De Martino, Maipo Valley (Chile) Sauvignon Blanc 2012

($14, Opici): Chile’s location, a long thin country squeezed between the natural barriers of the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, is well known for their pesticide-free organic agriculture.  So it’s no surprise that we see lots of wines “made with organic grapes” coming from that country.  But it’s not the organic grapes that make us take notice–it’s the bright mixture of grassy herbal elements and grapefruit-like flavors.  It delivers a refreshing bite without being aggressive.
88 Michael Apstein Jun 4, 2013