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The sauvignon blanc grape can be found in many wine producing regions around the world. These grapes are usually used to make sauvignon blanc, a type of white wine that is thought to have originated in France. In this blog post we will talk about what sauvignon blanc tastes like and where it comes from.
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Where Does Sauvignon Blanc Grow?
There are lots of regions around the world where wine grapes grow and there’s no surprise that the grapes used to make saugivnon blanc feature in many of them. But there are a few stand out ones.
Wine regions to explore for sauvignon blanc include France, New Zealand, South Africa, Napa Valley in California and the Wairau Valley, Australia.
Loire Valley, France
The vineyards hug along 800km (497 miles) of Loire River from Nantes in the west all way east towards Sancerre. The cool climate and limestone rich soils make it perfect for growing an excellent wine that many enjoy while touring through this region of France.
Sauvignon blanc grapes used to make white wine are mostly found in Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé and Touraine Blanc. They’re grown mainly but also rarely blended.
Sauvignon blanc wines of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé have a fabulous flinty character from the silex soils in those appellations.
Bordeaux, France
All white wines in France that come from the Mediterranean/maritime region of Bordeaux are a blend that includes Sauvignon Blanc. The other grapes include Semillon and Muscadelle with trace amounts of Sauvignon Gris, Ugni Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Colombard.
There is also two styles: dry whites which many consider age-worthy (Pessac Leognan) or sweet style for those who enjoy less acidity but more depth such as Barsac or Sauterne.
Marlborough, New Zealand
The islands of New Zealand is known for its Sauvignon Blancs and their mouth-watering citric acidity. While the grape is grown all over two main islands that make up New Zealand, it’s best recognized in Marlborough Region where moderate temperatures combined with lots of sunshine create long ripening periods which allow grapes to achieve high concentration and acidity. Free-draining soils rich in heat retaining stones produce highly aromatic wines.
What does Sauvignon Blanc look like?
A green-skinned grape variety that is used for white wine production, Sauvignon Blanc has a round shape and small clusters when ripe. A late budding variety with early ripening tendencies, it’s the perfect match for sunny regions.
What does Sauvignon Blanc taste like?
So the big question when looking at any type of wine is simple – what does it taste like? Let’s chat about what sauvignon blanc tastes like.
Primary Flavors
The primary flavours of sauvignon blanc wins are full of citrus flavors and grassy green flavors with hints of green peppercorns. These wines are light to medium-bodied, dry and tangy which is perfect for summer days or night outs on the beach.
The main flavours in the wine are:
- Gooseberry
- Honeydew
- Grapefruit
- White Peach
- Passion Fruit
How should I serve Sauvignon Blanc?
Chilling your wine is an easy way to get the most out of it.
Making sure that Sauvignon Blanc stays chilled will help you maintain its fresh flavor and keep from tasting a bit full, while also allowing yourself to experience all of those delicious aromas. Ideally it should be served between 50-55 degrees F which you can achieve by popping in the fridge for a couple of hours. Or 30 minutes in an ice bath for emergencies!
How should I store Sauvignon Blanc?
If the bottle doesn’t get finished in a single go, pop the cork or lid back on and put it in the fridge. It will keep there for 2-4 days before the chemical compounds in the wine start to oxidize. After that, only use it for cooking.
All wine should be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat and light. Most of this wine should be consumed early and with a chill, so keep a few bottles on hand in the refrigerator. Either laying bottles down on their side or storing upright is ideal.
Food Pairing
Sauvignon Blanc is a food-friendly wine with high acidity and bright, fresh flavors. For lighter mineral-soaked styles like Loire Valley Sancerre Sauvingnon Blanc makes an excellent apéritif paired well with cheeses like chèvre or oysters & shellfish as well as white fish such as trout, cod & halibut.
More pungent, herbal wines like those from New Zealand are perfect for cooking. Think grilled asparagus with parsley, sautéed green beans and mint or big salads topped with herbs like basil! If you want to get some protein into your dishes think about things such as fish (especially when paired citrus sauces), chicken and pork work well too
Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine with higher alcohol content, which means it can handle heavy sauces and grilled meats. The key to matching wines with food is the weight of both – there should be some sort of balance between them so that they don’t come off as too overpowering or underwhelming.
What’s the difference between Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio?
Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are three different grapes that produce white wines. Pinots mostly come from the Burgundy region of France with a light body and tropical fruit aroma while chards grow in cooler climates like New Zealand or Australia to give it more flavor-heavy notes such as stone fruits. Meanwhile, Saucisson Blanc is most commonly found growing around Bordeaux where its wine is high acidity but has less sugar than other whites which gives it an extra zing!
A popular choice
Sauvignon blanc is one of the most popular types of wine available today. It has a fresh and fruity flavour that makes it easy to drink, even for people who don’t typically enjoy white wines. If you are looking for a new type of wine to try this summer, we recommend giving sauvignon blanc some consideration. What’s your favourite food or meal to pair with an ice cold glass? Give us your thoughts in the comments below!
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