Sauvignon Blanc
Andrii Savchenko
As the name itself indicates, Sauvignon 'Blanc' is a white grape variety. An immensely popular variety with unique, herbaceous taste thanks to aromatic substances that are also found in peppers. It is impossible not to notice its fruity acidity with flavors that remind us of passion fruit, grape, and gooseberries.
Where is Sauvignon Blanc from?
It originates most probably somewhere inbetween the Loire Valley and Bordeaux region. Sometime in the 18th century it was crossed with Cabernet Sauvignon. France is the country where the most Sauvignon Blanc is grown, followed by New Zealand, Chile, and South Africa. Some areas of New Zealand, with their long narrow islands, are on the rise among Sauvignon Blanc lovers - the constant proximity to the sea provides cooler climate which has distinctive influence on the ripening process.
Interesting story about Sauvignon Blanc
The name Sauvignon Blanc comes from the French word 'sauvage' which means wild and 'blanc' - white, due to its origin as a wild vine on the west coast of France. Some might catch a smell of 'pipi de cha' (cat pee) due to concentrations of thiols in the ripe grapes of Sauvignon Blanc.
Sauvignon Blanc grape characteristics
Sauvignon Blanc tends to bud late and ripen early. This makes it perfect for sunny climates that are not too hot. Sandy soils are preferred for their drainage ability which keeps the size of the crops down so that the vines can focus on concentrating the flavors. In denser soils where the grapes ripen later, we get herbal wines while rocky soils where the grapes ripen early give more tropical flavors such as pineapple and passion fruit.
Sauvignon Blanc Wines
Sauvignon Blanc tends to produce dry, fresh, and acidic white wines. One of the most well-known Sauvignon Blanc wine belongs to the appellation Sancerre in the Loire region of France. Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand is one of the remarkable wines of the country. Some wineries in Bordeaux age Sauvignon Blanc in oak barrels but it is more commonly to serve it young.
This grape is also part of the special dessert wine Sauternes which is a sweet dark golden wine. During production, the grapes are allowed to mold in a natural way on the bunches until they almost turn into raisins before the grapes are hand-picked. Due to the costly manufacturing process, Sauternes wines are usually very expensive.
What to pair with Sauvignon Blanc?
Sauvignon Blanc can be combined with a variety of dishes as it is an easy approachable wine. If we are looking for light meat, it can be suitable for chicken or turkey. Sauvignon Blanc is also excellent for seafood such as lobster, squid, and so on.
It is a perfect complement to soft cheeses such as feta, chevre or buffalo mozzarella. Also for vegetable dishes that contain eggplant or zucchini and spices such as thyme or bay leaves. For those who love vegetarian dishes - this is your wine!
Where to find the best Sauvignon Blanc wines
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Bordeaux
Here are some wineries in Bordeaux where you can taste the best Sauvignon Blanc wines:
New Zealand
Here are some wineries in New Zealand where you can taste the best Sauvignon Blanc wines:
Chile
Here are some wineries in Chile where you can taste the best Sauvignon Blanc wines:
Frequently Asked Questions about Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc grapes can be used for both dry and sweet wines. For example, Sauvignon Blanc is one of the grapes used in production of one of the most noble sweet wines - Sauternes.
Sauvignon Blanc is translated from French as wild white. It is pronounced as soh-vee-NYON blan.
Nowadays Sauvignon Blanc is among the most popular grape varietal used for production of white dry wine.
By many people, Sauvignon Blanc is believed to be a low carbs wine.
As typical white summer wine, Sauvignon Blanc is best to be served cool - between 10 and 12 degrees Celsium.
Sauvignon Blanc is characterized by vibrant flavors of citrus fruits, tropical fruits, and sometimes herbaceous or grassy notes. It has a refreshing and crisp acidity that adds liveliness to the wine.
Cabernet is a red grape variety, known for producing full-bodied and tannic red wines with dark fruit flavors. Sauvignon Blanc is a white grape variety, yielding crisp and refreshing white wines with citrus and tropical fruit flavors.
No, Sauvignon Blanc is typically drier than Pinot Noir. Sauvignon Blanc is known for its vibrant acidity and refreshing, crisp character, often with flavors of citrus and tropical fruits. Pinot Noir, on the other hand, is a red wine that can range from light and delicate to fuller-bodied, with flavors of red berries, cherries, and sometimes earthy or spicy notes.
New Zealand is widely regarded as one of the best countries for Sauvignon Blanc. Its Marlborough region, in particular, has gained global recognition for producing exceptional Sauvignon Blanc wines. These wines are known for their intense and aromatic qualities, with vibrant fruit flavors, zesty acidity, and distinct herbaceous and tropical notes.
Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with a variety of dishes, thanks to its refreshing acidity and vibrant flavors. It is particularly well-suited for seafood, salads, and light appetizers. The wine's crispness and herbaceous notes make it a versatile companion to dishes featuring fresh vegetables, goat cheese, shellfish, and lighter poultry or fish preparations.
The best Sauvignon Blancs can be found in Marlborough (New Zealand), the Loire Valley (France), and the Casablanca Valley (Chile).
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