Pale gold color; green apple, lemon-lime, grapefruit, citrus, pear, almond, celery, some slight herbaceous/grassy notes, saline on the nose and palate.
Dry; moderate acidity for a sauv blanc, but there is solid beam of minerality-saline, especially on the finish that gives it a distinctive, refreshing flair. Light body. Like New Zealand suav blanc (although the total package is different), there is a hint of sweetness that mingles with the salinity that gives this some dynamic notes, especially interesting at a wine at this superb price point. 13.5% ABV
The son of Italian immigrants to Uruguay, Carlos Domingo Traversa spent his youth working in the vineyards. In 1937, Carlos and his wife, María Josefa Salort were able to purchase five hectares [12.4 acres] of land in Montevideo which they saw an ideal for growing wine vines. In 1956, he founded a winery with the aid of his children, Dante, Luis, and Armando. The brothers and their children keep the Traversa dream alive today.
That dream is not only alive, it flourishes. Familia Traversa wines sell today in the United States, Brazil, Russia, Poland, Belarus, Japan, Mexico, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Paraguay. The family asserts, Uruguayan wines have unique qualities thanks to a special geographic location (that includes a positive influence from the Atlantic), climate, and soil diversity. In case you are unsure of where Uruguay is located, it is on the Atlantic coast nestled between Argentina and Brazil. It is roughly the same latitude as South Africa, southern Australia, and New Zealand—all prime winemaking areas of the Southern Hemisphere.
Familia Traversa Sauvignon Blanc, Uruguay 2022 certainly is a value play, there is an intriguing tension between hints of sweetness and salinity. Yes, it is a simple wine—no criticism at this price point—but it is engaging and well worth a sip. Very refreshing. Versatile. Works as an aperitif. Pair with seafood; fish; sushi and sashimi; salads; Asian cuisine; vegetarian fare; charcuterie board. Cheese—goat cheese is the classic sauv blanc pairing; cheddar, gouda, havarti, monterey jack, parmesan, swiss, muenster. $9-14
