Light Bright White: Featuring Sauvignon Blanc

It’s hot. So, what’s in our glasses right now? Light, bright, fruity, delicate, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc - 2008 Firestone Santa Ynez Valley Sauvignon Blanc, to be exact. You get the picture. We enjoy refreshing white wine year round, but it’s right about now that aromatic whites take center stage in creating an effortless summer dining lineup – from everyday grilling to exquisite outdoor soirees. Versatile and elegant, these crisp darlings make the most out of toasty summer days. Firestone Winemaker, Kevin Willenborg, focuses on producing aromatic whites that are flexible and delicate, allowing the beauty of Santa Ynez soils and climate to truly shine. With ample exposure to fog, mist and wind from the neighboring coastline, the western reaches of Santa Ynez Valley provide an ideal setting for aromatic varietals to thrive. The Santa Ynez offers just enough summer heat to fully ripen our Sauvignon Blanc fruit while maintaining bright, grapefruit-like acidity, and striking a balance between Old World and New World styles. According to Kevin, delicate wines demand a delicate winemaking process….from start to beautiful finish. The grapes were harvested early during cool mornings to maintain fruit integrity. Minimal handling of the fruit throughout crush kept the aromatics in tact. Fermentation was carried out under very cool temperatures, then the wine was aged in stainless steel and bottled in screwcap closure to preserve bright fruit characteristics. Can we just tell you? It’s incredibly fragrant, with notes of ripe honeydew melon, cantaloupe, guava and passion fruit, with a touch of bold grapefruit that balances the lush fruitiness. The lean acidity is thirst-quenching and refreshing, partnering ideally with everything from buttered popcorn to seared tuna, without sacrificing any of the bright fruit and floral notes.

Here’s a great combo we just discovered: Try 2008 Firestone Santa Ynez Valley Sauv Blanc with roasted broccoli tossed with olive oil and sea salt or roasted asparagus with lemon-yogurt sauce. Yum – rave reviews! Bonus: Screwcap closure makes this wine super convenient for entertaining at home or impromptu beach barbeques.