! Funny, the update didn’t come in my RSS feed. I almost missed it!