The Blue Shell Sauvignon Blanc 2020 is a $6.99 Trader Joe’s import wine sourced from vineyards in the Languedoc region of southeast France. The label says the location is the “Southern French Coast,” which makes sense since the Languedoc runs along the Mediterranean Ocean.
This is an IGP (Indication Geographique Protégée) classified wine; it is a European Union designation that means the wine represents the region but does not conform with all the rules and regulations of the top classified wines (AOC in France). It is also a Vin de Pays d’Oc wine which is the pre-European Union classification. In this case, meaning a wine made with reduced rules that were sourced from the Languedoc (that is where the d’Oc comes from).
The Blue Shell Sauvignon Blanc 2020, as a typical Trader Joe’s import wine, does not offer tasting or technical notes. But, there are details we can figure out. As a 2020 vintage, it is a young wine that is not made to be aged and should be enjoyed sooner rather than later.
Sauvignon Blanc is a wine that does extremely well as a young wine. The Bordeaux Blanc wines, which are Sauvignon Blanc mixed with Semillion, can be produced to allow the wine to be cellared for twenty-five years or more. But when made with simpler techniques makes a bright, floral wine with an abundance of flavor.
The Blue Shell Sauvignon Blanc 2020 is an attractive package. The label is simple but good-looking, and the bottle has a subtle but interesting shape. The Languedoc in France is the region that supplies the French, and other countries, with affordable wines. There are a few towns that have upscale wines, but the bulk of the wine is value-priced.
Besides Bordeaux, the main Sauvignon Blanc area in France is the Loire Valley, with the district of Sancerre being the most well-known. The regular Sauv Blanc wines of the Loire Valley are often well-priced and are worth seeking out. The alcohol content is 12.5%.
Blue Shell Sauvignon Blanc 2020 Tasting Notes
The color is a clean, clear, pale wheat yellow. The nose is very floral with green apple, lemon, lime, grapefruit, peach, pear, light mint, and a touch of honey. None of the aromas are big and bold; it is more delicate and pretty. The Blue Shell Sauvignon Blanc 2020 balanced, fruit-forward, dry Sauvignon Blanc.
It tastes like a mix of lemon, Anjou pear, orange peel, followed by ripe peach and grapefruit. The mid-palate adds soft tangerine and green apple, with a hint of orange blossom honey. Again, the flavors are balanced, and the acidity gives the Blue Shell Sauvignon Blanc 2020 a bright edge and a pleasing personality.
The Summary
- The Blue Shell Sauvignon Blanc 2020 is an excellent, well-priced summer wine.
- I am no longer surprised when an inexpensive wine, $6.99, turns out to be a very drinkable, enjoyable wine.
- If you do not have a great deal of experience with French Sauvignon Blanc wine, the Blue Shell Sauvignon Blanc 2020 is a good affordable place to start.
