Beginner's Guide to Sauvignon Blanc

Heyy Winers! Unless you're living under a rock, you've likely heard of a margarita, an IPA and alfredo. Now, what do these three completely random things have in common? They are cultural staples. No matter the category, there are always flagships that remain staples no matter how much time passes. Join me as I give you a guide to one of wine’s flagships: Sauvignon Blanc.

With its earliest record dating back to the 16th century, Sauvignon Blanc has origins traced to the Loire Valley in France. Sauvignon Blanc grows best in cooler climate regions that encourages its natural acidity. One of the driest white wines in the world, Sauvignon Blanc has gained much popularity over the past few years. It is grown in many places around the world with the most notable examples being in the Loire Valley, Bordeaux, and New Zealand. 

Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc:

Identified as one of the most planted white grapes by acreage in the Loire Valley, Sauvignon Blanc is used to produce Sancerre, Touraine, Pouilly Fume and other regionally labeled wines. Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley will be dry with a crisp acidity and a light body. Pouilly fume often sees some oak treatment and as a result has a slightly fuller body than unoaked Sauvignon Blanc.

Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc:

Grown mostly in the Entre Deux Mer region that lies between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers of central southern Bordeaux, this style of Sauvignon Blanc is often a blend. A traditional Bordeaux white blend will consist of mostly Sauvignon Blanc with small amounts of Semillon and Muscadelle blended in for balance and a more fruit driven palette. Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc will have a pale lemon color with a light body, crisp acidity and more noticeable fruit than some other Sauvignon Blancs.

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc:

Having grown in popularity in recent years, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is known for its green and grapefruity palette. The most notable examples are produced in the Marlborough region in northern New Zealand, although it is produced in other parts of the country as well. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is going to have a lighter body with higher acidity. Perfect for people who love a mouth watering wine. 

Other Regions For Sauvignon Blanc:

Sauvignon Blanc is regarded as an international grape varietal meaning it is planted all over the world. While France and New Zealand remain the most notable regions for producing the crisp white wine, you can also find fabulous examples from other parts of the world. See below for more regions making waves in Sauvignon Blanc production!

California, USA: Leiu Dit Sauvignon Blanc- Santa Ynez Valley

Washington,USA: Slo Jams Sauvignon Blanc - Columbia Valley

Austria: Wolmuff Sauvignon Blanc - Südsteiermark

There you have it! No matter how much times passes, Sauvignon Blanc will always remain a staple in the wine world.