Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon blanc is a green-skinned grape variety which originates from the Bordeaux region of France. The grape gets its name from the French word sauvage ("wild") and blanc ("white") due to its early origins as an indigenous grape in South West France. It is now planted in many of the world's wine regions, producing a crisp, dry, and refreshing white varietal wine. Conversely, the grape is also a component of the famous dessert wines from Sauternes and Barsac. Sauvignon blanc is widely cultivated in France, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, California, and South America.

Depending on the climate, the flavor can range from aggressively grassy to sweetly tropical. Wine experts have used the phrase "crisp, elegant, and fresh" as a favorable description of Sauvignon blanc from the Loire Valley and New Zealand. Sauvignon blanc, when slightly chilled, pairs well with fish or cheese, particularly Chèvre. It is also known as one of the few wines that can pair well with sushi. Along with Riesling, Sauvignon blanc was one of the first fine wines to be bottled with a screwcap in commercial quantities, especially by New Zealand producers. The wine is usually consumed young, as it does not particularly benefit from aging. Dry and sweet white Bordeaux, typically made with Sauvignon blanc as a major component, is the one exception.

Some labels: Vivlia Hora by Vivlia Hora, Samaropetra by Ktima Kyr-Yianni

Vivlia Hora (Βιβλία Χώρα)

Varietal composition: Assyrtiko 40%, Sauvignon Blanc 60%
Features: Soft green-yellowish color with provocative clarity. The marriage of the cosmopolitan with the Greek dynamic, fragrance experience, gives a wine with intense fruity aromas reminiscent of exotic fruits, peach and citrus. The taste of rich, refreshing with excellent balance, great acidity and a pleasant aromatic aftertaste.
Produced By: Ktima Vivlia Hora

Thalassitis (Θαλασσίτης)

100% from assyrtiko variety. Pale yellow in color with gray highlights. Low intensity aromas of citrus, mineral and baked bread. The first sweet attack quickly leaves the position of the acidity and salty metallic taste of terroir. Moderately cool finish with adiposity and yeast aromas.AOC.
Produced by Gaia Oinopoitiki.
Price: About 12 €

Assyrtiko

Assyrtiko (Ασύρτικο in Greek) is one of Greece’s finest multi-purpose white grape varieties. It was first cultivated on the island of Santorini, where it has developed a unique character producing excellent Appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) wines. Assyrtiko has the ability to maintain its acidity as it matures. It is a generally a dry wine that has citrus aromas mixed with an earthy, mineral aftertaste due to the volcanic soil of Santorini. Assyrtiko grapes clusters are large, with transparent yellow-gold skin and juicy flesh. Throughout Greece, the average age of the vines is 70 years with many vines dating back 150 years or more. Assyrtiko has so far shown resistance to Phylloxera which has consequently meant that the vines haven't needed to be replaced by phylloxera-resistant rootstock. In the last 25 years Assyrtiko has been planted throughout Greece including Macedonia and Attica. In these areas it has a milder and more fruity character.
Fits with fit sea fruits and fish.

Some labels: Thalassitis by Gaia Oinopoiitiki, Vivlia Hora by Vivlia Hora