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Did you know that SAUVIGNON BLANC is the perfect wine for summer? Thanks to its fruit-forward flavors which compliment a diversity of summer menus like picnic fried chicken, grilled chicken or seafood at a BBQ, and even cucumber sandwiches at a garden party.

Sauvignon Blancs are made from white grapes that originated in France and New Zealand, but are now increasingly popular and successfully grown in California. The California grapes produce Sauvignon Blancs that are crisp and refreshing with hints of asparagus, lemon, lime, grapefruit, nectarine, melon, pear or green herbs.

If you’re new to wine drinking, Sauvignon Blancs are also the perfect vino to begin learning about wine tasting since the flavor profiles are straight forward and easy to recognize. Swirl, sniff, sip and enjoy!

Here’s my list of current favorites, most under $30:

Altamura 2008 ($48)
Angeline Russian River Valley 2010 ($15)
Astrolabe Marlborough 2011 ($18)
Clif Family RTE 2012 ($24)
Geyser Peak 2012 ($14)
Joel Gott 2011 ($15)
Kristine Ashe Entre Nous 2009 ($38)
Margerum Sybarite 2011 ($20)
Merry Edwards Russian River Valley 2011 ($35)
Peter Michael L’Apres-Midi 2011 ($50)
Rutherford Hill 2010 ($18)
Quivara Fig Tree 2012 ($22)
Spottswoode ($36)
Vogelzang Birdsong 2012 ($24)
Voss ($18)