NJ Sauvignon Blanc & More

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is an interesting grape, that has a surprising heritage. Many people don’t know that Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc are the genetic parents of Cabernet Sauvignon. This is reason enough to try it yourself if you haven’t already done so. I recommend that you try Sauvignon Blanc produced from more than one continent. Perhaps the most widely known and widely produced are those made in New Zealand. Even more specifically, the Marlborough Region of New Zealand (e.g. Kim Crawford, Invivo X, Matua, Villa Maria, etc.). However, you should not forget French Sauvignon Blanc (generally labeled as Fume Blanc). In the United States, there are very good versions in California, New York, and New Jersey and other states, as well.

New Jersey Sauvignon Blanc, in my opinion, has an advantage over the New Zealand versions, because it is a more food-friendly wine than those produced in New Zealand. Most of the ones I have tried from New Zealand, while quite good, have a strong grapefruit aroma and taste, which doesn’t generally pair with most foods that I commonly enjoy. Sarah Jessica Parker’s Invivo X, is my favorite of these and does not have an “in your face” grapefruit quality to it.

NJ Sauvignon Blanc

My favorite New Jersey Sauvignon Blancs are William Heritage Sauvignon Blanc, Hawk Haven Sauvignon Blanc, and Autumn Lake Winery Halcyon (a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier).

William Heritage 2023 Sauvignon Blanc

While offering the traditional aromas of lemongrass and notes of peach, lemon, and grapefruit on the palate, the grapefruit is understated-not over the top like many of the New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs I have tasted. This one is very good and can be enjoyed by itself or with many foods.

Hawk Haven 2023 Dry Sauvignon Blanc

While the flavor profile includes grapefruit, again it is not over-the-top, and it is delicious and very refreshing. This, too, can be enjoyed on its own merits or as an accompaniment to many foods. I would say seafood and poultry would be great pairings with this wine.

Autumn Lake Winery 2022 Halcyon

This wonderful bottle is a blend of 50% Viognier and 50% Sauvignon Blanc. 50% of the grapes are sourced from Coia Vineyards in Vineland. Larry Coia is one of the largest and most important grape growers in New Jersey. This dry blend has delicious notes of mango and is very refreshing. The photo below was taken a couple of weeks ago and gone before I obtained the two photos at the top of my post.

It is allotment time at a few of the wineries where I am a member. I was able to pick up two of the bottles mentioned above in my recent travels, and will be picking up the latest version of the third this week as part of my allotment. Below are a few brief highlights from these visits.

William Heritage Winery

My wife and I had a beautiful afternoon at William Heritage Winery. We took advantage of our membership, utilizing our card for two free flights to enjoy. We decided to add an order of veggies, pita bread, and hummus. Speaking of memberships, the free flights alone were worth around $50. There was also a card for two free glasses of wine (of your choice). This month is members appreciation month and there was an additional card for two free glasses of wine, a card for a free charcuterie box, and 25% discount card for all my wine purchases this month. Our highlights in our tasting on Friday were their Sauvignon Blanc, Cab Franc, Stainless Steel Red, and Five Gen Red Blend. Our allotment consisted of their 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, 2022 Cab Franc, and 2023 Chenin Blanc.

Hawk Haven Winery

I love that we can taste all of the wines in our allocation ahead of time, while enjoying a few bonus tastes, and helping you to decide if you want to switch out any of the bottles. Our highlights of our tasting included their 2023 Albarino, 2022 Reserve Chardonnay, 2023 Petite Sirah Rose, 2021 Malbec, 2021 Q Bordeaux Blend, and 2021 Petit Verdot. Our favorites in this tasting were: Signature Series 2023 Petite Sirah Rose, 2021 Q Bordeaux Blend, and Signature Series 2021 Petit Verdot. Throw in a nice 25% discount if you add some bottles to your allotment (equaling a case or more) and you have an enjoyable and thrifty outing. We decided to extend our visit by getting a few empanadas and fries from the food truck. Of course we added a bit of wine to enjoy with our barbecued chicken empanadas. The photo below shows our take home for the day.

Coming Attractions

• Sharrott Winery June 2024
• Angelico’s Winery June 2024
• Beneduce Vineyards June 2024
• Unionville Vineyards June 2024
• Hopewell Valley Vineyards June 2024

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