Bodega RPB El Supremo Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Mendoza, Argentina 75cl

Bodega RPB is a Mendoza producer whose El Supremo range aims to show Argentine varietals in a clean, modern style. Alongside its reds it makes a bright, aromatic Sauvignon Blanc, a reminder that Mendoza offers far more than big, structured Malbec.

This is pure Sauvignon Blanc, made unoaked and picked to keep its natural acidity, so the fruit and herb character stay fresh and lifted. At a gentle 11.5% it is light and easy on its feet, a wine built for the aperitif hour and for warm-weather drinking. It rewards a good chill and an easy, unhurried moment.

The 2021 is a fresh, current-drinking white. We hold little on the vintage, so we let the wine’s own character lead the description rather than guess at the season. It is best enjoyed young, while its aromatics are vivid.

It shows a soft, pale yellow with greenish glints, and a fruity nose of citrus, passion fruit and freshly cut grass, carried by a faint graphite, mineral edge. The palate is crisp and light, dry and zesty, finishing clean and refreshing, leaving the mouth keen for the next sip.

An uncomplicated, thirst-quenching white for those who like Sauvignon Blanc fresh and unoaked. Serve it well chilled, around 8 degrees, as an aperitif or with green salads, goat’s cheese, grilled vegetables or fresh seafood. If you like a Loire or cooler-climate Sauvignon Blanc, this Mendoza take offers the same zip with a softer, sunnier edge, and it flatters simple food and warm weather in equal measure.