Chile continues to dominate this series of sauvignon blanc tastings, and tonight’s review is from Santa Rita. This is a producer that has been awarded numerous accolades over the years and most recently was named both the Winery of the Year and the Value Brand of the Year by Wine and Spirits magazine. Now that’s something to get the attention of a cheapskate like me.
Santa Rita, like many producers, has a number of different lines of their wines, each at different price points. This particular sauvignon blanc is from their Medalla Real line, which is a mid-priced line. The suggested retail price on this one is $19.99, barely in our price range, but I’ve seen it sell for as little as $15, and at that price this is a bargain. It comes from Leyda Valley and in a word, this wine is extraordinary.
From the nose, this is exactly what I want from a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc: grapefruit, fresh cut grass, tropical fruits and gunpowder (which is an expression of mineral characteristics). The flavors on the palate are like loads of lemon and lime squeezed over a green apple. And that apple lingers on the finish. The acidity of this wine is perfect. I love this Sauvignon Blanc.
Wine: Santa Rita Medalla Real
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2009
Alcohol: 13.5%
Rating: 91
Price: $19.99
Find Santa Rita Medalla Real Sauvignon Blanc with Snooth
Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.