Sauvignon Blanc is grown all over the world.
The best areas are Bordeaux and the Loire Valley in France, and Marlborough in New Zealand.
Lime |
Grapefruit |
Apple |
Gooseberry |
Cut Grass |
Asparagus |
Bell Pepper |
Jalapeno |
Melon |
Peach |
Passion |
Lychee |
Sauvignon Blanc is known for high fruit and green herbal aromas.
Unripe grapes (cold regions) produce lime, grapefruit, apple, and gooseberry flavors, together with herb qualities like fresh-cut grass, black current leaves, and green pepper.
Ripe grapes (warm regions) add tropical fruit aromas like melon, peach, passion fruit, and lychee.
Sauvignon Blanc is known to be dry, fresh, flavorful, and fruity:
SUGAR: | Dry 3g/l |
BODY: | Medium |
FRUIT: | Medium |
ACIDITY: | High |
ALCOHOL: | 11-13% ABV |
Serving temperature: 8-10°C (46-50°F) |
Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most popular grapes in the world.
Bordeaux and the Loire Valley in France are the regions where it originated.
The name Sauvignon Blanc means "Wild White".
The grape is very aromatic and depending on climate and terroir the aromas can change from grassy to tropical.
However, the herbal green character is a common denominator wherever it is grown.
You can read more about Sauvignon Blanc world wide at Sauvignon Blanc Regions.
Aperitif |
Vinegar |
Salads |
Tapas |
Vegetables |
Asparagus |
Tomatoes |
Sandwitch |
Fish |
Seafood |
Salmon |
Sushi |
Chicken |
Turkey |
Pork |
Veal |
Sauvignon Blanc is super food friendly, especially with seafood and vegetables. It is also superb with spicy food, Thai food and Japanese food.
Aperitif.
Vinegar. Green Salad. Vegetables. Tapas.
Asparagus. Artichokes. Avocado. Cucumber. Fennel. Tomatoes.
Crab. Lobster. Mussels. Clams.
Fried White Fish. Sea Bass.Citrusy Sauce.
Grilled Salmon or Trout. Smoked Salmon.
Sushi. Sashimi.
Chicken. Turkey. Pork. Veal.
Parsley. Basil. Thyme. Mint. Rosemary. Coriander.
Capers. Tarragon.
Goat Cheese. Feta.
Salmon or Trout with Vinegar Cucumber Salad.
White Sea Bass with Citrusy Sauce (Sancerre, France).
Fried-Fish Sandwiches with Jalapeño-Spiked Tomatoes (Chile).
Sushi. Sashimi. Wasabi (South Africa).
The Sauvignon Blanc glass is smaller than a Chardonnay glass. It has a more narrow bowl to concentrate the crisp and citrusy aromas characteristic of zesty and fruity white wines. |
Opt for cheeses with moderate saltiness and creaminess to balance the Sauvignon Blanc's acidity.
Add fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), or a light drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing.
Goat Cheese (Chèvre): The tanginess complements the subtle fruit notes in Sauvignon Blanc.
Ricotta: Especially good if served with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruits.
Mozzarella: Its delicate flavor pairs well with the wine's lightness.
Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Sauvignon Blanc.
Camembert: Similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.
Fontina: Its nutty, buttery qualities make a good match.
Gruyère: Mildly nutty and sweet, enhancing the wine's subtlety.
Manchego: A classic Spanish pairing, especially younger Manchego, which is less intense.
Asiago: Lightly aged Asiago adds a complementary tang to the cheese.
Gorgonzola Dolce: Its mild creaminess contrasts nicely without overpowering the wine.
Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most popular grapes in the world.
It originates from Bordeaux and/or the Loire Valley in France. The name means "Wild White".
Sauvignon Blanc is very aromatic. It is known for high fruit and green herbal aromas.
Depending on climate and terroir, the primary aromas can change from grassy to tropical.
Less ripe grapes (cold regions) produce lime, grapefruit, apple, and gooseberry flavors, together with herb qualities like fresh-cut grass, black current leaves, and green pepper.
Ripe grapes (warm regions) add tropical fruit aromas like melon, peach, passion fruit, and lychee.
However, the herbal green character is a common denominator wherever it is grown.
A sensational discovery was made in 1996 at the University of California (UC Davis):
About 600 years ago a new vine was born in a French love affair.
With a little help from the wind, and/or perhaps some insects, a spontaneous crossing happened between Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc and the baby Cabernet Sauvignon was born.
Sweet Blend. The mold Botrytis Cinerea is required for the production of sweet wines, such as Sauternes and Barsac, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.
Alias. In 1960`s Robert Mondavi coined the new name Fumé Blanc but did not register it as his own trademark. Fumé (french for smocky) refers to barrel aging and to Pouilly-Fumé. Today Fumé Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc are synonyms in US law and not always oaked.
Confusion. Pouilly-Fumé is a french white wine, from Loire, made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc. It should not be confused with Pouilly-Fuissé , a chardonnay wine from the south of Burgundy (Mâcon).
AOC Sancerre is an appellation in Loire Valley. White Sancerre is 100% Sauvignon Blanc. While red Sancerre is 100% Pinot Noir.
To retain the characteristic fruity, grassy and citrusy aromas is Sauvignon Blanc fermented in Stainless Steel Tanks (not in oak).
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