Grand Napa Vineyards Sauv Blan

Grand Napa Vineyards Sauv Blan is a Sauvignon Blanc from the United States, listed with a Massachusetts appellation. That is a cooler, Atlantic-influenced setting than the warm California regions many US Sauvignon Blancs come from. Wines from cooler sites usually run brisk, with higher acidity, a lean to medium body, and more green and citrus character than tropical fruit. Expect lime, grapefruit, green apple or gooseberry, with a possible grassy or herbal edge. Sauvignon Blanc has no tannin to speak of and is most often made in stainless steel, so you can expect little or no oak and a crisp, clean finish. These are typical traits of the grape and a cooler origin, not a measured profile of this bottle. That acidity shapes how to use it with food. Goat cheese, feta and other tangy, fresh cheeses are the classic match. The wine also suits herb-driven dishes such as pesto pasta, chicken with tarragon or parsley, and salads with a lemon vinaigrette. Raw or lightly cooked seafood works well too: oysters, steamed clams, grilled shrimp, or white fish with a squeeze of citrus. New England shellfish is a natural local fit. Asparagus, green beans and other green vegetables, which clash with many wines, usually go well with Sauvignon Blanc. Mild Thai and Vietnamese dishes with lime and fresh herbs are a good match as well. Serve it well chilled, around 45 to 50°F, which keeps the acidity lively and the aromatics clear. Take it out of the refrigerator about ten minutes before pouring if it has been very cold. It does not need decanting. A standard white wine glass with a moderately narrow bowl will concentrate the citrus and herbal aromas without letting the wine warm too quickly. This is a drink-now bottle. Wines in this style are usually at their best within a couple of years of release, while the fruit and freshness are most vivid, and they rarely gain from long cellaring. Keep it cool and out of direct light, and finish it within a day or two of opening, re-corked or sealed and refrigerated.