Wines Less Traveled: Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc derives its name from the French Sauvage meaning "wild, savage, or unspoiled" which is quite apropriate for this grape which can have certain rough edges in its often very high acidity and some of the oddball flavors that crop up (grass and cat urine come to mind).  However, this is the fun of this, my all time favorite white grape.  It can thrive in many climates often transforming itself without losing the core of its being.  France and New Zealand of course but California, Washington and Chile have all produced world class examples.  Sauv Blanc can also produce very ageable whites especially from the Pessac-Leognan region of Bordeaux and would give white Burgundy a run for its money as France's greatest white wine.  The following wines all capture the essance of Sauv Blanc while using its savagenss to their advantage and at great prices to boot!