Root 1 Sauvignon Blanc

By Chris and Sherry Hardie

It’s always a bit surprising when we see last year’s vintages hit the shelves so soon into 2013, but in South America this year’s harvest nears while we settle in to survive the last six weeks of winter.

Root 1 is a Chilean winery whose name reflects its original, ungrafted root systems that were untouched by the phylloxera infestation that nearly destroyed Europe’s vineyards, which survived when they grafted vines to American rootstock. The vines in South America also were spared.

This wine is fermented in stainless steel and displays the acidity and citrus flavors you would expect from a sauvignon blanc.

Sherry: “Light-bodied, but dry with grapefruit and lime.” 2-1/2 stars

Chris: “Tropical fruit bouquet with tart and dry grapefruit and lemon.” 3 stars

Available locally for about $10.

Coming next week: Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre