with flavors of lime zest , melon , grapefruit , passion fruit , green apple and even floral notes . Additionally , many Sauvignon Blanc wines are aged in stainless steel tanks , rather than oak barrels , making them lighter and crisper than most Chardonnay .
“ No matter which style you prefer , Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice to serve at parties or events because most white wine drinkers enjoy them . Plus , overall they are quite affordable and they are very food friendly wines ,” explains Nicole . Sauvignon Blanc and goat cheese have a natural affinity for one other , but it also pairs well with gouda , burrata , gruyere and feta . “ When pairing food with Sauvignon Blanc , there are many great options like simple grilled or roasted chicken and turkey , seafood especially oysters , smoked salmon , lobster , grilled shrimp and crab , roasted pork tenderloin , flavorful salads , fresh vegetables like broccoli , asparagus and Brussels spouts , and herbbased sauces like pesto and chimichurri ,” says Nicole .
The chameleon grape is even capable of producing luscious , delicious dessert wines , including the esteemed Sauterne from Bordeaux . These super-concentrated , sweet wines are a blend of Sauvignon Blanc , Semillon and Muscadelle and exhibit intense notes of honey , dried fruits like mango , apricot and figs , and warm spices including cinnamon and nutmeg . Sauternes are quite revered by wine enthusiasts and collectors and can fetch a very hefty price , some selling for thousands of dollars ! If you have the opportunity to sip a glass of Sauterne , enjoy it with Roquefort , foie gras , cheesecake , fresh fruit tarts or a simple bowl of strawberries with cream .
According to Nicole , another favorable attribute of Sauvignon Blanc is that it won ’ t break the bank . “ While some Sancerre and California selections can go for $ 40 to $ 50 , most are under $ 30 a bottle , so they are a good option for a dinner party or casual entertaining . Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand and Chile are even more affordable with bottles typically ranging from $ 10 to $ 20 ,” says Nicole .
Respected by wine novices and experts alike , Sauvignon Blanc is currently in vogue , but at the same time remains very much a classic . So this summer , when you ’ re relaxing poolside or chilling at the beach , reach for a bottle of refreshing Sauvignon Blanc … You just may discover that this “ wild white ” is totally your style .
POOCH & SAUVIGNON BLANC PAIRINGS
Can your choice of pup be an indicator of your wine style ? Stranger things have happened ! Our wine expert has sniffed out various Sauvignon Blanc styles and paired them with particular breeds . Fetch a bottle , gather your human pack and sip away .
FRENCH SAUVIGNON BLANC : Minerally , complex , refined , smoky , flinty , vibrant
POOCH PAIRINGS :
German Pinscher : Intelligent , vivacious , sleek , alert , energetic , noble , robust , elegant
Toy Poodle : Intelligent , agile , versatile , alert , eager to please , outgoing , sprightly
NEW ZEALAND SAUVIGNON BLANC : Lively , peppery , tangy , grassy , citrusy , lush , concentrated
POOCH PAIRINGS :
Boston Terrier : Lively , sporty , compact , bright , kind , affable , affectionate
Irish Terrier : Bold , dashing , sturdy , graceful , vibrant , alert , adaptable , spirited
CALIFORNIA SAUVIGNON BLANC : Dry , zesty , fruity , balanced , flavorful , approachable , bright
POOCH PAIRINGS :
American Bulldog : Friendly , agile , wellbalanced , confident , upbeat , outgoing , playful
Bichon Frise : Peppy , playful , charming , intelligent , sturdy , alert , gracious , gentle
DORIGNAC ’ S RECOMMENDS : Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc ($ 32.99 ) Domaine de la Villaudiere Charme de Loire ($ 14.99 ) Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc ($ 10.00 ) Justin Sauvignon Blanc ($ 14.99 ) Raphael Midoir Sancerre ($ 32.99 )