Tinto y Blanco » Sauvignon Blanc

Condesa de Leganza Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Dave Worthington — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:03:08 +0000

More Sauv Blanc from Spain. While it’s fairly maligned these days, I actually think the ol’ sauv blanc is a versatile grape that shows plenty of different styles and can be made in a way the enhances a dining experience. These cheapies from Spain are a case in point, I like them with food so they great in a bar by the glass, but I don’t think I’d really go out and buy a case to drink at home. The acid seems to be a bit more appealing than many I’ve had from NZ and Australia too…

Pineapple and spice on the nose, with a touch of passion fruit and lemon after some vigorous swirling. Light texture and good balance bring a pleasing mouth feel, zingy acid on the finish. More of the same on the palate, a herbal note adds a bit of complexity. Good glugging with my rip off of the Cos heart and anchovies from Bar Lourinha…87 Pts.

Source: Broadway Liquor Distributors Price: $18 Closure: Conventional Cork

Web: www.bodegasleganza.com

Toscar Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Dave Worthington — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:24:48 +0000

What does Sauvignon Blanc from Alicante taste like? Is it another passion-fruit, tropical fruit copy of the now ubiquitous NZ style? Not at all, this is rather herbal and grassy, and to my mind more adult than many of the new world versions we see here (there are exceptions of course, Mahi comes to mind as a big exception). It does have a sense of being more savoury than sweet too.

The nose shows plenty of herbal and grassy notes, with some fennel bulb and cucumber over the top of lemony fruit. Tight and driving in the mouth, it’s fresh and light and easy to drink. More of that lemon and herb fruit on the palate, the acidity keeps things humming along. More of a food style for my money, but definitely a fun, budget alternative to either NZ or French Sauv Blanc. 86 Pts.

Source: Ce Soir Imports Price: $14 Closure: Conventional Cork

Web: www.salvadorpoveda.com

Mantel Blanco Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Dave Worthington — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:00:46 +0000

So all Sauv Blanc tastes the same eh? Grassy, herbal, a touch of the ol'cat's pee. Not this one. Admittedly, this won't be putting Montana out of business anytime soon, its more of a serious food drink. Having been to the new world home of Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough New Zealand, a couple of weeks ago I've got to say that's there is a whole other world out Sauv Blanc out there and this certainly proves that.

Aromas of pineapple, limes and something a bit herbal. On the palate some more pineapple and limes with some passonfruit. Really well balanced with an oily mouth feel and a wack of acid. Quite long finish that tapers off nicely. Not something that everyone will get, but if you like something a bit off beat give this a go. Also an excellent wine for Thai. 87 Pts.

Source: Broadway Liquor Distributors Price: $24 Closure: Conventional Cork

Web: www.alvarezydiez.es

Palacios de Bornos Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Dave Worthington — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 23:00:56 +0000

Why would bother importing Sauvignon Blanc all the way from Spain? I've heard this question from a couple of well known wine writers in the past. Well, if this bottle was any indication of the quality available I can't see why not. Maybe food miles if you're into that kind of thing. To be honest, I'd prefer to see verdejo on the wine list, but the thing is wines like this sell. Especially in restaurants and bars. Something familiar, but from an exotic location etc.

The colour of pale straw in the glass with fairly classic aromas of passion fruit, cut grass and fennel bulb. Really nice acid in the mouth, none of that horrible stuff you find in cheaper NZ sauv. blancs. On the palate there is loads of pear and tropical fruit salad. Good length. It is a bit different, the fruit is really good. I like it. 88 Pts.

Source: Toro/Wood Wines Price: Around $20 Closure: Synthetic Cork