Sauvignon Blanc is “Springtime in a Glass”

I don’t know about you, but this is the time of year, quite frankly, where I find the weather to be downright depressing. Sometimes I feel that if there’s one more forecast of a gray, drizzly day I’m going to drop everything and book the next flight to Hawaii.

But spring is right around the corner, and the prospects of drier, sunnier days and warmer temperatures always seem to be just enough to lift the spirits of anyone in the Pacific Northwest.

For many wine drinkers, nothing says springtime in a glass better than a crisp, light sauvignon blanc. Served well chilled, this dry white wine pairs nicely with crab, shellfish, poultry and creamy pasta dishes. Although the grape originated in France, it is now widely grown in the wine producing regions of Australia and New Zealand, South Africa, Chile and Argentina and the United States.

Here are a few suggestions I’ve enjoyed as of late that will help you get a jump on the spring season:

From Washington’s Columbia Valley, the Gordon Brothers 2006 Sauvignon Blanc (about $11) makes an excellent choice. It’s slightly herbaceous to start, followed by touches of honeydew melon and citrus. With a .7 percent residual sugar content, you might also notice a faint bit of sweetness on the finish.

The Chateau Bonnet 2006 White Bordeaux (about $10) uses sauvignon blanc as a base, with two other white wine varietals – semillon and muscadelle – blended in. It has a pleasant, somewhat fruity aroma, pale straw color and flavors of citrus and grapefruit. At the $10 a bottle price I think it’s a terrific bargain.

If you like your wines a bit on the sassy side, try the Matahiwi Estate 2006 Sauvignon Blanc (about $17) from New Zealand. With plenty of gooseberry and lime flavors and bracing acidity it’s perfect for springtime sipping. The wine should be available at the Barkley Village Haggen store.