Sauvignon Blanc is a great varietal for the hot summer. It seems that in almost every country they are producing Sauvignon Blanc in some fashion: California, New Zealand, France, Chile, and South Africa, to name few. I like to offer at least two on the glass list at SpringHouse to showcase the unique differences.

 

Take a New Zealand SB with notes of freshly-squeezed grapefruit and fresh-cut jalapeño; or a Sancerre from France—crisp, clean and elegant. But this month we’re focusing on the good ole’ USA to celebrate our country’s independence.

 

Alta Maria is named after the upper Santa Maria River, which the winemaker’s ancestors crossed on Saint Mary’s Day in 1855. They drove cattle across that river into the land that is now their vineyards. This river was part of sustaining life on the ranch 120 years ago. Alta Maria strives to make the best wines in the Old World style of purity, balance, and complexity. They are organic and sustainable farmers, leaving nothing but pure wine.

 

The 2013 is refreshing, crisp, and mineral-driven with notes of gooseberries, and Meyer lemons. A touch of grapefruit adds a little more of that good acidity you will need on a hot day, as well as when pairing with food.

 

I suggest pairing this wine with grilled seafood or an heirloom tomato sandwich with Dukes mayo. When you drink your wine on Independence Day, remember where the wine came from and how our forefathers celebrated. God Bless America!

 

Your Southern Somm,

 

Sam Fonte