Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon blanc has a long, refreshing list of adjectives associated with it.
It can be described in terms of grapefruit, gooseberry, peach, melon, white asparagus,
mineral, smoke, white flowers, jalapenos, and fresh cut grass. Known for its crisp,
tart acidity, it blends well with softer varieties offering a perfect canvas for
the creative winemaker. The fresh acidity and fruitiness of sauvignon blanc makes
it a great wine for many lighter dishes, such as salads, pasta, fish, seafood, and chicken.
Ironically, this white variety was bred with another red Bordeaux variety,
cabernet franc to create the well known red grape, cabernet sauvignon.
New world producers are always offering us twists on the traditional styles and methods
and California offers its own version of sauvignon blanc.
Robert Mondavi coined the term
fume blanc (foo-may blonk), as a way to boost the sales of sauvignon blanc.
Sauvignon blanc is called blanc fume in the Loire Valley. Mondavi switched the order of the name as a way to create a little excitement about a variety with lagging sales. Ironically fume blanc is an oaked style sauvignon blanc, which is dissimilar to the styles in the Loire Valley. To this day his success has been so widespread that many people do not realize that sauvignon blanc and fume blanc are the same grape. Although fume blanc has been synonymous with oak aged sauvignon blanc, today there is no guarantee that a producer follow the convention Robert Mondavi established several decades ago.
The flavor of wine is affected more by where and how the grapes are grown
than anything that happens in the winery. The use of new oak barrels and malolactic
fermentation, a process where the wine's crisp fruit acid is changed into a creamy milk acid,
contribute to the final nuances as well. These manipulations cannot cover up pour quality
grapes and in some cases can diminish the flavor of good quality grapes.
Classic sauvignon blanc usually does not see 'malo' or new oak barrels.
There is a trend in the United States to follow the recipe for California style chardonnay,
imparting buttery and oaky flavors to other white wines by oak aging and malo.
California offers a mixture of styles when it comes to sauvignon blanc. Some producers insist on using new French oak barrels, but more and more are looking to the techniques of Loire Valley to create elegant, polished sauvignon blanc without manipulation. Read the label carefully and you can usually find out if the wine has been age in new oak, stainless steel, or has undergone malolactic fermentation. Recognizing these styles can help you understand the flavor profiles of sauvignon blanc and allow you to purchase one more suited to your tastes.
From the Spartan hints of flint and grass, the ripe and exotic flavors of melon and mango, to the herbaceous notes of rosemary and white flowers, Californian sauvignon blanc has many different profiles. Don't forget to factor in the softening of its lively acidity and distinct fruitiness from malolactic fermentation.
Case Discounts
Libations Wine & Spirits offers 10% discount on all cases of wine mix or match.
Join us most Wednesdays to sample wine, beer, and spirits in-store, at no charge.
Every Wednesday from 4:30pm to 7:00pm we pour samples for you.
Join us on selected Fridays too.
Upcoming Tasting Events
Wednesday, June 24th, 2009
Luna "Freakout" White Blend $13.49
Hanna Sauvignon Blanc $17.99
14 Hands Merlot $11.99
14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon $11.99
Wednesday, July 1st, 2009
Russian Jack Sauvignon Blanc $15.99
Fleur Chardonnay $13.99
Russian Jack Pinot Noir $22.79
Fleur Pinot Noir $16.99
As always, you will receive a 15% discount on wines,
and a 10% discount on beers during all tasting events!
SPECIAL PRICING DURING TASTING HOURS
Wednesday tasting hours are 4:30 to 7:00 pm.
Each sample is a one ounce portion to adults 21 and older.
Limit four different samples per person.
Libations Wine and Spirits is a full service liquor store serving
Aurora, Parker, Centennial, Tallyn's Reach, Saddle Rock,
Pride's Crossings, Shenandoah, Park Villas, Inverness, Meadow Hills, Foxfield,
Cottonwood, Pleasant Run, Heritage Eagle Bend and Littleton, Colorado area.
Libations has a comprehensive wine inventory, award winning beer selections,
all of your favorite spirits and few unusual items as well.
Whether you are driving from the DTC, (Denver Tech Center), downtown Denver, Parker,
Aurora, Castle Rock, Franktown or Inverness, Libations is on your way home.
We are located in Southeast Aurora, near Cherry Creek Reservoir, at Arapahoe Crossings.
Our staff are knowledgeable about wine, beer, liqueurs, and spirits, and are
always eager to serve you.
You must be 21 years or older to shop at Libations Wine & Spirits.
Libations Wine & Spirits
Arapahoe & Parker Roads
Northeast corner at Arapahoe Crossings
6554 South Parker Road, Aurora, Colorado 80016
Monday - Saturday, 10am to 10pm
Sunday from 11am to 6pm
Phone: 303-766-0575
info@libationswines.com
libationswines.com
coupon
