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HomeTopicsGrape VarietiesSauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon BlancSauvignon Blanc is a popular white wine from green-skinned grapes grown in many parts of the world. It's favored as a standalone, but also famous for blending with Semillon grapes in Sauternes dessert wines. It is often a bold tasting wine that is enjoyable when young, rather than aged.
Many great regions produce outstanding results, including Sauvignon Blanc Hunter Valley labels.
History of Sauvignon BlancHistorically, the grapes possibly originated in France's Bordeaux and Loire Valley regions. The name "Sauvignon" means "savage" in French. Even here, however, the wine was not on the preferred list for most producers. The varietal did not rise in stature until the mid-1960s.
Vines are heat tolerant and grow quickly, requiring consistent pruning for best results. They typically develop as a more acidic variety, but careful management contributes to pleasant flavors. Like their blending partner, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc grapes are susceptible to Botrytis cinerea, otherwise known as "noble rot." This fungus causes the grapes to shrivel, leaving behind a sweet pulp treasured for dessert wines.
Sauvignon Blanc is often given other names. In France, for instance, it is Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé, while the label might read "fumé sauvignon" in Italy.
Sauvignon Blanc vines found a home in California by the mid-1880s. These cuttings from the Chateau d'Yquem established well and proliferated. It is here that Robert Mondavi gave it the alternative name, "Fumé Blanc." The change, along with precise vine management, helped revive a fading popularity with the public. The first products were very sweet while the Fumé Blancs tended toward the dry side.
New Zealand is gaining even greater prestige as a Sauvignon Blanc producer, rivaling some of France's products. The Marlborough region produces some definitely sweeter varietals with nice fruity overtones.
Sauvignon Blanc ProducersTop Producers of Sauvignon Blanc include:
In the U.S., California leads, along with Washington State, but wine production occurs in many areas.
Finding other gems in the hunt for great Sauvignon Blancs will take you around the world. For instance, if you're searching for "Greenstone Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand," you'll discover a well-known vineyard in the Marlborough region. As a matter of fact, Greenstone Point Winery is fairly new, but garners rave reviews with its exports.
Other Sauvignon Blancs of note include the following:
A host of other varieties exist that will meet everyone's taste in white wine. You may be surprised to find Sauvignon Blanc sold with screw-caps, especially from New Zealand. These are among the first to be bottled in this manner, which is growing in acceptance.
Most Sauvignon Blancs do not age well, so it is best to consume soon after purchase.
Pairing Sauvignon Flavors with FoodWhite wine lovers should become familiar with the various Sauvignon Blanc growing regions. The soil, climate and harvesting factors heavily affect the taste.
Processing also imparts characteristics as some Sauvignon Blanc varieties are oaked; others are not. This is typical of any grape and many wine drinkers prefer one set of flavors over the others. The color is very light golden, but varies when blended.
Flavors on the palate range from fruity to grassy. Those are for the milder versions. Some Sauvignon Blancs can bring on very aggressive overtones. Perhaps the most famous attribute of all is "cat's pee on a gooseberry bush." The late Len Evans, one of Australia's respected wine critics, often receives credit for this statement.
For the greater part of tasting reports, Sauvignon Blancs can reach the full spectrum of tastes on every part of the palate. Another point in its favor is aromatics that go from grassy at first sniff to tart in some. Overall, this complex beverage can take on bold foods. It is also one of the few that experts recommend for sushi dishes.
The varieties hold up well with a host of other foods, including those that are moderately spicy, but not overdone. Fish, poultry and shellfish are great complements, even when smoked. As an appetizer and dessert choice, Sauvignon Blanc can pair with cheeses, salads and tomato-based dishes.
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