Drink (and think) like a somm
Michael Shaps
Sauvignon Blanc
Virginia
Monticello
Sauvignon Blanc 93%
Viognier 7%
Citrus, Stone Fruit, Grapefruit, Fresh-Cut Grass
Stainless Steel 100%
The best of both worlds, this Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, light, and full of citrus flavors. But with a bit of weight to the body and honey notes from the addition of Viognier.
Low
Med -
Medium
Med +
High
ABOUT
Michael Shaps 2023 Sauvignon Blanc
Bright and expressive with aromas of citrus zest, stone fruit, and fresh-cut grass, leading to flavors of lime, grapefruit, and green apple, complemented by floral lift and a hint of honey from Viognier, finishing crisp, dry, and refreshing with excellent length.
PAIRINGS
IN A PINCH
Oysters, light salads.
DEEPER DIVE
Sauvignon Blanc is a great pairing wine to start, but the addition of a little Viognier only increases that ability. This wine still has high acidity and bright citrus notes, but also boasts a slightly fuller body and richer texture.
Go for the classic pairings like soft goat cheese and Pecorino, but consider topping them with some honey or jam.
This is also going to be great for seafood pasta, and can probably even stand up to some butter sauces. Think shrimp scampi.
STANDOUT FEATURES
- High Acidity
- Bright Citrus Notes
- Soft Mouthfeel
STEAR CLEAR
Anything too full bodied like red meats or stews will overpower this wine.
PAIRING SCALE
Light Dishes
Salads
Raw Bar
Med – Dishes
Fatty Fish
Roast Chicken
Med. Dishes
Lean Meats
Rich Poultry
Med + Dishes
Burgers
Fatty Meats
Full Dishes
Stews
Rich Sauces
CHEESE OPTIONS
Pecorino
Pecorino
Country: Italy
Animal: Sheep
Type: Hard
Texture: Grainy
Style: Salty, tangy, nutty.
Feta
Feta
Country: Greece
Animal: Goat or Sheep
Type: Soft
Texture: Creamy, crumbly
Style: Acidic, creamy, tangy.
Chèvre
Chèvre
Country: France
Animal: Goat
Type: Soft
Texture: Creamy, crumbly
Style: Acidic, salty, tangy
RECIPE IDEAS
SERVICE
WHICH GLASSES?
All-purpose or white wine glasses will be best here to focus the bright citrus aromas.
BORDEAUX
BURGUNDY
FLUTE
COUPE
ALL-PURPOSE
WHITE
DESSERT
SHOULD I DECANT THIS?
WHY “Doesn’t need it”?
This wine is designed to be opened young, and the fresh fruit flavors jump right out of the glass from the get go, so save the decanter here.
SERVING TEMP
The correct serving temperature is important to show a wine’s true potential, but don’t stress over getting the temp exactly right. Use the chart below to try to get in the right ballpark.
AGING
WHEN SHOULD I OPEN THIS?
If a wine has been released by the producer, it means it is ready to drink. Wines don’t necessarily get “better” with age, they just change. Typically, this change involves things like losing fresh fruit flavors in exchange for more savory notes.
The moment you should open the bottle depends on your preference, so it’s more important to understand the evolution and the life span of the bottle than it is to try to time its opening perfectly. (It’s far better to open a bottle too early than too late.)
This bottle should probably be opened between:
20
-
20
Development
Year Opened
PRODUCER
1650 Harris Creek Rd
Charlottesville, VA
(434) 296-3438
Open Daily from 11am-5pm
ABOUT US
Founded in 2007, Michael Shaps Wineworks is located in the former Montdomaine Winery, twelve miles south of Charlottesville, Virginia. The original concept was to use the facility for production of the existing Michael Shaps brand of wines, and to produce a second brand called Wineworks, a more value-oriented line of Virginia wines.
Within the first year the opportunity arose to develop Virginia’s first contract winemaking operation–more commonly known as custom crush–to make wine for independent growers who want their own brand. Found in many wine regions around the world, this previously untapped market became a focus for Wineworks.
Between 2008-2014 the customer base grew to over twenty contract winemaking clients and the facility grew in size and capacity, requiring two expansions. Wineworks quickly became a regional leader for contract winemaking, serving clients from Tennessee to Delaware.
Michael ShapsWhen Michael’s founding partner left in 2014, he brought in investors to expand the winery facility to increase production capacity to 30,000 cases of wine and changed the name from Virginia Wineworks to Michael Shaps Wineworks. In 2015 the processing volume reached 430 tons (approximately 28,000 cases) and the 2017 harvest brought in over 500 tons.
OUR VINEYARDS
Our Vineyard sites have been chosen and cultivated with care, thinking about the current vintages as well as future vintages. We believe that great wines start in the field, without great fruit, we cannot achieve great wine.
HONAH LEE
Located in Gordonsville, VA, Honah Lee Vineyard is our primary vineyard site.
WILD MEADOW
Wild Meadow Vineyard has been highly acclaimed as one of the best chardonnay sites in the state.
MICHAEL SHAPS ESTATE
Michael Shaps Estate Vineyard
The Harris Creek Road property has been planted to vineyard since the early 1990s.
Interested in joining our wine club?
Membership Benefits:
- 4 shipments per year: February, May, September, December
- 30% discount on all Wine Club shipments
- 20% discount on all other wine bottle purchases–both online and in tasting rooms
- Complimentary wine tastings for two (limit 2 per membership) at the winery of either Virginia or Burgundy wines, depending on your club each time you visit the winery
- 20% off wine flights at Wineworks Extended each time you visit
- Discounted tickets to many special events
- Access to pre-release & “library” wines not available to the public
- Tickets for two (limit 2 per membership) to the quarterly Wine Club Pickup parties, held in February, May, September, December
