- Last updated on March 6, 2023
Welcome to the world of Illumination Sauvignon Blanc, where the bright and refreshing flavors of California’s Napa Valley come to life in every sip.
From the moment the bottle is opened, the enticing aromas of freshly picked citrus and tropical fruits waft through the air, inviting you to indulge in a crisp and clean glass of perfection.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail by the team at Quintessa Winery, Illumination Sauvignon Blanc showcases the vibrant flavors of this iconic grape varietal, and the unique terroir of the region.
With a bright acidity and balanced structure, this wine pairs beautifully with a wide range of foods, from fresh seafood to creamy cheeses and spicy dishes.
With its elegant packaging and unparalleled quality, Illumination Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect addition to any wine collection or special occasion. So why wait?
Find below our Illumination Sauvignon Blanc review along with our food pairings recommendations, serving tips, curiosity, and where you can buy it.
Let’s begin!
Our Illumination Sauvignon Blanc Review
- Brand: Quintessa
- Grape Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc Musque, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion
- Region: United States, California
- Tasting Notes: White Peach & Pink Grapefruit fruit notes
- Glass & Serving: Chardonnay / 45-50 °F (7-10 °C) / Don’t decant
- Store: Up to 1-3 Years
- Price Range: ~$48
- Bottle Size: 750 ml
Illumination Sauvignon Blanc review: What's its color?
Illumination Sauvignon Blanc wine has a lemon color and thin legs.
If you want to know more about how to taste wine and the lingo that goes with it, check out this article: How To Taste Wine Like a Pro in 4 Steps.
Illumination Sauvignon Blanc review: What are the flavors?
Illumination Sauvignon Blanc is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc Musque (64%), Sauvignon Blanc (22%), and Semillion (14%) grapes.
On the nose, white peach, pink grapefruit, lemon, and kiwi aromas along with floral notes of jasmine and honeysuckle, and herbs aromas.
On the palate, it’s a crisp, refreshing, mineral, and light body wine with flavors of guava, mandarin, and citrus and a creamy texture.
Is Illumination Sauvignon Blanc wine sweet?
No, it’s not sweet. Illumination Sauvignon Blanc wine is a dry wine.
Dry wine contains less than 15 g/L.
Learn more about wine sweetness level here.
Illumination Sauvignon Blanc review: Which food pairs well with it?
Illumination Sauvignon Blanc has high acidity and pairs very well with salty foods, white meats, and a variety of fish.
Classic appetizers are Brussel sprouts, salads, asparagus, and vegetarian dishes in general. Meat wise go for chicken and turkey.
If are into fish and sushi you’ll be very happy as Sauvignon Blanc is one of the few wines that pairs well with Sushi.
We recommend your try it with shellfish, halibut, cod, salmon and of course sushi.
For cheese lovers go for soft and cream cheeses like Philadelphia, Brie, and Goat cheese for example.
Illumination Sauvignon Blanc review: What's its alcohol content?
Illumination Sauvignon Blanc wine’s alcohol content is 14%.
In case you wonder about alcohol content or more precisely Alcohol By Volume, i.e. ABV, measure the alcoholic strength of a drink.
There is a direct relationship between the sugar left in the wine after the alcoholic fermentation has taken place, i.e. Residual Sugar or RS, and ABV.
During alcoholic fermentation, the yeast transforms the sugar in the grape juice into alcohol.
Grapes with high residual sugar will therefore produce dry wine with a high ABV.
How many calories are in a glass of Illumination Sauvignon Blanc wine?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture [1] a 5-ounce glass will contain about 120 to 130 calories.
Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram. So a wine with high ABV will have a higher calories per glass than a wine with low ABV.
Furthermore, sugar contributes to the calorie count.
A dry wine will usually have 4 calories per grams vs a sweet wine that will have around 20 calories per grams of carbs, which include sugar.
What is Quintessa?
Here is an extract from the Quintessa website itself:
“HIDDEN IN THE HEART OF RUTHERFORD, Quintessa is a 280-acre site that reflects a diversity of geology, biodiversity, exposures and microclimates.
Inspired by this distinct property, founders Agustin and Valeria Huneeus believed that it was destined to become one of the world’s great wine estates.
Today, a total of 160 acres are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carménère on 26 vineyard blocks.
Each block is farmed—organically and biodynamically—harvested, and vinified individually to preserve and enhance the nuances of the land.
Inspired by the land’s natural grandeur, the Huneeus family dedicated themselves to capturing the beauty and harmony of this land in the form of a great wine.“
Conclusion
It currently ranks #2 in the Top 25 Californian Sauvignon Blanc wines in California right now for the 2019 vintage, and for a reason!
Illumination is a light, crisp, refreshing yet round, and complex Sauvignon Blanc, that will give you an incredible experience for a reasonable price.
Guava, mandarin, and citrus flavors with a creamy texture will complement many dishes from veggie, pasta, fish, white meat, and our beloved cheeses.
Try it with salad, sushi, turkey, or Brie and Goat cheese and it’ll be a delight. At least it was for me!
If you have never tried it, I’m not entirely sure what are you still waiting for?
Once you had it, we’d love to know your opinion, so reach out and let’s know what you think! Enjoy!
