Global #SauvBlanc Day

Courtesy of St. Supery Winery website

With summer finally here I find that my recycling bin becomes increasingly fuller with white wine bottles than red wine.  While my cellar (aka, a back closet that remains constant temp) is predominantly red wine, there is a noticeable spike in my white wine consumption over the next few months. Recently I’ve been spending a lot of time with Rhone whites like Grenache Blanc, Viognier, and Rousanne, but I still love coming back to a crisp and refreshing glass of Sauvignon Blanc. That’s why June 21^st is just a little cooler than June 20^th. Thursday the 21^st is Global #SauvBlanc Day with many events being hosted by wineries wherever Sauv Blanc is grown.

 Originating in the Loire and Bordeaux regions of France, Sauvignon Blanc dates back to the 18^th century and now finds a home in many of the worlds wine growing regions. Because the vines bud late but the grapes ripen early, it generally thrives in cooler climates on the north coast of California, such as Russian River Valley. It can range in flavor profile from a little more grassy through very tropical, floral, or citrus notes, depending on the winemaker and region. Because it is typically fermented in stainless steel as opposed to oak, it is light, refreshing, and crisp, making it relatively food-friendly. Personally, my favorite pairing is with spicy curry or Thai food where the heat from the food is tamed by the cool Sauv Blanc. With temperatures rising you have no excuse not to indulge with this wine.

Courtesy of St. Supery Winery website

So if you don’t have a twitter account, get one before Thursday so you can join in on the fun. All you have to do is enjoy a glass of your favorite Sauvignon Blanc, give a “cheers” to the wine gods, jump on Twitter using the hashtag #SauvBlanc and join the conversation. If a local winery happens to be holding an event, blow off work or take a half day (like me) and get over there. I am will be leaving work early and making a trip to Napa’s St. Supery Winery for some Sauv Blanc education and tasting. Be sure to follow me (@JesseRAndrews) and WestToast  (@WestToast) on Twitter so you can follow the event live.

Cheers!

Jesse