Compared to the diverse and detailed Sparkling Wine history, Sauvignon is pretty tame and straightforward. Here in the Finger Lakes, we offer 2 kinds: Blanc and Cabernet.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a green-skinned grape that originates from the Bordeaux region of France. It’s believed that the name comes from the French words sauvage (“wild”) and blanc (“white”) due to its early origins as a native grape. Sauv Blanc first found its way to the US, California particularly, in the 1880s. It’s not an overly common find here in the Finger Lakes, but you’ll stumble upon a few here and there.
Our cooler climate produces Blancs that are on the tropical fruit side vs. a grassier taste the warmer climates produce. Sauvignon Blanc is typically stainless steel aged, though there’s a variety called Fumé Blanc that is a blend of stainless aged grapes and oak aged grapes.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is the more common of the two Sauvs and is the world’s most commonly recognized red wine grape, even though it’s a fairly new grape in comparison to other Bordeaux-style grapes. Cab Sauv is the offspring of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. Researchers believe the two crossed by chance sometime in the 17th century.
Alone, it makes incredibly hearty red wines with high tannins and noticeable acidity. It tends to have black cherry and currant notes, hints of vanilla, and hints of delightful oak aging. It’s also ‘plays will with others’ and is a favorite grape to combine with others to make stellar blended wines.
Pairing these with food
Sauvignon Blanc pairs similarly to that of Riesling. It goes great with poultry and seafood. Some examples are tomato and cilantro marinated chicken, lemon garlic scallops, grilled goat cheese toast, and even deviled eggs.
The Fumé Blanc can also be paired with Asian or Mediterranean dishes.
Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with hearty stews- both beef and vegetable, prime rib, portabella mushrooms, and even dark chocolate.
Don’t be afraid to cook with these, either. The Cab goes great in beef stews and bourguignon dishes. The Blanc can be used to deglaze pans with vegetables or create sauces for light chicken dishes.
Check out these offers along the trail* for the entire month of March
Montezuma Winery- currently sold out. Stay tuned for news on the much-awaited bottling of the newest vintage.
Swedish Hill Winery-
- 2016 Optimus, red blend of Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, and Merlot. 2 bottles for $40
Varick Winery-
- Complimentary tasting of 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon with purchase of standard tasting
Knapp Winery-
- Complimentary tasting of their newly released Cabernet Sauvignon
- $1 off a bottle, in-store only
Goose Watch Winery-
- 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2 bottles for $32
Buttonwood Grove Winery-
- Complimentary tasting with purchase of a standard tasting:
- March 1-11: Cabernet Sauvignon
- March 12-21: Marnie Ann, Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Merlot blend
- March 22-31: 11 Barrel Blend– Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Lemberger, Merlot blend
- 15% off on 3 bottles or more of the featured wine during the time it’s featured. No other discounts apply.
Toro Run Winery-
- Fiesta del Toro, blend of Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, and Merlot- $10 bottles. (Plus an additional 10% off with full case purchase. No other discounts apply.)
- Complimentary tasting with purchase of a standard tasting
Thirsty Owl Wine Co.– currently sold out. Stay tuned for news on the much-awaited bottling of the newest vintage.
Hosmer Winery-
- Free shipping on all cases of 2020 Sauvignon Blanc
Lucas Vineyards-
- Complimentary tasting of 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon or Red Vinifera Blend (made with Cab Sauv, Syrah, and Cab Franc) with the purchase of a standard tasting flight.
Americana Vineyards-
- 20% off 2 bottles or more of Cabernet Sauvignon, in-store only, or by phone
Long Point Winery-
- Receive an additional 5% off standard quantity discounts of 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, in-store only, or by phone
- 10% off 3 to 5 bottles
- 15% off 6 to 11 bottle
- 20% off 12 or more
*At participating wineries