Knowledge CentreGrape Variety in Focus
Sauvignon Blanc
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1. The Grape
Sauvignon Blanc is a white grape that makes fresh, aromatic wines with high acidity.
It grows best in cool or moderate climates, where it keeps bright flavours of lemon, green apple, and herbs.
In warmer places, it can taste riper, with notes of melon, peach, or passionfruit.
2. Where It’s Grown
Loire Valley, France
- The grape’s traditional home.
- Wines like Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are dry, crisp, and elegant, with flavours of citrus, green fruit, and minerals.
- Usually made in stainless steel tanks with no oak.
Bordeaux, France
- Often blended with another grape called Sémillon.
- Some wines are aged in oak, giving them a rounder texture and flavours of grapefruit, toast, and honey.
Pays d’Oc, Southern France
- A warm, sunny area along the Mediterranean.
- Makes fruity, easy-drinking wines with ripe citrus and tropical flavours.
- Good value and widely available.
New Zealand
- Famous for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
- Cool climate and lots of sunshine make wines bursting with gooseberry, lime, and passionfruit aromas.
- Bright, refreshing, and unoaked.
Chile
- Grown in cool coastal valleys such as Casablanca and Leyda.
- Crisp, citrus-led wines that are clean and refreshing.
South Africa and Australia
- South Africa: Zesty wines with grapefruit and fig notes.
- Australia: From Adelaide Hills and Margaret River, styles range from fresh and grassy to richer blends with Sémillon.
3. How It’s Made
- Grapes are usually picked early to keep acidity high.
- Fermented in stainless steel to preserve fruity, aromatic flavours.
- Oak barrels are sometimes used (mainly in Bordeaux) to make a richer, creamier style.
- Most wines are unoaked, light, and ready to drink young.
4. Typical Styles
| Region | Flavour | Style | Oak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loire Valley (Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé) | Lemon, green apple, herbs | Dry, crisp, mineral | No |
| Bordeaux (Graves, Pessac-Léognan) | Grapefruit, peach, toast | Medium-bodied | Sometimes |
| Pays d’Oc | Ripe citrus, melon, tropical fruit | Light, fruity | Rare |
| New Zealand (Marlborough) | Gooseberry, passionfruit, lime | Vibrant, aromatic | No |
| Chile / South Africa | Lemon, grapefruit, tropical hints | Fresh, balanced | Minimal |
5. Key Facts
- High acidity makes Sauvignon Blanc refreshing and food-friendly.
- Best served chilled and enjoyed young.
- Known for its aromatic intensity and easy-drinking style.
- One of the most popular white wines worldwide.
6. Summary
Sauvignon Blanc makes wines that are bright, zesty, and full of flavour.
From the crisp French classics to tropical New World styles, it’s a grape loved for its freshness and versatility.
Whether elegant Sancerre or fruity Marlborough, Sauvignon Blanc offers something for everyone.
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