Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc

Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc is a California white listed at 13.5% ABV, made in the crisp, aromatic style the grape is known for. The producer's own description points to bright citrus and tropical fruit with a zesty finish. In practice, expect grapefruit, lime and lemon zest up front, with passion fruit or pineapple adding ripeness in the mid-palate. California Sauvignon Blanc often also carries a green note, such as cut grass or freshly snapped herbs. The body is typically light to medium, with lively acidity that keeps the fruit from feeling heavy. Tannin is effectively absent in a white like this, and a wine of this type is usually fermented and held in stainless steel rather than oak. Expect a clean, bright texture and a dry, refreshing finish rather than any toasty or buttery character. At 13.5% the alcohol sits in a moderate range for California, and it shouldn't read as hot or heavy when properly chilled. At the table, the acidity makes it a natural partner for foods that carry their own sharpness or green flavors. Goat cheese, fresh chèvre salads, grilled asparagus and dishes built on lemon, lime or fresh herbs all line up well. It also handles shellfish, ceviche, grilled white fish, and Thai or Vietnamese dishes where lime and cilantro play a role. Lighter chicken preparations with pesto or a squeeze of citrus work too, while heavy cream sauces and red meat will overpower it. Serve it well chilled, around 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C), which keeps the citrus sharp and the finish clean. A few hours in the refrigerator, or about 30 minutes in an ice bucket, usually gets it there. No decanting is needed. A standard white wine glass with a moderately narrow rim concentrates the citrus and tropical aromas without letting them fade. This is a drink-now bottle: Sauvignon Blanc in this style is built for freshness rather than cellaring, so it's best opened within a year or two of purchase while the fruit is at its brightest.