Sauvignon Blanc is a green-skinned grape variety that originates from the Bordeaux region of France. The grape most likely gets its name from the French words "sauvage" (wild) and "blanc" (white) due to its early origins as an indigenous grape in South West France. It is now planted in many of the world's wine regions, producing a crisp, dry, and refreshing white varietal wine. The flavour profile is influenced by the climate where the grapes are grown; cooler climate Sauvignon Blanc, from places like the Loire Valley in France and Marlborough in New Zealand, tend to have a higher acidity and flavours of green apple, lime, and green bell peppers, while those from warmer climates can have more tropical fruit notes such as melon, peach, and passionfruit.
In France, Sauvignon Blanc is typically a component in Bordeaux white blends, often paired with Sémillon and Muscadelle, where it contributes its sharp acidity and fresh, grassy aromas. The grape also thrives in the Loire Valley, especially in the appellations of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, where it produces wines that are renowned for their crisp acidity, mineral complexity, and smoky, flinty flavours often described as 'pierre à fusil'.
Across the seas in New Zealand, particularly in the Marlborough region, Sauvignon Blanc has garnered a significant following due to its intense and easily recognisable aromas that can include capsicum (bell pepper), gooseberry, and passion fruit, along with a broad array of vegetal notes like asparagus or pea shoots. The profile is often zesty and fruit-forward, with a vivid expression that has won international acclaim.
The variety is versatile and is also well-represented in the United States, with California producing Sauvignon Blancs that often have melon and tropical fruit characteristics, along with a creamy texture achieved through methods like oak ageing or malolactic fermentation. This creamy style is sometimes referred to as Fumé Blanc, a term coined by Robert Mondavi in the 1960s.
In terms of winemaking, Sauvignon Blanc can be produced in a range of styles. Some winemakers choose to highlight its fresh and vibrant fruit character by using stainless steel fermentation and avoiding oak ageing. Others may ferment or age the wine in oak barrels to add a richer texture and flavours like vanilla, cream, and smoke.
Sauvignon Blanc is also known for its high acidity, which makes it a refreshing wine to drink in its youth, and while most examples are meant to be consumed within a few years of release, certain styles, particularly those from the Loire Valley or high-quality New Zealand producers, can develop more complex flavours over time.
This variety's high acidity and range of flavours make it a versatile pairing with food. It is traditionally paired with goat cheese, particularly the Loire Valley's own Crottin de Chavignol, and is a perfect match for a range of dishes from fresh oysters to green salads, and is even robust enough to complement spicy and aromatic dishes such as Thai or Vietnamese cuisine.
Sauvignon Blanc has seen a number of innovations in recent years, with winemakers exploring the potential of the grape in various soil types, climate conditions, and winemaking techniques. It is also a key component in sweet wines such as Sauternes, where it is affected by noble rot, which concentrates its sugars and flavours to produce some of the world's most coveted dessert wines.
Despite its global reach, Sauvignon Blanc maintains a unique identity in each region. It reflects the terroir or the complete natural environment in which it is produced, including factors like soil, topography, and climate. This ability to express terroir makes it a fascinating variety for wine enthusiasts and professionals alike to explore.
Sauvignon Blanc's profile is often characterised by a balance of sweetness and acidity, which is reflected in the common tasting notes that include herbaceous flavours like bell pepper, jalapeño, tarragon, and freshly cut grass, as well as fruity flavours like grapefruit, white peach, lime, and green apple, depending on the region and winemaking techniques used.
The enduring popularity of Sauvignon Blanc is a testament to its appeal as a wine that can range from accessible and straightforward to complex and nuanced. It is a wine that can be appreciated by both novice drinkers and connoisseurs, and its fresh, vibrant character makes it an ideal wine for a variety of occasions, from casual gatherings to more formal events.
Sauvignon Blanc is a multifaceted grape variety that has found a place in almost every winemaking country in the world. Its adaptability and diverse styles have contributed to its status as one of the most popular and widely consumed white wines on the global stage. From the gravelly banks of the Loire to the cool maritime climate of New Zealand, each glass of Sauvignon Blanc offers a sip of the