Sauvignon Blanc imported from a certain southern hemisphere nation has been riding high for a while now. But it may need to share the limelight with its counterparts coming out of another country from south of the equator, if Matetic’s impressive EQ offering is any indication. EQ—short for “equilibrio,” the Spanish word for “balance”—is made from single-vineyard grapes grown organically and biodynamically in Chile’s Casabanca Valley, just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. The grapes benefit from the effects of the Humboldt Current flowing up along the coast from Antarctica, producing morning fog and cool afternoon breezes that allow the grapes to ripen slowly and develop greater complexity. That complexity gets an additional boost from the grape must being fermented in a combination of stainless steel, concrete amphorae, and neutral French oak barrels. What I love about this wine are the savory, herbal notes that mingle seamlessly with the crisp lime and tropical fruit flavors. I feel like I discover something new with each delicious sip. You can’t go wrong pairing this with just about anything from the sea, whether it’s raw, cooked, or marinated, as well as salads and goat cheeses. (118147)