Different tastes for the palate this evening, including a curry-style catfish made with coconut milk, potatoes, carrots, and fennel, and this 2015 Sauvignon Colombard from Domaine de Ballade. This grapefruity white sounded delicious when described by the staff at my Winestore and it was just as they advertised–a fresh and lemony taste that went just perfect with a hot June evening.

2015 Sauvignon Colombard, Domaine de Ballade, Gascogne, France.

It’s affordable too, and would go on my ‘buy again’ list without any fuss. When you open the 2015 Sauvignon Colombard you immediately get a whiff of (of course, fresh flowers…it’s a damn white) citrus fruit but it is neither tart like a Sauv Blanc or sweet like a Riesling. It’s gentle and enticing, and I found myself going through multiple pours as I tended to the night’s culinary arts.

“On the palate, shimmering creamy citrus notes dominate, with a crisp acidity and a cleansing finish. Enjoy over the next three years, by itself or with all sorts of salads and seafood.”

I heeded these recommendations to a positive outcome. Know that the 2015 Sauvignon Colombard is the brainchild of winemaker Christian Morel and a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (70%) and Colombard (30%) grapes that are aged 5 months in stainless steel tanks. Grab one when you see on the shelves–it’ll be good to have on hand for a summer occasion, planned or unexpected.