Sunny Wine Co, 'Sunny With a Chance of Flowers', Sauvignon Blanc, 2020, Monterey (AVA) - 9%ABV

'One-Liner'
All the sunshine with a lighter touch – ripe tropical fruit, grapefruit and fresh-cut herbs in a crisp Monterey Sauvignon at just 9%.

Tasting Note
Pale straw in the glass, with an expressive nose of guava, crushed pineapple and ruby grapefruit alongside fresh grass and delicate floral notes. The palate is crisp and dry, with Granny Smith apple and bright citrus cutting through the riper tropical fruit. Fresh acidity gives the wine plenty of energy, while subtle notes of tarragon, dill and white pepper add a gently savoury edge. Despite its lower alcohol, there is good texture and grip through the middle rather than any sense of thinness. Clean, lively and refreshing on the finish, with grapefruit, green apple and herbs lingering behind.

Country: USA
Region: California
Sub-Region: Monterey AVA
Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc
ABV: 9%
Friendly: Vegan, Vegetarian, Sustainable

Awards & Critics' Scores
The Tasting Panel – 90/100
Wine Enthusiast – 88/100

The Story
Sunny With a Chance of Flowers was created by the Scheid family in Monterey with an unusual idea: let the grapes ripen properly first, then worry about lowering the alcohol afterwards. The Sauvignon Blanc is grown in the family’s sustainably certified Monterey vineyards and allowed to reach full flavour maturity before being fermented completely dry, leaving no residual sugar. A proprietary filtration process then gently removes some of the alcohol, bringing the finished wine down to 9% without having to harvest the grapes early and sacrifice their ripe fruit character. It is a clever approach that explains why the wine still delivers guava, pineapple, grapefruit and fresh herbs despite its lighter frame – proper Californian Sauvignon Blanc, simply made with a little less alcohol.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Grilled sardines with lemon and parsley
- Vegetarian: Potato rösti with soured cream, chives and a little lemon zest
- Vegan: Spiced apricot and chickpea couscous with mint