Perfect for cheese pairings

Kono Winery’s 2011 Sauvignon Blanc is a clean, bright wine that works well with springtime pairings. It doesn’t have the overpowering grapefruit notes that define so many New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs today; rather, it features gentle notes of citrus and enough acidity to stand up to a range of dishes from grilled seafood to a cheese plate. Try it with chevre, goat Gouda, Emmanthaler and Dutch Parrano. The secret is to sample the wine first, followed by a nibble of cheese, followed by another sip of wine. The first sip gives you a benchmark, and the second sip allows you to see how the flavors of the cheese mingle with the wine’s notes. It’s usually priced around $10-$12.