2025 Wood Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc With a New Food Pairing
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
When going out for Chinese food at a new establishment, we have established a basic “criteria” to determine the quality of the food. We order at least three items but always: Hot & Sour soup, Lemon chicken and Honey Walnut Prawns. If they pass this test, we will return. Tonight, my wife decided to make Lemon chicken which she had never prepared before. It turned out fabulously and we may never eat Chinese food out again!
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
An interesting fact about this wine is its history. The grapes come from the Louis Mel Ranch that was originally planted in 1883. The cuttings were brought over by Charles Wetmore from Chateau Yquem. Louis Mel’s wife, Marie, was good friends with Marquise de Lur-Saluces, long-time owners of Chateau Yquem. Wente later acquired the property and eventually morphed the vineyards to be the renowned Sauvignon Blanc Clone FPS01.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Wood Family Vineyards does makes two different Sauvignon Blanc wines, this is their stainless-steel version. This stainless-steel fermented version is similar to a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with grapefruit, lemon grass, etc. However, this is just a bit “tamer and more subdued” than a New Zealand, yet zesty, bright and lively. On the eyes there is a tantalizing light golden coloring and medium viscosity making one think it to be “light”. However, that is not the case at all. On the nose aromas of lemon grass and tropical floral rise to meet the imbiber. On the palate, the strong flavors of grapefruit and lemon grass swirl about like a party in the mouth inviting one to partake in the merriment. Even a strong hint of lime was present. Layers of discerning flavors unfold to the imbiber. Mostly tart with a faint hint of pineapple and passion fruit to soften the experience. On the finish, a puckering and enjoyable lemon zest and lime are present. Only 300 cases were produced, and the wine will be released in February 2026, priced at $34/bottle with 14% alcohol.
This wine will make my annual Best Wines tasted in 2026!
The Food and Wine Pairing – “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Historically we have paired Sauvignon Blanc with seared Mahi Mahi, Swordfish, sashimi or Petrale Sole topped with fruit. We also paired Sauvignon Blanc with a light pork chop. We have never paired this with chicken, but the Lemon in the chicken seemed to beg this citrus Sauvignon Blanc.
While Lemon chicken may sound pedestrian, it requires a bit of work. The chicken is twice fried in batter and then the sauce is poured over it to be served. The stay-crisp frying batter is made with corn flour, cornstarch, kosher salt, baking powder and cold soda water. The chicken breasts are fillet in half and cooked in canola oil. The lemon sauce ingredients include cornstarch, chicken broth, lemon juice, white sugar, garlic, ginger and Chinese cooking wine. Served garnished with lemon slices and finely sliced green onion. The actual process does require refrigerating the batter, pounding the chicken, preheating the oil, finishing the batter, frying the chicken (1st time), cooling it down, preparing the lemon sauce, frying the chicken (2nd time) then dousing with lemon sauce to be served.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Accompanied by homemade fried rice with eggs, peas and even freshly cut bacon. Also, a large artichoke was served which contains cynarin, a compound that can make wines taste sweet. Artichokes share an herbal green and grassy profile that was found in the wine.
The food pairing was spot on with the crisp, tart and citrusy flavors complementing the citrus qualities of the wine. And the artichoke was a bonus.
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Wood Family Vineyards, located in eastern Livermore Valley with Rhonda Wood owner & winemaker, has been producing award winning wines for over two decades. You can read more on her background from airline pilot to award winning winemaker at:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2016/02/10/wood-family-vineyards-2
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly