Ordering wine at a non-wine place can feel like rolling the dice. Is the wine stored in a freezing bar fridge, or by the radiator in the boss’s office? Will they serve it in a beer glass? Will anyone have a corkscrew, or at least know how to use one?
Fortunately, I know how to set myself up for success: Order something New World, young-ish, and enjoyable at any temperature. Don’t overpay. Extra points if it’s good with bar food.
Cheapo Malbecs are usually a good call, and New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs. That’s how I ended up with this Sea Pearl Marlborough Sauv Blanc while out at a show with friends.
Sea Pearl is named after the Pāua shell (Abalone, to us Yanks). Similar to that iridescent sea creature shifting colors, it showcases a lot of range of vibrant flavors that capture your attention.
The Marlborough vineyards that produced this wine are located in the Awatere Valley sub-region of New Zealand. The valley is drier and cooler than nearby regions, resulting in a longer growing season, smaller grapes, and Sauvignon Blancs known for their intensity.
Sea Pearl pours out from its colorful bottle as a pale straw color. Even served in a plastic cup at approximately freezing temperature, aromas of passion fruit puree and ripe papaya leapt over the rim. There’s some sour gooseberry (wife: “cats”) and canned peaches.
We sip it as the curtain rises. Good lordy, this is a high-acid wine! Like a limeade with easy ice. Bottled lime juice, pineapple, and grapefruit dominate the flavor list. As it warms, it displays a nice ginger note that goes quite well with all the citrus and tropical fruit. Light in body, fairly short finish. I eat it with greasy nachos and a whole bowl of pickled jalapenos and decide that this was a perfect pairing.
This bottle isn’t available retail in my area–I checked–but I would absolutely drink it again. It’s a good value if you like your Sauv Blanc full of fruit and tart as heck.
Bottle: Sea Pearl Sauvignon Blanc (2023)
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
ABV: 12.5%
Suggested retail: $13
My rating: 7.5 (out of 10)
Further Reading:
Winesellers Limited (Importer): Sea Pearl Sauvignon Blanc
Wine Enthusiast: Sea Pearl 2023 Sauvignon Blanc (88 Points, Best Buy)
Review disclosure: I was not compensated or provided any free products for this review. Opinions expressed on The Wine Fairy blog are entirely my own.
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