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Sauvignon Blanc is a great
all-around white wine: zesty in style it
refreshes the palate making it a great choice
to drink on its own or providing great acidity
for food pairing. It has a balance of
easy-drinking qualities with complex
flavors, and also comes in a wide
range of styles depending on where the grapes
are grown or how the wines are
crafted.
The
History of Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc originated
in the South West of France as a native
variety. The name literally translates to 'wild
white' as testament to its roots as an
indigenous grape. It has long been grown in the
Bordeaux region of France where it continues to
be the primary white grape of the region, and
was also imported throughout the New World in
the 19th and 20th century and is one of the
world's most popular fine white wine grapes
today.
Qualities of
the Sauvignon Blanc Grape
Sauvignon Blanc vines
are traditionally grown in warmer climates, and
good sun exposure generally helps to avoid
underripe flavors that can be less pleasant
with this grape - grass, green pepper or "cat
box". Yes, it can literally have odors of cat
urine, which is obviously to be avoided. The
vines are also relatively vigorous so managing
crop size is key to getting the ideal level of
ripening as well as concentration of
flavors.
Sauvignon Blanc Wine
Characteristics
Body: light to
medium
Acidity: medium to
high
Flavors: grapefruit,
melon, citrus flavors; some show hints of grass
or herbal qualities, or a distinctive pungent
note of gooseberry
Regions Where Sauvignon
Blanc is Grown
- In France's Bordeaux and
Loire Valley
appellations
- In
Australia's Margaret River region
- New Zealand's South Island, including the
Marlborough region
- In many parts of California, including Napa
and Alexander Valleys
- Chile's Valparaiso region
Sauvignon Blanc Fast
Facts
- Bottled by regional
name in France (Bordeaux; Pouilly Fumé;
Sancerre; Sauternes - a dessert wine from
Bordeaux)
- Bottled by varietal name outside of
France
- The
alternate name 'Fumé Blanc' invented by Robert
Mondavi is also occasionally used in the
U.S.
- Famous Producers: Henri Bourgeois, Didier
Dagueneau, Cloudy Bay
- Generally best drunk young - some dessert
styles such as Sauternes can be aged for many
decades
Sauvignon Blanc Wine
& Food Pairing
- Sauvignon Blanc's
backbone of acidity makes it versatile with a
wide variety of foods - we find it stands up
well to briny olives or olive-oil based sauces,
as well as fish and
chicken
- Easy
Food and Wine pairings with Sauvignon
Blanc:
Chicken
Cutlets with Green Spanish Olives
Chicken
Saltimbocca with Sundried Tomatoes
Italian
Wedding Soup
Here are some of our favorites:
2009 Duckhorn Sauvignon
Blanc
Riper, full
style with a kiss of oak aging that showcases
this grape's lusher
side. ($27)
2006 Hogue Fume
Blanc
Fruit-forward rather than tart in style, this
wine has charm and a pleasant hint of
creaminess. ($8)
2009 Veramonte Sauvignon
Blanc
Excellent
balance of citrusy freshness with softer,
lusher flavor of other stone fruits.
($10)
2008 Cloudy Bay
Sauvignon Blanc
One
of the classics of New Zealand. Zesty
gooseberry and exotic lychee notes are
enticing.
($25)
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