Castoro Cellars 2015 Sauvignon Blanc Paso Robles California

The husband and wife team behind Castoro Cellars are responsible for the winery’s unique name (husband Niels was nicknamed “Il Castoro,” or “beaver,” when working in Italy) and are the reason sustainable and thoughtful sourcing is its norm. The Castoro Cellars Dos Viñas Estate Vineyard sits in the warm eastern foothills of the Santa Lucia mountains, in the growing region of Paso Robles, California. This vineyard is Sustainability in Practice (SIP) certified—a seal which signifies more than organic farming. Not only are the use of inorganic pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides forbidden, but SIP also embraces a philosophy of social responsibility and conscientious land stewardship. Down in the vineyards, several arrangements of solar panels help provide clean, sustainable energy for the property.

The warm, sunny climate produces Sauvignon Blanc that leans toward the exotic and tropical. Zesty, spicy aromas of lemongrass, gooseberry, and white pepper dominate the nose. Flavors of mango, guava, pineapple, and passion fruit intermingle, all held together by a crisp and bright mineral backbone on the medium-bodied palate. Lip-smacking lemony acidity gives the wine a fresh bite—it’s the perfect warm-weather wine for enjoying ice-cold with company at home or at the shore. Seafood is a natural match for the bright, sunny citrus fruit character.