Figured the best way to start a new food and wine blog is writing about a wine that I come back to over and over again when I am seeking an easy-drinking, everyday white: Starborough Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand. This beauty retails for about $10 and can be found pretty much anywhere.
Sauvignon Blanc has become super popular in the last couple of decades, but prior to the 1980s it was relatively obscure. Originating in Bordeaux (the wine region in southwest France famous for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot), the grape took hold in the cafés of France when growers in the Sancerre region of France started cultivating it and making easy-drinking and food-friendly wines. When the grape found its way to the Marlborough region of New Zealand, the long growing season, explosion of wine production, and insanely cheap prices caused a massive expansion in New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc production, and it's now a staple. Generally known for its steely minerality, high acidity, and an herbaceous or "grassy" quality in the aroma and flavor, this wine is perfect for everyday drinking and goes great with a summer day at the pool.
Tonight I brought a bottle over to my beloved Aunt Amy's to share for movie night and remembered why I like it so much. While it's not necessarily a wine that fits neatly within the context of the a frigid Iowa winter, it fit the bill perfectly for a night in with the fam!
This is a classic Sauv Blanc in the style of the Marlborough region, in the northeast of New Zealand's south island. Crisp and zingy with a strong acidity reminiscent of citrus, like lime and grapefruit, which you can also pick out clearly in the aroma. Has a lovely tropical ripe palate with passion fruit in particular, making me remember summer even in this midwestern winter. And who can resist that label?
Auntie Amy provided me with my late Grandmother's favorite wine glass to drink from tonight. The wine showed off its pretty, straw-like color perfectly in the glass.
Highly recommend this wine! It's affordable and quaffable, and would go very well with all types of food. Its acidity makes it particular friendly with spicier things like Thai dishes. And at a price ranging from $8 to $12, depending on where you live and where you shop, you can't beat it!
Stay posted as the blog continues for profiles on more awesome wines that you can add to your cellars!
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