Attributes:

Waterford Winery

Stellenbosch, Other

Sauvignon Blanc

750 ML

Food Matches:

Comes mostly from California, France, New Zealand, and South Africa. Its highly acidic wines are often suggestive of herbs or grass. Light to medium bodied and usually dry, European versions are generally not oaky while California Sauvignon Blanc can take on many of the qualities of Chardonnay. France has two classic wine regions for the Sauvignon Blanc gape: Bordeaux and the Loire Valley The Bordeaux wine is called Bordeaux Blanc and the two best known of the Loire wines are called Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé. In Bordeaux, Sauvignon Blanc is sometimes blended with Sémillon.

The town of Stellenbosch was founded in 1679. It is a European settlement in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. The town became known as the "City of Oaks" due to the large number of oak trees that were planted by the founder. The region is equipped with dark alluvial clay soils, a Mediterranean climate, and hilly slopes that keep the hot afternoon sun at bay. Summers in Stellenbosch are dry and warm while the winters are cool and rainy. The most planted grape of the region is Chenin Blanc. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cinaut are the two red grapes planted in Stellenbosch.

Attributes:

Bodegas Muga

Rioja, Spain

Rose

750 ML

2006: WineEnthusiast Rating: 88

crisp, fat

lean

minerally, oak

2005: WineEnthusiast Rating: 88

zesty

light

2004: WineAdvocate Rating: 89

fresh

light

rose, strawberry

2002: WineEnthusiast Rating: 89

bright

simple

2001: WineAdvocate Rating: 88

crisp

light

minerals, rose, roses, strawberries

1999: WineEnthusiast Rating: 87

light

1998: WineAdvocate Rating: 87

clean

light

delicious

1997: WineAdvocate Rating: 85

light

rose

Food Matches:

(ree OH hah)—This region in north-central Spain makes the country’s most popular red wine from Tempranillo, Garnacha (Grenache), Graciano and Mazuelo grapes. Rosado (rose) and white wines are also produced here. Traditionally red Rioja was aged for many years in small barrels made from American oak; this produced wines that were pale, gentle, and lacking in fruitiness. Current trends have been away from only oak aging and the wines are now much fresher tasting. In addition, the introduction of French oak barrels has contributed to its distinctive vanilla quality. The Rioja region is divided into three zones, the most well known being Rioja Alta. Alta-based wines tend to be firmer and leaner in style. Rioja Alavesa produces delicate, perfumed reds. Both Alavesa- and Alta-based wines are blended with wines from the third region, Rioja Baja, a somewhat warmer area that produces heavier grapes. The label of a Rioja will reveal much about the characteristics of its contents. Sin crianza Riojas receive no oak aging and are released young; they are Beaujolais-like, fruity and fresh. Some wines are aged for two years in oak or bottles; these are labeled crianza and, while still fresh and fruity, begin take on the famous oakiness. Wines aged for three years, at least one year in a barrel, are labeled reserva. These are often the most enjoyable of all Riojas. The most expensive wines are aged for five years or more, earning the status of gran reserva. The youngest Riojas pair well with seafood, spicy sausages, and Spanish-style bean dishes. The mature reds should be eaten with game, stews, and cheese.

Attributes:

Matariki

Hawkes Bay, Australia/New Zealand

Sauvignon Blanc

750 ML

2004: WineEnthusiast Rating: 90

racy

citrus, grapefruit, grass, lime, orange

2004: WineSpectator Rating: 86

thick

2003: WineSpectator Rating: 85

soft

light

pleasant

2003: WineEnthusiast Rating: 87

medium-weight

herb flavors, pear

2002: WineSpectator Rating: 86

lively, tart

2002: Tanzer Rating: 85

simple

grapefruit, herb flavors

juicy

2002: WineEnthusiast Rating: 84

crisp

2001: WineEnthusiast Rating: 91

fresh

opulent

mouthwatering

lime, oak

fruity, juicy, ripe

Food Matches:

Comes mostly from California, France, New Zealand, and South Africa. Its highly acidic wines are often suggestive of herbs or grass. Light to medium bodied and usually dry, European versions are generally not oaky while California Sauvignon Blanc can take on many of the qualities of Chardonnay. France has two classic wine regions for the Sauvignon Blanc gape: Bordeaux and the Loire Valley The Bordeaux wine is called Bordeaux Blanc and the two best known of the Loire wines are called Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé. In Bordeaux, Sauvignon Blanc is sometimes blended with Sémillon.

Hawke's Bay is situated on the east coast of the North Island and is one of New Zealand's oldest and finest wine regions. Between 1858 and 1876, Hawke's Bay formed the Hawke's Bay Province as a Province of New Zealand, after being separated from the Wellington Province. The Hawke's Bay wine region includes the hilly coastal land around the central bay, the floodplains in the north, the wide fertile Heretaunga Plains in the south, and a hilly interior stretching up into the Kaweka and Ruahine Ranges. Hawke's Bay has long, hot summers and cool winters. The climate is dry and temperate. The conditions in the hills favor Chardonnay which is the most important vine variety with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot also widely planted.