When the sun is shining and temperatures are rising, Sauvignon Blanc is one of my favorite wines for summer. It’s the ideal wine to pair with fresh seafood thrown on the grill and summer salads loaded with all the seasonal produce. Not to mention the ideal summer sipper for poolside get-togethers and sunkissed beach days sprinkled with ocean breezes. Usually Sancerre or New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc are more my style. But I recently discovered the 2022 Dutcher Crossing Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma County and I simply can’t stop sipping this white wine. The winery’s PR team gifted me a package of their wines along with a corn salad recipe to pair with their Sauvignon Blanc. Needless to say, I gave it a whirl and the wine pairing was divine!
Let’s talk a few Sauvignon Blanc details before diving into the recipe. If you’re just here for the good eats, scroll to the bottom of this post.
What Does Sauvignon Blanc Pair With?
Sauvignon Blanc is a highly aromatic white variety with high acidity and fresh tropical or citrus flavors, as well as herbaceous notes. Depending on its wine region of origin and winemaking method, these white wines range from light to medium + body. This is a grape which thrives in cool climates that help preserve its aromatic aromas and flavors. Generally, expect aromas of zesty lime, lemon, grapefruit, honeydew melon, passionfruit, lemongrass, peach, jalapeño, grass, or other herbaceous qualities.
You’ll want to pair Sauvignon Blanc with dishes that either have high acidity to match that of the wine, or have rich, fatty flavors to complement the acidity. Think citrus herb basted scallops, grilled halibut tacos with mango jalapeño salad, or a crispy prosciutto, melon, and stone fruit summer salad recipe. Summer recipes with citrus or fresh herbs are also ideal. Try this citrus salad with fresh mint, succulent avocados, and creamy mozzarella. Alternatively, enjoy this zesty, vibrant wine with flavorful Thai or Vietnamese food.
A good rule of thumb – aromatic wines go well with aromatic dishes full of fresh flavors.
Understanding Sauvignon Blanc Styles
Sauvignon Blanc styles vary significantly by region, though the variety grows around the world. Some of the most well-known wine regions for this variety are Marlborough, New Zealand and Sancerre, France (two of my favorites). New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc tends to have more tropical fruit flavors (passionfruit and gooseberry) whereas Sancerre is more mineral-driven with distinctive flinty notes.
To learn more about different Sauvignon Blanc Styles around the world, download my Complete Guide to Old vs. New World wines from my free resource library.
How Should Sauvignon Blanc Be Served
Since Sauvignon Blanc is an aromatic white wine, it should be served chilled with an ideal serving temperature of 7- 10°C (45-50°F). Over-chilling can mask the beautiful aromas and flavors of this white wine.
Sauvignon Blanc Food Pairing Recipe: Summer Corn Salad
Ingredients
1 16 oz. Bag of frozen corn, cooked to directions and chilled
1 red bell pepper, diced in small pieces
1 clove garlic, minced
1-2 tbsp white onion, finely chopped
1 or 1/2 jalapeño, finely chopped
Juice of 3 limes
½ cup olive oil
Salt, pepper, chili flakes to taste
2 avocados
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Mix all ingredients together, except for avocados and cilantro. Chill overnight or for a few hours if possible. Add fresh chopped cilantro and avocados just before serving.
The Wine Pairing: 2022 Dutcher Crossing Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County
This is such a beautifully complex Sauvignon Blanc with elegant aromas of white peaches, honeydew melon, key lime, plus hints of jasmine and jalapeño. The palate is rich and unctuous thanks to barrel fermentation, yet balanced by crisp, mouthwatering acidity. It’s one of those wines in which you discover something new to love with every sip.
The corn salad recipe perfectly complements this white wine. The sweetness of the corn brings out the fruit flavors of the wine. While the fresh lime juice, jalapeño, and cilantro make the bright acidity and citrus flavors of the Sauvignon Blanc pop. Plus, the richness of the avocado is a delicious contrast to the layered richness of the wine.
Can’t recommend this pairing and this wine enough. Let me know if you give it a go!
Learn more about Dutcher Crossing Winery here.
