Superb Santa Barbara Sauvignon Blanc

In the past month, I have been enjoying mostly white wines. And it has dawned on me that I like Sauvignon Blanc produced like Chardonnay (in neutral oak) and I like Chardonnay produced like Sauvignon Blanc (unoaked). I'm also loving everything coming from Santa Barbara.

So it came as no surprise to read that 40% of the 2011 Nadia Sauvignon Blanc is aged 9 months in neutral French oak barrels.

This Sauvignon Blanc, sourced from the Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard in Santa Barbara County, is absolutely delicious and utterly refreshing!

A pale straw color in the glass, it has very delicate aromas of white flowers and white peach. The wine tastes very crisp, with bright acidity and fresh flavors or grapefruit and guava.The long-lasting finish imparts zesty lime and minerals.

This is the kind of wine to serve on a hot day (or after a long, hot day). It comes with a screw-top closure so it's perfect for picnics and BBQ's. I paired it with a summertime risotto of sautéed shrimp, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and parmesan cheese. It would also be delicious with oysters. (Is your mouth watering yet? Mine is!)

The Nadia wines are a secondary label of Laetitia Winery based in the Arroyo Grande Valley (just south of San Luis Obispo). The 2011 Sauvignon Blanc is only $18/bottle; which I think is a great value for a wine of this superb quality.

I received wine samples from the winery for review purposes. Please visit their website and order yours to help keep you cool on the hot summer days to come!

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