As the temperature begins to dip and we get closer to winter, I usually start switching to drinking more red wine.  However, I do like to keep some wine chilled and ready in the fridge.  Since it doesn't necessarily get "cold" in Florida, there does happen to be those days when it gets a little warm and a nice cold glass of white is needed.  Or in the instance where you have company that will only drink white.

One of my favorite regions for amazing value white wine is Marlborough New Zealand.  I have written about New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc before, but feel like they worth another pick.  The Sauvignon Blanc's that are made here are always so refreshing.  It seems like there are hundreds of different ones and many can taste pretty cheap, but most are very good quality and extremely affordable.  Many people can have a love/hate relationship with New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs.  Some people feel that they can be too herbaceous and grapefruity.  Sometimes this is the case, but if you find the best ones, they have a wonderful balance of earthiness and fruitiness.

There are many that I find to be very good, but one that always seems to taste delicious and be an excellent value is the 2021 Giesen Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.  This has two 90-point scores from both Big Jim Suckling and Wine Enthusiast.  Wine Enthusiast also named it the #52 Top 100 Best Value Wine of 2022! "Aromas and flavors are subtle and layered, reminiscent of peach skin, lime, grapefruit and jalapeño. There’s a roundness to the midpalate and the acidity is bright and well-integrated, with the flavors flowing gently through to the finish."

So even though we are making our way into winter and colder temperatures, it is still a good idea to keep a bottle of white chilled in the fridge just in case.  If you don't want to spend too much, then make it a bottle of Giesen because at just about $10, it cannot be beat!

Giesen Sauvignon Blanc 2021

-Patrick Mulrooney