Reviews: Satellite Sauvignon Blanc 2010
The Satellite Savignon Blanc is an Un-Oaked wine. Instead of being aged in oak barrels, Satellite is aged "on the lees." The Lees are the dead and residual yeast used to ferment the wine. This kind of aging is called "Sur Lie" (on lees) can impart a toasty hazelnut or "bready" flavor to some Chardonnays and can help blunt the influence of oak. Since Satellite isn't aged in oak, it keeps all of the fresh and lively flavor of the grape.
Here's what you can expect: A very fresh tasting wine without the influence of oak. The taste is a sweet mandarin orange and grapefruit along with some strong floral notes of elderflower. It's a pretty light wine that is great as a before dinner drink, but I'm afraid it will be a little too easily overwhelmed by full meals. On its own or with some lite appetizers it will be great, especially for the price (around $13). The only warning I would give is to drink it within one or two days of opening as the flavor seemed to escape my bottle rather quickly; even with attempts at preservation.
Our Rating: *** 1/2 (Recommended) Price: $13 www.spyvalleywine.co.nz
