Summertime is fast approaching and bringing warmer weather. And when it comes to enjoying wine in the summer, I love crisp, tropical whites like sauvignon blanc.
Like many wines, sauvignon blanc can vary depending on where it’s grown and the vinification techniques. But most people I know who enjoy sauvignon blanc like it to be filled with intense citrus and other tropical fruit flavors with crisp acidity. And New Zealand sauvignon blanc is one of the best options for this style.
In addition to having plenty of tropical fruit flavors and aromas, there’s often a green or “vegetal” characteristic to sauvignon blanc that can be described as grassy or sometime green pepper-like. New Zealand sauvignon blanc is particularly known for this quality.
The Brancott Estate Marlborough sauvignon blanc is a great example at a decent price. In this case, I’d characterize the green aromas as falling mostly into the green pepper camp. And when you combine that with the fruit, you might say this wine smells like a green pepper filled with peaches. It also shows some lemon, wet stone and grass aromas. It’s intense, cool and enjoyable. The flavors are good too, offering peach, grapefruit and lemon up front and then some green pepper flavors show up on the finish. I know it sounds like it could be gross, but it’s not. The green pepper flavors are subtle enough to add some character without overpowering the fresh fruitiness. The acidity is great on this wine, giving it a crispness and liveliness. And the finish is good too.
Overall, it’s good.
Wine: Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: Syrah, zinfandel, merlot, malbec and sangiovese
Vintage: 2011
Alcohol: 12.5%
Rating: 86
Price: $15.00
Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.
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