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| OHCC LIVING | APRIL 2023 | 33 Hailing from Western France in the Loire Valley and the general Bordeaux region, Sauvignon Blanc is known for its herbaceous, grassy notes that blend with tropical fruits and tart citrus. Its overall crispness often becomes a bit juicier in warmer climates. Most Sauvignon Blanc ferments in stainless steel vats rather than oak barrels, which gives it a straightforward flavor. Those versions that age in oak take on dill, nutmeg and coconut notes, along with a customary vanilla and butter combination. This varietal can grow in cooler and warmer climates, but temperatures that are too warm don't allow the grapes to develop their complex flavors. The natural range for Sauvignon Blanc is a combination of maritime and continental climates, where the grape can ripen more slowly and achieve its full potential. Within France, there are two main regions that produce the best French Sauvignon Blanc: the Loire Valley and Bordeaux. These regions just happen to be where the grape has its deepest origins. Interestingly, you won't often find Sauvignon Blanc on the label. You're more likely to see the wine go by the name of the appellation or the village instead. The Loire region extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the Loire River, but the primary growing region for Sauvignon Blanc is centered around the Upper Loire. Harsh winds, frost and even fog can affect the grapes during their early growing season, although the valley also features summer sunshine mixed with rain. Regardless of the time of year, there is a significant change between its daytime and nighttime temperatures. Unlike the Loire Valley, Bordeaux doesn't put its focus on Sauvignon Blanc wines by themselves. Instead, Bordeaux produces its most common blend Bordeaux Blanc in which Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc appear in varying proportions. Of course, no guide to Sauvignon Blanc would be complete without mentioning two other regions known for their versions of the wine - California and New Zealand. Sauvignon Blanc from California comes from Sonoma and Napa Valley, where it is often fuller-bodied, with sweeter, juicier fruits. Fume Blanc, with its oak barrel aging, softens the herbal profile. The Sauvignon Blanc wines from New Zealand, primarily Marlborough, continue the French trend of zippiness and high acidity. They also add more noticeable tropical fruit notes thanks to abundant sunshine. Adapted from an article on JJ Buckley Fine Wines website. Wine Tasting Club Happy spring OHCC! We hope that you are ready for new travels and adventures with us! We are excited to share the details on our trips and club events. Programs: All our programs start with a social hour, with light refreshments at 6:30 pm in Abravanel Hall. Programs start at 7 pm. May 8: We are extremely pleased that our guest speaker will be Will Reese from AFC Vacations. It is always interesting to hear about their trips because they offer pick up to and from your home! He should also highlight the "New Mexico" trip in October. Sept. 11: Our guest speakers will be Bob and Jean Johnson. They will be sharing details from their cruise of Southeast Asia where they toured China, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. Trips April 13: We are off to The Huntington Gardens, which includes a 60-minute guided Estate Outdoor Walking Tour. We'll also have time to explore some of the 130 acres of magnificent gardens. This trip is SOLD OUT; however, there is a wait list. Aug. 1: We are traveling to the fabulous Pageant of The Masters, a Travel Club favorite destination in Laguna Beach! Presented in an outdoor amphitheater, this 90-minute show presents "living pictures" recreating classical and contemporary works of art, with real people posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces. The theme is "Art Colony: In the Company of Artists." Oct.13 - Oct. 18: Join us as we travel with the AFC tour company to New Mexico to the Annual Balloon Festival where over 100 hot air balloons from around the world will participate in a Mass Ascension. We already have 32 members signed up for this trip! Complete information about each of our trips is on flyers available in the Clubhouse. Being put on our wait lists is actually like signing up for a trip. Please leave a check, with proof of vaccination attached, made out to the OH Travel Club and put it in the Travel Club envelope at the Clubhouse front desk. Add $5 if you're not a member of the Club. Stay tuned as more trips will be announced as details are finalized. We certainly hope you will come and join us at one of our events! Your Travel Club Board: Callie Dean, Donna Wessel-Graham, Lynn Opelka, Amy Blount, and Judy Buoniconti Travel Club