Santa Rita 120 Sauvignon Blanc

Santa Rita 120 Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, cold-fermented Chilean white wine bottled at 13% ABV in a standard 750ml format. A Gold medal winner at the Sommeliers Choice Awards, this Central Valley bottling delivers reliable freshness at an accessible price point, anchored by bright citrus and herbal character.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13%  |  Origin: Central Valley, Chile  |  Style: Dry White  |  Winery: Viña Santa Rita

Production & Heritage

Viña Santa Rita was founded in 1880 and is one of Chile's most established wine producers. The "120" line takes its name from the 120 Chilean patriots who sought refuge at the Santa Rita estate during the country's struggle for independence in 1814. Grapes for this Sauvignon Blanc are hand-harvested from vineyards on the Central Valley floor, with plots picked over the course of roughly a month as they reach optimum ripeness — earlier-harvested fruit contributes herbal character while later-picked grapes bring more tropical tones. After de-stemming and crushing, the juice is chilled to 10°C and fermented at controlled temperatures between 13°C and 15°C to preserve aromatics. Small additions of Sémillon and Chenin Blanc are blended in to add textural complexity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Citrus blossom and lemon zest open first, followed by grassy, slightly green notes suggesting fresh herbs and gooseberry. Underneath, a subtle peach tone adds a ripe, inviting layer.

Taste: Light and lively on entry, with immediate flavors of lemon, lime, and passion fruit. The mid-palate broadens with herbal undertones — chamomile, tarragon, and a faint creaminess to the texture. Brisk acidity keeps everything taut and focused, with a touch of mineral chalkiness emerging toward the peak.

Finish: Fresh and pleasantly lingering, with yellow grapefruit and green herb notes trailing off cleanly. Medium in length, with enough acidity to leave the palate refreshed.

How to Drink Santa Rita 120

Serve well chilled at 8–10°C to highlight its citrus aromatics and crisp acidity. This is a straightforward, refreshing white best enjoyed in its youth. A Classic Spritz built with this wine, soda water, and a splash of elderflower liqueur makes an easy warm-weather drink. It works well in a White Wine Sangria with sliced citrus and stone fruit, where its herbal edge adds dimension. For a simple aperitif, try it in a Hugo Cocktail — its grassy, floral character pairs naturally with fresh mint and elderflower.

Best For

• Casual weeknight dinners with light fare like grilled fish or salads
• Summer gatherings and outdoor entertaining
• Introducing someone to Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
• Stocking a house wine that delivers consistent quality

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Santa Rita 120 Sauvignon Blanc taste like? It delivers bright lemon, lime, and passion fruit flavors with herbal undertones of chamomile and tarragon, supported by crisp acidity and a light, creamy texture. The finish is fresh and citrus-driven with a pleasant mineral quality.

How does Santa Rita 120 compare to Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc? Both are popular Chilean Sauvignon Blancs from the Central Valley at similar price points, but Santa Rita 120 tends to lean more herbal and grassy, while Casillero del Diablo often shows slightly riper tropical fruit. Santa Rita 120 also incorporates small amounts of Sémillon and Chenin Blanc for added texture, giving it a subtly broader mid-palate.

Is Santa Rita 120 Sauvignon Blanc good for beginners? Yes — its approachable fruit-forward profile and moderate 13% ABV make it an excellent entry point for anyone exploring Sauvignon Blanc or Chilean white wines in general.

Where is Santa Rita 120 Sauvignon Blanc made? It is produced by Viña Santa Rita, one of Chile's oldest and largest wine estates, founded in 1880. The grapes are sourced from vineyards in Chile's Central Valley, a broad viticultural region known for producing high-volume, value-driven wines.

What foods pair well with Santa Rita 120 Sauvignon Blanc? Grilled white fish or ceviche, where the wine's acidity mirrors the citrus in the dish. Goat cheese salads complement the herbal, grassy notes. Light pasta with pesto works well against the wine's green character. Shrimp tacos with lime and cilantro echo its tropical and herbal profile. Fresh oysters benefit from its mineral, chalky finish.

What sizes does Santa Rita 120 Sauvignon Blanc come in? The standard size is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format for this wine.

Is Santa Rita 120 Sauvignon Blanc worth the price? Santa Rita 120 positions squarely as an entry-level Chilean white, and it over-delivers for its price tier — the Gold medal at the Sommeliers Choice Awards and Bronze at the International Wine & Spirit Competition confirm it competes well above its weight class among budget Sauvignon Blancs.

Why Santa Rita 120?

In a crowded field of sub-premium Chilean whites, Santa Rita 120 Sauvignon Blanc distinguishes itself through a production approach that prioritizes aromatic preservation — hand harvesting, rapid chilling, and low-temperature fermentation are not always standard at this price level. The staggered harvest across the month-long picking window creates a layered flavor profile, blending herbaceous early-picked fruit with riper tropical tones from later lots. Its Gold medal at the Sommeliers Choice Awards validates what the glass confirms: this is a consistently well-made, refreshing white that earns its widespread popularity through reliable quality rather than marketing alone.