The 2012 Novas Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from certified organic vineyards in the San Antonio Valley DO of Chile. Novas means “birth of a star” and is one of Emiliana Vineyards line of 100% sustainably farmed, organically grown wines. Many of the wines from Chile in this price range (lists for $16, but is available on the web from $12 to $15) come from the Central Valley, which is the leading wine-producing region in Chile. The San Antonio Valley is located inside the Aconcagua Valley on the Pacific Coast of central Chile. Here the cold breezes off the ocean provides a long, cool growing season. This Sauvignon Blanc is hand harvested and fermented in stainless steel vats and then is aged for 8 months “on lees” (with the dead yeast bits and grape residue still in the vats), also in stainless steel vats. The alcohol content is 13% (bottle) or 13.3% (website).
The color is golden-yellow with a hint of olive-green. The nose is huge, copious amounts of fresh grapefruit, kiwi, peach, along with intense floral and herbal notes. This is a Sauvignon Blanc with a little bit of weight to it and an interesting mix of tart and earthy flavors. It starts with a blast of sharp, tart grapefruit (it gets your attention), that is balanced by melon, fresh herbs and lemon. The mid-palate brings dried apricot, unsweetened pineapple and a brush of minerality. The acidity will have you smacking your lips, nothing out of balance, the acidity does not bite, but this is a wine that will pair well with food. The finish is full and lingers for some time.
Sustainably farmed, organically grown, very reasonably priced, with a somewhat unique take on Sauvignon Blanc, the Novas Gran Reserva Sauv Blanc is an extremely worthwhile wine. It does not taste like New Zealand, France or California, the Novas makes its own statement. Very well made, this wine has wonderful length, the flavors keep developing with every sip. If you are a fan of Sauvignon Blanc, the Novas should definitely be on your to-do list. This is a bells and whistles Sauvignon Blanc at an affordable price.
this wine was received as a sample
