Everything You Should Know About Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc wine originally comes from France. Its most famous variants are the Loire Valley and Bordeaux, but nowadays, this type of wine is produced worldwide.

It's no wonder the popularity of this wine has reached you too, and the reasons behind it are numerous. If you're interested to learn more about Sauvignon Blanc, keep reading this blog.

We've included all the information on Sauvignon Blanc taste, its origins, and the most popular varieties you should try. The best Sauvignon Blanc may be closer than you think.

Visit Glass & Vine and take a look at our wine list to find your favorite.

About Sauvignon Blanc

Though you may not know this, Sauvignon Blanc is a parent (along with Cabernet Franc) of the Cabernet Sauvignon. All of these wines have a recognizable characteristic in their flavor – the peppery note that comes from the pyrazines. This chemical compound is also present in jalapenos and green bell pepper.

Who knew Sauvignon Blanc tasting notes were similar to those of peppers?

Still, that's likely not the main reason why this wine is so widely popular. 

Sauvignon Blanc taste depends on where the grapes were grown. Based on the region of origin, wines of this sort can be zesty, fruity, and refreshing. 

Most expressions of the grape have some citrus noticeable in their flavor. Green, or sometimes even tropical fruits, could be present in certain situations. With the combination of light body, aromatics, and thirst-quenching acidity, it's no wonder that Sauvignon Blanc is such a crowd-pleaser.

Firstly, Sauvignon Blanc tasting notes are pleasant enough by themselves. So having this wine solo is a great idea. But, the greatness of Sauv Blanc comes from its versatility – the wine goes just as well with food.

If you're having a dinner party, you know you'll need a couple of extra bottles.

The Origins of Sauvignon Blanc 

French Sauvignon Blanc is the original version of this wine. Let's get that out of the way.

It is unclear if the first bottles appeared in Bordeaux or the Loire Valley, but we're sure western France is the place of origin. The name Sauvignon Blanc is mentioned in texts from the 1500s, so we've been enjoying this wine for quite a while.

Its name was developed from the French word for "wild" – sauvage. This sort's vines grow rampantly throughout the vineyards, which caused the naming. 

In the 1970s, Sauvignon Blanc was planted in New Zealand. Today, it's one of the most popular grape varieties in the country.

What Does Sauvignon Blanc Taste Like?

Funny enough, there's a chemical compound in this wine that sometimes gives it a smell that resembles cat piss. However, there are other factors that make Sauvignon Blanc tasting notes a lot more pleasant.

So don't worry, you won't taste the bad ones.

Since Sauvignon Blanc grows all over the world, it's natural that there are numerous varieties of expressions. Cooler climates bring us wines with more citrus noticeable in the flavor, along with grassy notes and minerality.

The warmer climates, however, will allow you to enjoy tropical fruits, melon, and stone fruits while sipping on a glass of the best Sauvignon Blanc.

When it comes to the aroma, Sauv Blanc has an abundance. Even a tiny whiff will have you picking up floral or perfumed smells.

Though French Sauvignon Blanc is known as a versatile drink, this wine is typically dry and light-bodied with crisp acidity. Most Sauv Blancs are aged in stainless steel, so you can forget about oaky aromas and tannin extraction.

Properly Serving Sauvignon Blanc

Like most wines with a light body, Sauvignon Blanc is best served at cooler temperatures. We would advise the temperature between 45-50 degrees F, or 7-10 C, for the most pleasant experience.

Once it's bottled, Sauvignon Blanc doesn't benefit from aging. So, keep your bottles from 3 to 5 years max. You don't have an excuse not to enjoy them.

These wines are perfect when served on their own. A warm evening is the only thing you need to have the perfect combination. However, if you wish to have dinner along with the wine, you'll have no problem finding a match.

There are plenty of foods out there that soften the acidity of the wine and bring out its fruity notes. The best Sauvignon Blanc characteristic is that you can eat almost anything with it and have it taste amazing.

The Best Pairings With Sauvignon Blanc

There are plenty of options here, but let's start with the basics. What to pair with French Sauvignon Blanc? How about French cheese?

Goat cheese is the tastiest possible pair for this type of wine. Both come from the Loire Valley in France, so pairing them makes sense.

You'll need a palate cleanser to help with the goat cheese creaminess, and the high acid of the wines works wonders with that. At the same time, the earthy cheese brings out the fruity notes of the wine and softens its acidity.

As a lighter wine, Sauvignon Blanc tastes best when paired with delicate foods, like vegetarian dishes, chicken, and seafood.

However, its high acidity allows it to match with foods of similar characteristics, like citrusy sauces and salads. The same characteristic allows Sauv Blanc to be paired with creamy and fatty dishes as a palate cleanser between bites. Yes, we're talking about pasta. And yes, the combination tastes unbelievable.

As we mentioned, the versatility of this wine is unmatched, so feel free to pair Sauvignon Blanc with veggies like artichoke and asparagus that may be tougher to work with in most cases.

When it's all said and done, as long as there's good weather and pleasant company, a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc will be a decent match.

Top Sauvignon Blanc Regions

This grape variety is grown worldwide, but a few places do it best. These are our top picks.

• Bordeaux, France

Sauvignon Blanc from Bordeaux is described as sharp with green fruits and citrusy notes. It's typically blended with Muscadelle and Semillon to create Bordeaux Blanc.

• Pouilly-Fumé, Loire Valley, France

This smoky wine with green fruits and slate notes is among the most prestigious Sauvignon Blanc types worldwide. Unlike most other varieties, Pouilly-Fumé is aged in oak. This gives the wine more complexity and body. This process also adds to the price of the bottles. 

• Marlborough, New Zealand

New Zealand's most popular sort comes from its southern Island, Marlborough. The cooler climates provide the wine with grapefruit and passionfruit notes, along with fresh grass and green melon.

• California 

You've likely tried this one already. California's Sauv Blanc is aromatic with tropical fruit and citrus notes.

Try It at Glass and Wine

We can't think of a better place to sit back, have a glass of wine and enjoy the perfect Miami weather than the patio at Glass and Vine. Our backyard is a special place in the city and a perfect one for those who prefer having a glass of Sauv Blanc in peace.