September Domestic Wine: 2012 Elizabeth Spencer Sauvignon Blanc, Mendocino, CALIFORNIA
Elizabeth Spencer’s belief is that wine should be delicious and representative of its appellation of origin. They make wines to drink — inviting wines that we and our friends (and by extension, our customers) truly enjoy. The model for all of the Elizabeth Spencer wines is intensity without excess weight, purity, persistence and length.
History of Sauvignon Blanc and its Relation to Elizabeth Spencer: Sauvignon Blanc is a green-skinned grape variety that originates from the Bordeaux region of France. The grape most likely gets its name from the French words sauvage (“wild”) and blanc (“white”) due to its early origins as an indigenous grape in South West France. It is possibly a descendant of savagnin. Sauvignon Blanc is planted in many of the world’s wine regions (including Mendocino), producing a crisp, and refreshing white varietal wine. The grape is also component of the famous dessert wines from Sauternes and Barsac. Sauvignon Blanc is widely cultivated in France, Chile, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Brazil, Moldova, and California. Some California Sauvignon Blancs are also called “Fume Blanc”, though this is often perceived to be a different type of wine.
Depending on the climate, the flavor can range from aggressively grassy to sweetly tropical. Wine experts have used the phrase “crisp, elegant, and fresh” as a favorable description of Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley, New Zealand, and sometimes, California.
Varietals: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol: 14.0% by volume
Tasting Notes: “Hay and quince and a touch of Sugar Snap pea on the nose. These fresh qualities are countered by delicate honeysuckle and apple, with a crisp finish of citrus fruit and a smidgen of cut grass. A fresh, crisp Sauvignon Blanc with a vibrant intensity that is well-balanced with good acidity and a lively, refreshing finish.”-Spencer Graham, Winemaker
Food Pairings: This wine pairs well fish, cheese, particulary Chèvre, and salads.
Jim Lutfy’s thoughts: “What a wine! Loaded with apples, pink grapefruit, and a honeyed dry finish. This is a stunner! A very pleasant white wine for this time of year. One of the best domestic Sauvignon Blancs I have ever drank. It is lip smacking good!”-JL