Sauvignon Blanc is a widely planted, prolific, aromatic, white wine variety grown in many regions of the world. It is thought to have originated in Bordeaux where it is usually blended with Semillion. The Loire Valley in France, home to Sancerre, is probably the most well-known region for the grape in France. In Italy, the best examples of Sauvignon Blanc are found in the Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region in the northeast part of the country, particularly in Collio and Grave. In the new-world, it has found a home on the South Island of New Zealand, as well as in Chile, California, Australia and South Africa. Ontario is also meeting with some success, but severe winter frosts in recent years have damaged plantings resulting in shortages.
While most areas of the world call it Sauvignon Blanc, in Friuli, the grape is simply known by its variety name “Sauvignon”. What distinguishes the grape in northeast Italy is that it lacks those aggressive green aromas you sometimes find elsewhere. In areas like Collio and Grave, the grape showcases the softer aromas of passionfruit, sage and mint.
On offer this week is the 2015 Venica & Venica Ronco del Cero Sauvignon. This is a stunning example, from one of the best producers in the region, of the heights that Sauvignon Blanc can attain in this esteemed growing region, (particularly in an excellent vintage). The grapes for this wine are sourced from 7 different vineyards. Each vineyard is picked by hand over a period of three to four weeks. As a result, the different levels of ripeness add structure, complexity and depth to the wine.
The 2015 Venica & Venica Ronco del Cero Sauvignon is available for immediate delivery. There are only 20 cases available. To order, please e-mail or telephone 416-463-4677. A rare opportunity to taste an extraordinary Sauvignon Blanc!