The Wild White, better known as Sauvignon Blanc, is one of the most widely planted grapes around the globe, having acreage in almost every wine region in the world because of its wide range of flavors, depending on the terroir. The grape is related to Traminer, and originates in the south of France. Depending on the environment in which the grapes are grown, and on how ripe the grapes are at harvest, the flavor profile can range from fruits of lime, green apple, and passion fruit, to white peach. What makes Sauvignon Blanc unique from other white wines are the complimentary herbaceous flavors like bell pepper, jalapeño, gooseberry, and grass. These characteristics come from aromatic compounds called pyrazines, and the secret to its signature style.

You gotta be Sancerre! You gotta be Sancerre! You gotta feel it here, ’Cause if you feel it here, well, then you’re gonna be honestly Sancerre! Conrad Birdie (Bye, Bye, Birdie) understood how to get to a woman’s heart! Take a tip for Mother’s day! Up in the Loire Valley of France, in the Centre Région, you can find the most beautiful, high-acid, medium-body, food-friendly wine, with a little chill on it. After all, the farmer’s markets are bringing in those raspberries, strawberries, rhubarb, crisp lettuce, and melons. All of which will sit well next to your glass of Pinot Noir. You thought Sancerre only meant Sauvignon Blanc? Honestly, sincere!

How many things have passed by, and then became new again by some re-inventor that thought “Hey, this was so cool we need to show the world this thing again.”? This happens over and over again, like the swinging of a pendulum. Think about music styles, “retro” fads, and clothing styles. Did any of you ladies ever think that banana purses would come back in style? They look funky cool but really, how do you organize a banana purse? It was extremely frustrating, but you just had to have one.

With the back-to-school season upon us, this is a good time to go back to “wine” school and get down to basics; to go back to the root of your wine enthusiasm. Whether you drink wine for sport or edification, it always enriches the experience to get down to the roots. Going back to basics is always a good exercise, to not only enhance your experience, but to refresh the mind and awaken your palate to new experiences.