Sauvignon Blanc

The gold medals were received for 11 different varieties made by Villa Maria and its associated wineries, Vidal and Esk Valley – wines that cover every price point.

Senior Auckland winemaker Nick Picone says the winemaking team was particularly rapt with the success of newer varieties such as verdelho and viognier.

Senior Auckland winemaker Nick Picone says the winemaking team was particularly rapt with the success of newer varieties such as verdelho and viognier. "Villa Maria is the pioneer of verdelho in New Zealand so winning awards gives us confidence that we are heading in the right direction," he says.

Full Story: Medal haul for Villa Maria - Stuff.co.nz

Many times every month I hear people tell me that they are planning on traveling to California to visit wine country. That monthly number has dwindled in the past year due to the concerns of people about the economy and the cost of the trip. For those that want to visit a winery, and yet don't want to spend a lot of money getting there, it is time to think local.

No matter where you are there is a winery near you. Most people think about California, New York, Oregon and Washington as being the wine states but there are wineries in every state.

I have heard of six wineries in Louisiana since I have lived in the state. Amato Winery in Independence makes the most of their strawberry crop by creating wines from this fruit. The other wineries offer a larger selection of offerings both from grapes and from other fruits such as blueberries and blackberries.

Full Story: Landry Vineyards is a winery to visit near you - Monroe News Star

Overstone vineyards are planted atop dried riverbeds containing sandy soils, slate and stone. Good soil drainage, moderate temperature and flinty surroundings encourage the vines to concentrate flavors and add minerality, which is what makes up New Zealand's trademark style.

Using Marlborough fruit, head winemaker Grant Edmonds crafts a wine that's loaded with aromas of mango, white peach and almond. This wine also features snappy acidity that builds off flavors of citrus, pineapple and kiwi, finishing dry but balanced, always refreshing and a great alternative to chardonnay.

This wine is great when paired with appetizers like shrimp cocktail or lightly seasoned chicken.

Full Story: Wine of the Week: Overstone Sauvignon Blanc - Post-Bulletin

The Montana Living Land Series consists of four premium quality wines - Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, all from Marlborough, and a Waipara Pinot Gris. All these wines are from the outstanding 2009 vintage.

To celebrate Montana's ongoing commitment to the environment, they have created the Montana Living Land Fund. Montana will donate $1.00 to the dedicated fund for every bottle purchased from the range, with proceeds being used to support a range of environmental initiatives.

The Montana Living Land Fund will initially support the Marlborough Falcon Conservation Trust which aims to restore and reintroduce the native New Zealand Falcon population in Marlborough. On the brink of extinction, the Falcons are effective at deterring other birds that feed on grapes in the vineyards.

Full Story: Montana Celebrates Commitment To The Environment With New Living Land Series - Voxy

2009 Sauvignon Blanc Lemon and grapefruit are the primary aromas in this Sauv Blanc. It also shows slight hints of grass and honey. Flavors are bright and intense with more of those consistent grapefruit tones. It is crisp and bright with fantastic acidity and it finishes up with a long crisp lemony note.

2007 Calaveras County Zinfandel This Zin is a blend of two very cool Calaveras vineyards as well as a new Amador vineyard. Classic Zin aromas of raspberry, blackberry and pepper. It is also showing bright plum, grape and raspberry flavors, along with a touch of oak. It is a well-balanced Zinfandel with fruit, power, spice and grace that finishes with a long and luscious brambly character.

2007 "Trainwreck" Blend A collision of Cab and Syrah, this year with a splash of Petite Sirah. Aromas consist of all-spice, anise and cloves combined with raspberry and blueberry characters. The flavors mirror the blueberry and anise and also have a touch of cut hay, tobacco and cherries. The wine is medium to full bodied. The anise, cherry and blueberry characters linger for a bit and the wine finishes with those flavors.

Full Story: Snap's Coffee House Spring Wine Experience featuring Newsome Harlow Friday ... - Pine Tree