Zing for Spring: New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs

Now that it's officially spring, it's time to put some zing in your step--and in your wine glass, too.

If you've got a bit of the late winter doldrums, why not get yourself a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand? This always does the trick for me, and puts me in the mood for the warmer months and longer days ahead.

I've had two bottles of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc recently that I liked. Both qualify as excellent QPR, and come in at different price points. One is just under $20, and the other just under $15.

The 2008 Matua Sauvignon Blanc Lime is the more straightforward of the two, and has the lower price point. (suggested retail $13; available for $7-$19) At present, this wine is all about the lime. There is tangy lime zest in the aromas, and lime juice in the palate with fresh herbal notes coming forward as the wine is exposed to air. It's tang and refreshing--the perfect spring into summer sipper.

The 2008 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc has greater complexity and a slightly higher pricepoint--but it's still a great buy. (suggested retail $19; available for $14-23) Year in and year out this is a winner. This year, the wine has persistent, focused pink grapefruit and lime zest aromas and flavors. Herbal and mineral notes linger in your mouth after you've swallowed. This is an exceptionally flavorful wine for the price, and a great example of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

You can't go wrong with either of these wines this spring.

Full Disclosure: I received these wines as samples.