Sauvignon Blanc

The Classic region for Sauvignon Blanc is the Loire Valley, France. From here Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are infamous examples. New Zealand (Marlborough) is the new star and focus of the New World’s Sauvignon Blanc production, where excellent wines are produced from this variety, including award winning and some very expensive wines. South Africa is producing some superb coastal wines and all over Europe, especially Spain, also make full flavoured wines from Sauvignon Blanc.

Imagine a Summer’s day….freshly cut grass, gooseberries, fruit, basil, lime, elderflowers. Fabulous aromas come from this crisp and refreshing grape variety. Acidity and mineral flavours are sharp on the tongue but balance extremely well.

Very pale in colour, as best drunk young to keep the fruit flavours alive. Remember, the more a wine ages, the more the fresh ripe fruit flavours develop and diminish, so does the colour. In white wine, the colour ranges from lemon- golden- amber with age.

Typical Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are high end Sauvignon Blancs to buy, however they are worth every penny! Also top quality Marlborough (NZ) e.g. Cloudy Bay, can be very expensive. Better value examples are available from close by neighbours (producers) in each region so look carefully to spot a bargain! Also, alternative European wines made from this variety are good value.

Because Sauvignon Blanc is simple, yet aromatic, it suits highly flavoured foods to match it e.g. spicy, Asian, Indian, tomato based, shellfish, strong cheeses or alternatively, fresh spring vegetables.