Sauvignon Blanc: what you need to know in brief
Briefly about the variety
Sauvignon blanc - technical variety white grapes originating from France, namely from the Loire Valley. It is one of the most widespread and popular varieties that produces excellent wines in France, Italy, Austria, Germany, Spain, Australia, South Africa, the USA, Argentina, Chile, and New Zealand, where it is generally considered a "calling card".
Sauvignon does not tolerate aging in oak barrels, as oak practically kills the refreshing qualities of the variety, so most often wine from it is aged in stainless steel containers.
Wines from sauvignon blanc
This is the perfect summer drink to refresh you after a hot day. Even inexpensive samples usually perform well with sufficient cooling, which helps to hide their flaws. But among the more expensive wines, you can find samples that are very different from each other, and the main role in this is played by the territory - the style of sauvignon can vary greatly depending on the region. We will analyze the main ones in this article.
It is worth noting that the climate of a particular region is almost crucial. In areas with a cool climate, wines acquire shades of berries and leaves of unripe black currant, notes of gooseberry, honeysuckle, nettle and lemon. In the countries of the New World with a warm climate, sauvignon blanc often produces wines with bright shades of black currant, grapefruit, pineapple and passion fruit.
France
France is a leader in the planting of sauvignon blanc, so it has a wide variety of wines produced from it.
Most sauvignon blanc is grown in the Loire Valley, where the most famous communes are Sancerre and Puy-Fumé. Sancerre produces elegant, medium-bodied wines with a characteristic mineral tone and citrus flavors and aromas, while wines from Puy-Fume are characterized by smoky siliceous minerality.
Sauvignon is also used in Bordeaux, where it is one of the few white varieties allowed. In Bordeaux, it is used to make not only dry but also sweet wines, such as the world-famous sauternes, a dessert wine that is buttery and complex, with a fruity flavor.
Australia
Australia has great potential for winemaking, as the country's vast territories are rich in different types of soil, which determines the great variety of wines produced.
For example, the Barossa Valley is rich in a variety of terroirs, and wines from this region are characterized by richness and complexity of aroma and taste.
Australian wines from the southern region will not be as mineral as French wines and are perfect for those who like bright but light wines.
Chile
For lovers of truly invigorating wines, we can recommend Chilean sauvignon blanc wines, in particular, from the Casablanca Valley. This sub-region has a cool climate, and the vineyards are blown by winds from the ocean, making the wines incredibly refreshing, even "crisp" due to high acidity... The aroma and taste are dominated by hints of fruit and citrus, grapefruit and lime, as well as mineral nuances.
New Zealand
While the Loire Valley in France is famous for the best sauvignon blanc wines, the Marlborough region of New Zealand produces the brightest and most powerful wines of this variety. Hints of grapefruit and lime zest, pineapple, meadow grasses and sweet pepper, passion fruit and paprika dominate the nose. New Zealand wines do not have as high acidity as Chilean wines, but they have a very bright aroma.
A selection of sauvignon blanc wines by country
Domain de la Perriere Sancerre
Region: France, Loire Valley, Sancerre.
Alcohol: 13.5% abv.
A French example of a perfectly balanced wine. The aroma is dominated by hints of white acacia flowers and wine peach. The taste is dominated by fruity tones with light mineral hints. This wine definitely needs a gastronomic pairing - seafood, crustaceans, lean fish or goat cheese Chavignol.
Jacob's Creek Sauvignon Blanc Classic
Region: Australia, South Australia
Alcohol: 12%
Australian wine with a flashy name. The aroma of the wine is filled with hints of guava, mango and citrus, among which pink grapefruit is especially pronounced. The taste of the wine is soft and juicy, with notes of lychee, pineapple and light herbal nuances. Above average acidity, but soft and pleasant. Despite the fact that the wine is dry, it does not seem to be "dry".
Armador Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Chile, San Antonio Valley.
Alcohol: 12.6% by volume.
A wonderful Chilean wine for which grapes were harvested by hand from vines older than 15 years. The aroma contains hints of ripe white fruits, black currant leaves, gooseberries and bell peppers. On the palate: citrus, melon, peach and freshly cut grass. The wine has a good level of acidity, it refreshes and awakens the appetite. The aftertaste is medium, not very long.
Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc
Region: New Zealand, Marlborough.
Alcohol: 13.1% abv.
One of the most recognizable New Zealand sauvignon blanc wines in retail, which justifies its popularity with high quality and excellent characteristics. The aroma of the wine is dominated by hints of citrus fruits - grapefruit, orange and lime, complemented by tropical fruits - pineapple, guava and mango. The taste of the wine is rich, prolonging the aroma, with hints of fruit and citrus. It has crisp acidity and a pleasant aftertaste.
Finally, Vzboltai reminds us that sauvignon blanc wines, like most white wines, require cooling to 6-8 degrees and are not stored after opening the bottle. Open wine should be drunk in the evening, otherwise it will lose its qualities and become "empty" by the next evening.
Update: 19.07.2021
Category: Wine and Vermouth