Meiomi Sauvignon Blanc

Meiomi Sauvignon Blanc comes from California and carries the label better known for its Pinot Noir. The producer describes it as a bright, crisp, fruit-forward white, with citrus and tropical fruit character and a fresh, clean finish. Expect a light-to-medium body and lively acidity, in line with most unoaked California Sauvignon Blanc. Citrus such as lime, grapefruit and lemon typically leads. Tropical notes like pineapple or passion fruit add some ripeness, which makes the wine feel more generous than a leaner, grassier style. The producer doesn't list oak treatment, so treat it as a fresh, tank-style white with no toasty or buttery edge. There are no tannins to speak of, as with any white of this type, and the finish should be clean and quick. That profile suits food with its own acidity or herbal character. Goat cheese, feta and fresh mozzarella are straightforward matches, as are green salads with a lemon vinaigrette, grilled asparagus, and dishes built on fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro or dill. Shellfish, ceviche, grilled white fish and shrimp tacos with lime work well because the wine's acidity acts like a squeeze of citrus. It can also stand up to mildly spicy Thai and Vietnamese dishes, where the tropical fruit softens the heat. Rich cream sauces and heavily smoked meats are better left to fuller whites. Serve it well chilled, about 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C). That is roughly three hours in the refrigerator, or 30 minutes in an ice bucket for a warm bottle. Pull it out a few minutes before pouring so the fruit has room to open. Decanting isn't needed, since a wine like this has no tannic structure to soften. A standard white wine glass with a moderately narrow bowl is the right choice. It concentrates the citrus and tropical aromas and keeps the wine cool in the hand longer than a wide red-wine bowl. This is a drink-now bottle. Styles like this are made for freshness and are usually best within a couple of years of release, because the bright citrus and tropical notes fade with time rather than deepen. Once opened, recork or reseal it and keep it in the refrigerator. It will hold its character for about three days.