Everything you need to know about Sauvignon Blanc
If you’re a white wine lover, there’s no way you haven’t sampled a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. The king of first impressions, Sauvignon Blanc is expressive, crisp and light-to-medium bodied. Renowned for its aromatic qualities, the variety is loved by winemakers and oenophiles alike; often served chilled alongside fresh, light salad and fish dishes, it is reminiscent of clam bakes, seafood platters and picnics. The perfect wine for kicking off your shoes and enjoying the sun, read on for Vinodelice’s ultimate guide to this universally-adored variety.
Sauvignon Blanc is all about fresh, floral notes like jasmine and boxwood, tossed in with our favorite citrus staples, like grapefruit and lemon. Crisp and herbaceous, the variety is often said to have vegetable notes of crunchy green and red pepper and asparagus, as well as flavors of tropical fruits, such as melon, passionfruit and mango. Whether dancing alone in the bottle or enjoying a waltz with other varieties, it constantly delivers a playful acidity; Sauvignon Blanc is often used as an element within dessert wines, such as Sauternes or Muffato della Sata, or other wine blends, due to its versatility and freshness. The light aromatics of Sauvignon Blanc are given additional weight and texture when combined with other varieties, notably Semillon and Muscadelle.
Initially indigenous to South-Western France, this white grape can now be found growing all over the world, from the hilly terrains of Chile and Northwestern America, to the sunny fields of Australia and New Zealand. California Sauvignon Blanc is sometimes oaked, softening the herbaceous notes in lieu of a fuller, more buttery palate. In France, it’s primarily grown in the lush Loire Valley and in Bordeaux, where the cool climate and slow growing season gives the wines a light body and a high acidity.
Medium-sized, its berries are a glowing golden yellow on the vine. With a smooth flesh, the skin is thick, creating a wine that is soft yet intense. Originally very acidic, the grape sweetens as it ripens, developing from savory to more honeyed, citrussy fruit notes. When grown in cooler climates, such as New Zealand and Chile, the grape tends to produce zesty, herbaceous wines, with refreshing notes of bell pepper, grass and white florals. Warm-climate Sauvignon blanc can be juicier and fuller-bodied, dripping with tropical fruit. Whatever your preference, there’s a Sauvignon Blanc for you!
The classic, playful aromas of citrus, florals and herbs make Sauvignon Blanc a flexible partner to a huge array of dishes. It’s synonymous with Spring and Summer, so don’t forget your sunscreen; often paired with fresh seafood, like lobster and salmon, it is renowned to be one of only a handful of wines that complements sushi. With a tendency to have herbaceous notes itself, it’s no surprise that Sauvignon Blanc is also a wonderful partner to light, herb-flavored dishes such as roasted chicken or pesto pasta. Famously, Sauvignon Blanc’s match made in heaven is goat’s cheese; we recommend enjoying a glass with a warm goat’s cheese salad of bell pepper, arugula and apple. Juicy and fresh, it’s the perfect salad wine! Whether served alongside food or simply chilled as an aperitif, a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc is always sure to be a crowd pleaser. Here for our recommendations.
