Kono Sauv Blanc

Kono Sauv Blanc is a Sauvignon Blanc from Massachusetts, bottled under the Esplanda label. The producer hasn't published a vintage, alcohol level or tasting sheet, so what follows describes how Sauvignon Blanc from a cool New England climate typically drinks. It is not a measured profile of this bottle. Expect a crisp, dry, unoaked white. Typical aromas are grapefruit, green apple, lime zest and cut grass, sometimes with a gooseberry or passion-fruit note. Body is usually light to medium. Tannin is essentially absent, and acidity is bright and drives the style. A short, clean, citrusy finish is common in this region's whites. Massachusetts is a cool, maritime-influenced growing region, and that tends to favor Sauvignon Blanc's high acidity and herbal character over tropical ripeness. In that setting the wine is more likely to resemble a Loire-leaning style than a lush, fruit-forward bottle from a warmer region. If the label or the producer's notes mention stainless-steel fermentation, that would back up the unoaked expectation. A bottle labeled this way is almost never oak-driven. The acidity makes this a natural match for foods that benefit from a squeeze of lemon. Oysters, steamed clams, and pan-seared or baked white fish suit it well, as do goat cheese salads, fresh chèvre and feta. It also works with green vegetables that can overpower softer whites, such as asparagus, snap peas and dishes dressed with herbs or a vinaigrette. Thai and Vietnamese dishes with lime, cilantro and lemongrass are good matches. Heavy cream sauces and rich red meats are better left to other bottles. Serve it well chilled, about 7 to 10°C (45 to 50°F). That is roughly two to three hours in a refrigerator, or 30 minutes in an ice bucket. Decanting isn't needed. A standard white wine glass with a moderately narrow bowl will concentrate the citrus and herbal aromas without letting them fade. Wines in this style are made to be drunk young, so plan to open it within a year or two of purchase rather than cellaring it. Once opened, recork it and refrigerate it, and it will usually hold its freshness for a few days.