If you’ve tried past vintages of Quivira’s Sauvignon Blanc, I’d highly recommend trying their ’07 vintage because it’s a different style from previous years. The winemaker, Steven Canter went to great lengths to attain a more vibrant style that is quite likeable, pure and vivacious, sourced from a single (Fig Tree) vineyard that is both organically and biodynamically farmed.

In the past, Quivira’s Sauvignon blanc was barrel-fermented, imparting oakier characteristics. The ’07 is more vivid because Canter decided to use stainless steel, which (in my opinion) gives the variety an opportunity to speak for itself. Semillon is no longer part of the blend as it was in the past, which isn’t a bad winemaking decision considering it really imparts the true characteristics of this wine.

Now depending on what region you are in France, the use of oak and blending of Semillon with Sauvignon blanc differs greatly. In the Graves district of France (Bordeaux), its commonplace to blend a bit of Semillion to offset the sometimes abrasive Sauvignon blanc flavors. If we’re talking about the Loire Valley, they often make their wines out of 100% Sauvignon blanc without any oak influence.

Quivira’s ’07 Sauvignon blanc follows a Loire Valley style, and Canter did a great job at making a wine that imparts aromas and flavors that are true to the varietal – grapefruit, lime and mineral. It’s clean and citrusy, with a zesty, racy, minerally, medium long finish.

I’d definitely recommend pairing this wine with shellfish or crab cakes with a roasted garlic beurre blanc (white wine, butter, lemon, garlic and cream sauce). 3716 case production, drink now. ~Pamela Heiligenthal

Rating: 87 | $18 | 14.1% ABV

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