With the 2024 Memorial Day holiday fast approaching and picnics and warm-weather feasts on everyone’s mind, it’s a perfect time to talk about options for summer wines. And yet, it seems that year after year, the focus is always on the sweeter wines that seem synonymous with picnics. This year, however, we’re turning that trend on its ear with a truly delicious and infinitely delightful drier wine in the form of Chloe Sauvignon Blanc. However, don’t fret if you like lighter-styled wines, as this Chloe will surely please your palate.

New Zealand SauvBlancs have become all the rage in white wine circles lately. Although some see it as a “phase” or being “trendy,” there’s truly a method to this Marlborough madness. New Zealand is world-renowned for its Sauvignon Blancs. Wine and Whiskey Globe recently reported on why they are so popular (check out the article here) and on the magic of the varietal, in general (here and here). However, I recently (and quite accidentally) picked up a bottle of what I consider the best of the bunch while shopping at my local Costco, and I wanted to share my discovery with you!

What I like most about this 2022 Chloe Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect balance exhibited by its aromas and flavors. Marlborough SBs tend to be intensely acidic, sometimes to the near distraction of the wine’s overall effect. You see it in some of the huge names – Kim Crawford, Oyster Bay, Elmstone – to name a few. The acidity, dryness, and grapefruit flavors can sometimes dominate. Yet for most “summer party” wine drinkers, a lighter, more moderated, and evenly balanced wine is preferred. Do you want to have to think about the wine, or simply have a good time?

The Chloe offers precisely that. The next evening, after chilling the bottle overnight, I opened it and let it sit for about 30 minutes prior to serving. The wine was magical! The initial aromas were intensely fruity, with freshly cut grapefruit, pineapple, green apple, and lychee leading the charge, backed by hints of lemon zest, honeysuckle, green grape juice, and fresh rosemary. The mouthfeel was light and fruity but dry, with just a hint of sweetness balancing the acidity. The initial sip had a tinge of acidic tingle but balanced nicely with the fruit. With the grapefruit, pineapple, and lychee all battling for dominance, the overall impact is one of “tropical goodness,” nicely balanced with light fruitiness, sweetness, and acidity.

My greatest takeaway with this wine is the impression of balance. It accentuates the fruit without cloying sweetness or excessive acidity. That aspect is critical to the wine’s success as a summertime pleaser – it’s a perfect intersection between clean, refreshing, and quality. It’s a “no excuses” wine that can fill a variety of niches. You can serve it as proudly to wine snobs as you can to your beer buddies – they’ll both appreciate the wine!