Of all the ways to elevate our spirits during winter, discovering a savoury food and wine pair can be one of the most satisfying. There’s an abundance of potential pairings and amidst that sheer variety, you want to ensure that you find the best combination. Fortunately, we have a few suggestions that will help.  Winter wine and food pairing  Consider the entire spectrum of foods you can pair wine with during winter. That includes appetizers, main dishes and desserts. With that said, we’ve included some notes on wine pairing for winter favourites such as turkey, pot roast and pie.  Wine for wintertime turkey Turkey is a great wine-pairing option because it’s versatile, not to mention scrumptious! Its combination of white and dark meat leaves a balanced impression on the palate. It’s succulent and juicy, rich with a distinct flavour, yet it’s not overpowering. You can pair turkey meat with crisp, acidic white wines to highlight milder flavours or bold, tannin-rich reds to soften its heavier flavours.  Our recommendations: Majolini Franciacorta Brut, Bubbles or Artesa Estate, Chardonnay if you want to pair white wine, or Kupelwieser Alto Adige, Pinot Noir if you prefer red wine.  Wine for wintertime pot roast  A hearty beef shank or tenderloin pot roast simmering in carrots and potatoes is perfect for wintertime hibernation. This mouthwatering dish goes best with tannin-rich red wines because beef is a fattier meat with higher umami. Of course, the combination of the fat and high tannins gives you that gustatory exchange, where the wine tastes less bitter and the meat more flavourful. They’re basically made for each other.  Our recommendations: Red wines, such as Graceland Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Septima, Malbec, and Fenocchio, Barolo.  Wine for wintertime pie  A slice of pie during the winter is comfort-food perfection, a sweet escape from those 4:45 p.m. sunsets and -20 degree nights. Of course, there are dozens of pie types, each with unique pairing options. Pie and dessert wine are natural fits, although you can experiment with others.  For example, apple pie may go well with Spumante. On the other hand, a slice of pumpkin pie is great with Zinfandel, while a pecan pie and its nutty flavours meld nicely with Lambrusco.  Our recommendations: Nua Brut, Spumante for apple pie, Seghesio Angela’s Table, Zinfandel for pumpkin pie, and Villa di Corlo Corleto, Lambrusco.  Wine for wintertime chocolate This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning chocolate. Of course, chocolate is diverse, and some types pair better with certain wines compared to others.  If anything, chocolate and wine pairing is an equation of sorts. White chocolate goes best with white wines, while dark chocolate pairs well with red wines. Milk chocolate is in the middle, pairing best with either red or white wine, provided the wine is light or medium-bodied.  Our recommendations: Luigi Righetti Rosé for white chocolate, Chateau Les Vieux Ormes Lalande de Pomerol, Merlot and Vinedos Terranoble, Cabernet Sauvignon for dark chocolate.  For milk chocolate, pair Belle Glos Balade, Pinot Noir.  Wine and winter: …

Read more

When it comes to beverages for a barbeque, beer is the typical drink of choice. Just think back to the last time you received an RSVP for a summer BBQ — it most likely said BYOB (bring your own beer). However, you can go beyond the standard six-pack of craft brew.  Summer wines can pair just as well with some of your favourite BBQ meats. Of course, combining grilled goodies with summer wines takes some fine-tuning and good taste. We’ll provide guidance on how to make grilled meat and summer wine pairings work.  Rules for summer wine pairings with grilled/BBQ meats Remember some rules when pairing summer wines with traditional BBQ meats. The first is that meats tend to pair best with red wines. Compared to poultry and fish, meat has umami and high-fat content. High concentrations of umami and fat balance out the tannins found in red wine.  In fact, a somewhat poetic chemical reaction happens when heavier meats combine with red wine. The tannin molecules of red wine soften the fat in meat, releasing more of the meat’s flavour. Simultaneously, the fat of the meat reduces the red wine’s astringency, making it taste smoother and fruitier, minus the bitterness. Case in point: a classic, time-tested combination is a red wine with steak.  Food and wine pairing don’t always follow the rules!  Remember, there are differences in meat cuts — certain cuts are leaner or fattier than others. For example, fatty pork cuts do well with red wines, but light-bodied acidic white wine pairs with a leaner pork tenderloin better than red wine.  Aside from meat, you can also grill chicken and fish, which pair best with white wines. Again, the balance lies in the chemistry. Poultry, fish, and shellfish tend to have softer textures and flavours. White wines usually have a higher acidity, meaning they can accentuate the lighter flavours of these meats to give them more kick.  All-time favourite summer wines for BBQ Without any further adieu, we bring you three excellent summer wine choices for barbeque season. We’ll give you insights into how they fit into barbeque food and wine pairing and why they work. Our three picks of summer wines are Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Dry Rosé.  Riesling Riesling is an aromatic white wine of German origins and is one of its most sought-after white wines worldwide. It’s known for its bold combination of berry and citrus flavours and sweet scents, including beeswax, honeycomb, and more. Like many white wines, it has high acidity and is best served cold (in the fridge at 6℃ [43 ℉]). Also, Riesling is best paired with poultry and seafood, although it can work with some fattier red meats.  Barbeque food and wine pairing tips for Riesling Chicken:  Whether grilled or barbequed, chicken paired with an off-dry Riesling is a fantastic choice for a tasty barbeque meal.  Duck:  Waterfowl isn’t a staple for barbeque season, but if you’re serving duck, consider pairing it with a late harvest Riesling. Pork:  Yes, …

Read more

Pairing tasty treats on a charcuterie board with the right wine — red or white — is an art form. A well-curated selection of meats and cheese next to wine isn’t only perfect for Instagram but a recipe for your guests’ sensory pleasure (and memories).  The right combination can give your attendees the perfect array of tart, tangy, and smokey flavours and aromas that will make your gathering one to remember for years. Whether you’re hosting a standard wine-and-cheese party or a housewarming affair, we’ll show you how to combine your wine and charcuterie board treats sensibly.  How to make a charcuterie board The charcuterie board as a concept is nothing new. The ancient Romans were salting and spicing meats and laying them out in a decorative fashion. However, food science has come a long way, and there is a method to make charcuterie boards irresistible.  It all boils down to harmony. By that, we mean harmonizing texture and flavours (and colours). Ideally, your charcuterie board will contain the following ingredients: cured and preserved meats (charcuterie); cheese; bread and crackers; dried or fresh fruits; nuts; pickled veggies;  oils and spreads. That’s all a charcuterie board needs to be complete. Of course, the individual choices of each ingredient are where the art of charcuterie pairings lies. With that said, the two ingredients you want to handle with utmost care and consideration are your cheeses and meats.  The “rules” of wine and food pairings for charcuterie boards There’s a science to pairing. Once understood, you can pair wines and charcuterie board treats that are pleasing to all your guests. Wine and food pairing isn’t all art or based on your natural ability (or genetic predisposition) to match flavours.  So, even if you lack the trained palate of wine (and food) connoisseur, you can still learn to pair them like a pro. A natural ability to detect flavour and aroma subtleties isn’t required! We have provided you with a guide on pairing different wines with different charcuterie board items below.  Charcuterie pairing rules for cheese Compliment intensities:  Pair light-bodied wines with light cheeses. Pair fuller-bodied wines with heartier cheese.  Contrast flavours:  Although not necessarily a rule, pairing salty cheeses with sweeter wines are ideal. The acidity of sweet, bubbly wines makes you salivate and thus mellow out the saltiness of the cheese.  Complementary regions:  Location, location. It matters for wine and cheese pairing too! Consider pairing wines and cheese from the same regions since local climates and soil types make them suitable pairs.  Contrast cheese texture with wine acidity: The creamier the cheese, the higher the wine’s acidity should be. This helps balance out flavour intensity while creating a pleasing texture contrast.  Charcuterie pairing rules for meat Acidity:  Generally, the wine you serve should have a higher acidity than the cured meat you choose.  Fat:  Fattier and oilier meats complement bolder red wines better because the fat balances out the tannins that make bold red wines bitter (but sharp white wines work too).  …

Read more

Patio season is in full swing at The Small Winemakers Collection. Whether you prefer a picnic on a patio with friends and family or a heartier meal dining outdoors at your favourite restaurant, the right wine can make any meal that much better. This season’s wine picks range from fresh florals and fruit varietals to bold and elegantly structured wines. The right bottle of wine will enhance your dining experience and blend exquisitely with your dish of choice. It will add freshness to your summer and patio season.  Although ordering wine online can be a daunting process for some, especially with the wide variety of options available, it needn’t be. This blog features a selection of some of the best wine and food combinations that will elevate your patio dining experience this season.  Must Try Wines For This Season 1. Codorniu Cuvee Barcelona 1872 Brut Rosé Made from the classic red grape varietal of the Penedès, the alluring pink hue of this cava is an ode to the year Josep Raventós who created the first bottle of Cava. Its elegant stained-glass bottle pays tribute to the famous modernist Gaudi whose stained-glass windows adorned the Codorníu wineries. The Codorniu Cuvee Brut Rosé remains a popular sparkling wine choice for folks seeking versatility and a creamy texture.  You can enjoy this delicate and smooth Brut Rosé any time of day, making it an ideal choice for a range of dishes throughout your day. The creamy velvety feel makes a well-rounded and balanced bubbly. The elegant citrus, red fruit, and brioche aromas make it the perfect wine for a day out in the sun.  Top food pairing: This rosé is truly versatile, you can pair it with almost anything. We recommend pairing it with cold entrees like this bruschetta, an assortment of cheeses, assorted cold meats, fresh bread, escargot, and avocados.  2. Kupelwieser Alto Adige Pinot Grigio 2021 Hailing from two of the best regions of the Mediterranean and Alpine climatic conditions and sourced from the lowlands and from the regions of Alto Adige, this white wine is a classic. Handcrafted by the award-winning Peter Zemmer, this complex wine reveals notes of tree fruits, citrus, and nuances of minerals. Aromas of white spring wildflowers and tropical fruit bring a tangy and round palate with hints of pear and almonds.  Top food pairing: This wine pairs excellently with seafood and fish, such as cod, catfish, fish chowders, snapper, or a pan-fried halibut. Green salads and fried mushrooms work perfectly with this wine too. So, if you’re counting on a vegetarian entrée this season, this Pinot Grigio has got you covered!   3. Belle Glos Balade Pinot Noir 2020 This dark purplish red Belle Glos Balade Pinot Noir from our collection of fine wines should be on everyone’s list to try this summer. Hailing from California’s coasts, this Pinot brings forth aromas of cherry, toasted oak,  earthy vanilla, and cocoa nibs along with smokey, lush notes of nutmeg, cloves, and toasted almonds. Its fine-grained tannins give …

Read more

With Father’s Day around the corner, many of you may plan different things to make this important person in your life feel extra special and thank him for all the love he has given you. There’s no better way to celebrate this Father’s Day than giving your dad a delicious bottle of wine.  If your father happens to be a wine enthusiast, we guarantee that they will enjoy nothing more than sharing their favourite bottle of wine with friends and family. Perhaps you can surprise your father with an at-home meal served with various wine pairings. To help you pick the perfect wine for Father’s Day, we have prepared a wine gift guide for you.  Best Wines for Father’s Day There are many different types of wine available, and finding the perfect one that matches your father’s taste, mood, and style can be difficult. Below, we share our guide to the best Father’s Day wines your father should try this Summer.  1. Thread Count Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 – Red Wine Embracing the true essence and richness of the Napa Valley, this Cabernet Sauvignon makes one of the most delectable red wines that suit almost every palate. The refreshing flavours of blackcurrants, dried rosemary and baking spices offer it a well-balanced and bold taste that your father would love to try. Pair this red wine with barbecue chicken or steak to enhance the taste.  2. Beaumont Chenin Blanc 2021 – White Wine This white wine is a perfect option when shopping for Father’s Day gifts within budget. Beaumont Chenin Blanc is a classic fresh South African white wine made from Beaumont’s 100% Bot River fruit. Your dad will love the fruity taste of fresh pineapple and crunchy green apple with lovely apricot blossom and green melon aromas. Cook or order some spicy Thai noodles to go with this subtle white wine. 3.  Baudry-Dutour Cuvée Marie Justine 2020 – Rosé Wine From the enchanting Loire Valley of France, this elegant dry Rosé is salmon-hued colour, with an intense nose of exotic fruits and aromas of peach and citrus. In the mouth the wine is dry but exhibits very good fruit concentration.  To elevate the mood, pair this delicious rosé wine with all manner of food from lighter, more delicate dishes, to most seafood, poultry and red meat. 4. Terre Gaie Prosecco DOC – Sparkling Wine This Sparkling wine is another pocket-friendly wine gift that your father would love. The Terre Gaie Prosecco DOC is a famous Italian wine known for its preparation method, called Charmat. The bubbles come from the secondary fermentation in special tanks prior to bottling. This wine has a fresh, flowery and fruity fragrance with hints of apple.  Serve as a starter for your celebration or take it outside and pair  with barbecue chicken wings or Pepperoni Pizza. 5. Fenocchio Barolo 2018 – Red Wine To make your father feel extra loved, give him this beautifully made red wine. The Fenocchio Barolo is quite impressive with a wonderfully perfumed …

Read more

Sushi and wine make an excellent pairing once you know what you’re doing. This delicate Japanese cuisine has been enjoyed for many years in Western countries. While you might instinctively pair sushi with sake, there are plenty of exciting wine pairing options that are equally delightful.  Below, we share tips on how to pair wine with sushi and the best wine with sushi pairing options that you can try with this diverse Japanese cuisine.  What to Look For When Pairing Wine With Sushi The best wine with sushi is one that matches the dish’s simplicity and delicate nature. Various cooking styles, ingredients and flavours are used in sushi making. When approaching a sushi wine pairing, you must first look at the dish’s components to ascertain which type of wine would make a good pairing.  Once you have done that, it is essential to look at the following elements of wine: acidity, texture, body, tannin and aromatic profile.  Acidity The main ingredient of sushi and sashimi is raw fish or seafood. Depending on the type of fish used, you will need to be mindful of acidity. A wine with high acidity should be paired with fatty fish such as salmon or bluefin tuna. The wine’s acidity cuts through the fattiness of the fish as well as cleanses the palate for the next bite. Pacific yellowtail or snapper, for example, is lighter, so pair best with a wine with slightly less acidity.  Texture and Body Subtlety is key to a successful sushi wine pairing. A wine that is too bold in profile or lacks crispness can unbalance the pairing. For body, stick to light-bodied wines that complement the richness of the fish. In this instance, because most sushi is delicate yet flavorful, a light-bodied wine that has a complex profile with a good acidic backbone like a good Pinot Noir or Riesling makes sense.  The texture is also essential to keep in mind. Different styles of sushi will offer different textures. For example, Japanese uni is known for its creamy texture. You can use the pairing principle of ‘like with like’ but even between would be a contrast pairing such as a dry sparkling wine to highlight the dish’s texture and richness.  Aromatic Profile Lastly, you need to think about aromas and flavours. Although sushi is designed as a ‘one-bite’ dish, each mouthful is packed with flavour. Additionally, the condiments you use, such as soy sauce and wasabi, will impact your choice of wine. If you prefer sushi options on the spicier side, pair them with a crisp, citrus-forward Riesling or Prosecco to balance the heat.  A New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is also a delightful pairing. Its citrus and grassy characteristics will complement the fresh aromas of sushi while also neutralizing the salty flavours of soy sauce.  Best Wine With Sushi: Pairing Options The best wine with sushi can be one of several options depending on your choice of sushi. Whether you are a fan of sweet wines, dry wines or bubbles, …

Read more

Shiraz, as it is typically known in the new world (also known as Syrah in the old world), offers a juicy and fruit-forward profiled wine. On the other hand, Syrah is savoury, elegant and refined at its best. While they are the same grape varietal, these wines have their own unique characteristics and flavour profiles.  Below, we look at all you need to know about the Syrah/Shiraz grape varietal, including its origins, characteristics, food pairing options, and which bottles of this red wine are our favourite.   Syrah/Shiraz Grape: A History France is often considered the spiritual homeland of this red grape varietal. Famously grown in the Northern Rhône as a single varietal and Southern Rhône incorporated into blends, Syrah was bred in France using the Dureza and Mondeus Blanche varietals. This grape rose to popularity throughout the eighteenth century and continues to be the main red grape variety in the Rhône Valley today.  In 1830, vine cuttings of this grape varietal were introduced to Australia by the viticulturist James Busby. It was here that the New World christened this red wine Shiraz, not to be confused with the Iranian wine region of the same name. Today, Australia has almost 40,000 hectares of Shriaz vines planted across the country – making it Australia’s most planted grape variety.  Famous Wine Growing Regions for Syrah and Shiraz As mentioned earlier, this grape is mostly known as Syrah in the Old World, while it can be called Shiraz in the New World. Yet, here are the most growing regions where you can find this grape varietal:  France France’s Northern Rhône Valley region is renowned for its production of Syrah – particularly in the Hermitage, Cornas, and Côte-Rôtie regions. This prestigious area produces Syrah unlike any other in terms of its style. In Côte-Rôtie, you will find fragrant and delicate Syrah with aromatics of black raspberry, chocolate, and charcoal smoke.  In Hermitage Syrah is best enjoyed when left to mature for over ten years. Grown on the hillside , these wines are praised for their deep and robust flavour profile of blackcurrant, coffee, smoke, and candied cherry. In contrast, Syrah from Cornas is the most tannic, with tongue-staining flavours of blackberry jam, violet, and chalk dust.  Australia  In Australia, Shiraz flourishes in Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Hunter Valley. These Australian wine regions offer warmer climates resulting in various styles of Shiraz. In Barossa Valley, Shiraz is full and complex. The flavour profile of a Barossa Shiraz offers powerfully ripe dried currant and rich mocha aromas. These wines are considered meaty with big fruit flavours.  Shiraz from McLaren Vale is a true product of its region. The region’s Mediterranean climate results in a soft red wine with rich red berry flavours such as raspberries and cherry. A McLaren Vale Shiraz also offers black pepper, nutmeg, and cloves notes upon tasting. While less complex than a Barossa Shiraz, this red wine has a bold personality.  Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine region and produces Shiraz that …

Read more

Who doesn’t love indulging in a delicious pizza now and then? This Italian specialty is one of those rare meals adored by everyone. It can be served during a dinner party or enjoyed alone as a midnight snack. Either way, pizza is truly the ultimate comfort food. Yet, many ask: Which are the best pizza and wine pairings?  The best wine with pizza is a wine that matches two components: the pizza sauce and your chosen pizza toppings. Below, we will share our top pairing recommendations for pizza and wine lovers.  Pizza Wine Pairing: Follow the Basics or Think Outside the Box Choosing which wine to pair with pizza can feel a little daunting. Should you pay homage to the pizza’s origins and pair it with Italian wine? What should you do if you ordered a half-and-half pizza with different toppings? The good news is that there are no right or wrong answers. The best wine with pizza is often in the eye of the beholder. Styles of pizza cover a broad category. For this reason, you can pair pizza with red, white, sparkling, rosé, or even orange wine. Yet, that isn’t to say that there aren’t classic pizza and wine pairing principles you can refer to. When finding the perfect pizza wine pairing, consider the sauce and toppings. Tomatoes and tomato sauce are high in acid, tart and a little sweet and have and have a juicy, fleshy texture. So, the rule of thumb is to choose a wine that compliments the flavour profile of the sauce and toppings not overpowering them. A good example for a pairing for a margarita pizza would be a light, dry Pinot Grigio.  A not so complementary pairing would be a Shiraz for example.  Pizzas with meat toppings such as spicy sausage or pepperoni can handle a full-bodied red with distinct tannins like a plush new world Cabernet Sauvignon or a Tuscan Sangiovese. For lighter styles of pizza, such as vegetarian pizza, pair with a Rose or lighter white wine.  Yet, that isn’t to say you can’t think outside the box when searching for the best wine with pizza options. Experimentation is all part of the fun of the wine and food pairing journey.  Classic Wine and Pizza Pairing Options For those looking for fool-proof pizza wine pairings, here are the combinations that we recommend you try next.  Pepperoni/Sausage with Spicy Reds Pepperoni and sausage are classic pizza topping. They can be spicy, bold, and the fat content in the meat make the pizza rich and savory. As we mentioned, these styles of pizza are best matched with a full-bodied red. A juicy Primitivo or a new word Cabernet Sauvignon are great options. Their plush tannin profile provides enough oomph to cut through the fattiness of the meat and cheese but won’t overtake the sensory experience.  White Pizza with Dry White Wines While not everyone is a fan of white pizzas, they present exciting pairing options. The best wine with pizza with a …

Read more

Rosé wine is a hit for many wine lovers anytime of the year. While it may seem that its popularity has risen dramatically over the years , the reality is that rosé wine has been appreciated globally for centuries.  Yet, one country’s expression of this style of wine can differ from another. Although rosé is made in almost every wine region across the globe, the benchmark is usually a classic French rosé.  The French set the bar for this refreshing pink-hued wine. French rosé offers a range of styles, including fruit-driven, simple, crisp rosé to deep coloured complex styles.  Below, we will discuss how French rosé became so popular and explore regions renowned for this ever so popular style of wine.  Why is French Rosé So Popular?  Although this wine’s popularity has soared globally in the last decade, France continues to dominate when it comes to rosé wine production. The Provence region was responsible for producing 38% of France’s rosé wine in 2020 alone. While in 2019, France produced approximately 34% of rosé wine’s global output.  Originating in Ancient Greece, it is believed that the Phocaeans introduced the Marseille region to rosé winemaking techniques in the sixth century. Later the Romans used their trade networks to make these pink-hued wines popular around the Mediterranean. This began southern France’s reputation for producing rosé and is why it’s considered the epicentre of rosé wine.  Today, many wine regions worldwide produce and export rosé, including Italy and the United States. But, many wine enthusiasts associate rosé with the Provence style of rosé wine. Known for its iconic pale, dusty pink colour, the Provence region is home to some high-quality French rosé wines.  As demand for this wine grew, many French winemakers responded by creating a wider range of styles and varieties of rosé enjoyed today by many worldwide.  Rosé Wine by Region: Exploring France While many gravitate towards Provence rosé wine, several regions across France deserve recognition for their craftsmanship of beautiful and diverse expressions of this pink wine style.  Provence French rosé winemakers from Provence typically blend Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah to make light coloured rosé with simple notes of light red  fruits and sometimes a savoury note on the palate.  As we mentioned above, it is a Provence rosé that is mostly thought of when we think of French rosé. As a wine region, Provence has four appellations that produce rosé wine in various ways giving each one a unique identity and flavour profile:  Coteaux d’Aix en Provence: Winemakers in this appellation add the Cabernet Sauvignon grape as part of their French rosé blend. This provides the wine with more structure and body.  Côtes de Provence: The Côtes de Provence rosé is classically simple, crisp and fruit-forward. It displays the iconic red fruit aromas and is a beautiful summer sipper.  Coteaux Varois en Provence: Balanced, aromatic, and rounded are some words that you can describe this appellation’s take on rosé wine.  Bandol: With the addition of Mourvèdre grapes, the Bandol appellation …

Read more

Sauvignon Blanc is the second most popular white wine in the world, after Chardonnay. Globally, sales of Sauvignon Blanc increased 38% in 2021, more than the overall average increase in wine consumption. Despite its popularity many wine lovers can be unsure of its origins and distinctive taste profile. Sauvignon Blanc is a wine that has expressive and aromatic aromas ranging from tropical notes to crisp citrus and grassy.  Additionally, its memorable, refreshing acidity leaves a lasting impression on the palate. Below, we explore the origins of Sauvignon Blanc, its growing regions, characteristics, styles, and much more. Let’s get started.  Sauvignon Blanc: Exploring Origins, Growing Regions and Grape Profile  Native to southwestern France, Sauvignon Blanc became recognized during the 18th century, but, here are reports of it being mentioned as early as the 1500s. Despite its origins, this grape was predominantly found in the Loire Valley as a wild-growing plant before spreading to Bordeaux.  One of Sauvignon Blanc’s parental grapes is Savagnin (it’s not clear who the other parent was). That makes this grape a sibling of Grüner Veltliner, Chenin Blanc, Silvaner, and Verdelho, among several other grapes that originated in central France. This grape is also an essential to the creation of the ever so popular Cabernet Sauvignon as it was crossed with Cabernet Franc in Bordeaux during the 17th century in southwestern France. As it’s popularity grew, the Sauvignon grape was introduced to California and New Zealand during the 1960s and 1970s, where it flourished. It is a grape that can be found as a single varietal wine as well as in blends, its reputation as a versatile wine continues today.  Grape Profile Sauvignon Blanc is a green-skinned grape known for its high acidity and light to medium body. This grape can produce aromatic and distinctive wines depending on various factors. It is best suited to regions with a cooler climate. Yet, it can adapt to many growing conditions which contribute to the varying styles in the market. Grown in a cooler climate, this grape will produce a wine that displays more crisp and mineral qualities. Whereas, in warm temperatures, this grape will produce a wine that has richer tropical notes.  Where is Sauvignon Blanc Wine Grown? While many will still claim that Loire Valley’s terroir produces the best expression of Sauvignon Blanc there are many other regions who have become known for high quality Sauvignon. Here are some of the top growing regions for this grape:  Loire Valley, France: The Loire Valley region produces a Sauvignon Blanc that is floral, zingy and has noticeable minerality.  Bordeaux, France: In Bordeaux, Sauvignon Blanc grapes are used as in blended wines. A Bordeaux Blanc uses a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and other white grapes. It is produced in both dry and sweet styles.  Marlborough, New Zealand: Sauvignon blanc comprises 72% of New Zealand’s overall wine production in New Zealand  and the production in Marlborough contributes to a big portion of that. This expression is typically fruit-forward coupled with pungent green …

Read more