Zarpara Sauvignon Blanc: Young but well done

Arizona’s white wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, have been on an impressive ascent for over 7 years now. This is great news for those of us who would like to “buy local” whenever possible and also happen to crave seafood. Now that brings to mind an interesting pairing possibility, wine from our desert benches and fish from our high country!

So when the heat really starts to swelter in a couple months, and all you want is to eat something light, be sure to include a local Sauvignon Blanc with the menu. It is an amazing way to cool off after enduring the unrelenting furnace that’s on its way. Fortunately, our Arizona vintners are offering a ready solution!

Showing off Arizona’s Willcox region’s Sauvignon Blanc’s fruity citrus flavors, well-behaved earthiness, and surprisingly balanced acidity, Zarpara Vineyards’ small lot family-operated production (known elsewhere as boutique prices to match) is a total treat. Their very current offering of 2013 Sauvignon Blanc hits an excellent quality level, featuring all the elements of many California wines. At a cost of $22 when ordered from their online store, this is quite a good value.

If possible, pair with mess of Arizona high country trout or a giant pan of Rocky Point shrimp. You can check for Zarpara at these outlets:

Phoenix – Wedge & Bottle in Ahwatukee

Chandler – AJs Ray Road

Tucson – Plaza Liquors

Sedona – Made in Arizona

Prescott – Park Plaza Liquor & Deli.

Also check Zarpara’s purchase page.

But you may need to order it online. Note that they will ship anywhere in Arizona.

Because the bouquet of this wine comes forward just fine with moderate chill, serve it from the fridge after about 45 minutes (50-55 degrees).

You can also sample Zarpara’s wines (plus many others) and buy all you want at the Southeast Arizona Wine Growers & Music Festival in Eligin on April 19th. There are a couple of good reasons to do this, one, to get a look at S.E. Arizona’s wine country, and two, to guarantee that your wine stays cool. Just haul it home yourself with the A/C blasting!