Winemaker Notes
Montevina's 2003 Sauvignon Blanc offers classic cool climate characters distinguished by fresh, bright melon, lemon, and grapefruit flavors balanced by a light grassy note. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and round in texture with a long, dry, spicy finish. This food-friendly style is an excellent accompaniment to lighter fish, chicken, and pasta dishes, as well as mildly-spiced ethnic cuisines such as Asian and Latin
To enhance the fresh, crisp aromas and flavors, the wine was cold fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, with no barrel aging. It displays lively, bright citrus and melon characters typical of the best coastal Sauvignon Blancs.
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.
Originally a source of oenological sustenance for gold-seeking miners of the mid-1800s, the Sierra Foothills was the first region in California to produce wines from European grape varieties. Located between Sacramento and the Nevada border, this area’s immigrant settlers chose to forgo growing the then-ubiquitous Mission grape and instead brought with them superior vines from the Old World to plant alongside mining camps.
Zinfandel has been the most important variety of this region since its inception, taking on a spicy character with brambly fruit and firm structure. Amador and El Dorado counties, benefiting from the presence of volcanic and granite soils, are home to the best examples. Bold, robust Rhône Blends and Barbera are also important regional specialties.