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Virtual Happy Hour: Habit Wine Company's Sauvignon Blanc
(Photo courtesy of Habit Wine Company)
We've all heard the story before: Actor becomes famous, cuts a million dollar movie deal, and then decides to buy a winery. Or brewery. Or a liquor label. But most of those fancy Hollywood folk aren't actually out there tilling the soil. Which is why we were admittedly skeptical when a friend of ours told us about Habit Wine Company, owned and operated by Jeff Fischer of "American Dad." But Fischer is no Drew Barrymore. Not only does he spend the majority of his time commuting between his NoHo home and his Los Olivos vineyards, but he makes some seriously solid sauvignon blanc. (He also is making us feel like wimps for complaining about driving to the Westside.)
Habit's sauv is completely different than the grassy, bitingly-herbaceous varieties that usually come out of California or New Zealand. His version showcases tropical fruit flavors with the faintest hint of spice. What really makes it special, though, is that it's aged on the lees in steel tanks, resulting in a crisp yet round mouthfeel that goes perfectly with oysters on the half shell or grilled fish. It's done in what he refers to as a Loire-style, French-driven wine. Whatever it is, we're digging it.
Habit's sauvignon blanc is made at a very low production level -- just 150 cases for the 2011 vintage -- making it not only a gem to try, but to find. Thankfully, Fischer's focus has been on getting local restaurants and wine shops stocked with his portfolio (which also includes a grūner veltliner and chenin blanc), personally delivering cases to various L.A. establishments.
If you'd like to buy a bottle ($30) for your weekend grilling festivities, you can head over to K & L Wine Merchants or to the Larchmont Village Wine and Cheese. Habit sauvignon blanc is also sold by the glass and bottle at plenty of restaurants throughout Los Angeles, including the Hungry Cat, Canele, Baco Mercat, Bouchon, Craft, Rays & Stark Bar, and Lucque. If you'd rather order it online, you can do so on Habit's site.
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