It’s time for a touch of summer in the winter… well, summer flavours at least. Unless you’ve been able to escape to warmer climates, you could likely use a reminder that winter does end! Turn your thermostat up a few degrees for the evening and open a bottle of this week’s wine, Babich Black Label Sauvignon Blanc 2021. As the first sip takes you back to summers past, cook up some mussels, shrimp, or other cuisine that calls sunshine and patios to mind. Note: if you call for take-out, it will make this feel like summer vacation!
Tasting Notes: Babich Black Label Sauvignon Blanc is 100% estate Sauvignon Blanc, encapsulating the bright citrus, fleshy tropical fruit and light herbal profile of the New Zealand style. Aromas of guava and grapefruit are followed by gooseberry, stone fruit and a touch of mango on the palate. The flavours show great intensity and close in a mouth-watering finish of minerality and lingering fruit.
Enjoy With: Seafood dishes like mussels, oysters, pan-fried shrimp, and oven-roasted salmon. This Sauvignon is also great with roast chicken or turkey, or for lighter fare like herb-rubbed goat cheese and baguette.
Style: A dry, crisp, fruity white wine.
Terroir/Region: Marlborough, New Zealand was the region that revolutionized Sauvignon Blanc. From the mid-1980s, NZ SB began winning international wine awards and gaining recognition, so by the time the global wine community was off its Pinot Grigio kick and ready for something more flavourful, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc was ready and waiting.
Producer: We think of New Zealand as relatively new to the global wine stage, but Babich has been at it for over 100 years now! The family has progressed over those years to have access to fantastic vineyards, many of which are estate (family) owned, like those used for Black Label. The insider knowledge it has is unparalleled in the region, and you can taste it in your first sip.
Availability: Babich Black Label Sauvignon Blanc 2021 is available on Saturday, March 4 in the Vintages section of your local LCBO or for online ordering, but a few stores may already have it on the shelf.
Check LCBO store inventory
Price: $21.95
LCBO #: 9142
Size: 750 mL
Alcohol Content: 13.0% alc./vol.
