Imported by Turner Wine Imports, the Surazo 2009 Sauvignon Blanc is an impressive white wine. This classically styled wine from Chile’s Rapel Valley is wonderfully aromatic, refreshingly crisp, and a good value on today’s wine market.

Chile’s Rapel Valley is a sub-region of the Central Valley Appellation. The Capital city of Santiago and the majority of the vines are found in the long Central Valley Appellation. Wine growing conditions here are similar to some of the best wine growing areas of California.

In terms of wine from South America, Chile is the second largest wine producer and the continent’s largest exporter of wine. Two-thirds of its total production is exported. While Chile stretches almost 3,000 miles in length, occupying most of South America’s Pacific coast, it is sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains. The country is very narrow, rarely more than 100 miles wide over most of its length. Most of Chile’s vineyards are in the central section of the country.

The Surazo Sauvignon Blanc 2009 is an example of the quality and value Chilean wine has to offer.

Tasting notes:

A pale straw color in the glass, with aromas of tree fruit and floral notes on the nose. On the palate, a flavor profile of melon and citrus fruit with mineral notes. The mouth-feel is full and rich, and given the wine’s relatively high alcohol level (14%), the wine still remains crisp and balanced. A long finish completes this refreshingly dry white wine.

Food pairing ideas:

Serve chilled as a cocktail if desired, or pair with seafood, fried fish and fish dishes that have cream-based sauces. Also pair with grilled herb chicken, summer salads and Asian Cuisine.