Winemaker Notes
Pair with grilled lobster, asparagus quiche or salmon with mango salsa.
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
Garuma is close to 20 acres of vines on Chile's far coast; it's planted mostly to clone 1 sauvignon, which provides the structure and acidity to tame the warmth of the 2012 harvest. This sauvignon is unctuous and sweet, balanced by the tension of its acidity, holding the white pepper and ripe white fruit flavors in check.
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.
An officially recognized sub-zone in the southern part of the San Antonio Valley, the Leyda Valley was the original settlement of the wine pioneers who came to the area in the 1990s. They were in search of cooler and wetter growing conditions—as compared to more eastern, drier and often warmer locations.
Planting, which began only in the late 1990s, focused on Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot noir and some limited spots for Syrah. The area continues to receive well-earned accolades for wines of these varieties.