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You've probably heard of Sauvignon Blanc and for a good reason. It is the superstar of white wines – adored worldwide for its racy acidity and vibrant fruit flavours, ranging from zesty citrus and green apple to tropical passion fruit. You may even notice a distinctive herbaceous note reminiscent of fresh-cut grass or bell pepper. It’s like a fragrant summer garden in a glass!
Sauvignon Blanc hails from two of France’s most prestigious wine regions – Loire Valley and Bordeaux. Yet this green-skinned grape has since ventured far and wide. Significant plantings of Sauvignon Blanc can be found in the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand to the sun-kissed valleys of California.
And here’s the marvellous thing about Sauvignon Blanc – it’s a bit of a chameleon. It can shine as a single varietal or mingle perfectly with Sémillon and Muscadelle to create Bordeaux’s famous white blends. It even plays a crucial role in sweet botrytised Sauternes.
It has certainly earned its popularity amongst wine enthusiasts, so let’s explore the exciting world of Sauvignon Blanc ...
What is Sauvignon Blanc?
Pronounced “saw vee nyon blahnk”, Sauvignon Blanc is an internationally acclaimed white wine grape variety known for its refreshing acidity and impressive flavours. Its charm lies in its adaptability to grow in different climates and terrains, reflecting the distinct characteristics of the region where it thrives.
Sauvignon Blanc traces its roots back to France, however – specifically to Bordeaux and the Loire Valley.
Known for its fairytale castles and beautiful vineyards, the Loire Valley is home to some of the world’s most celebrated Sauvignon Blanc wines. Appellations such as Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé have set a benchmark for the grape’s expression. Bordeaux paints a different, albeit equally fascinating, picture of Sauvignon Blanc. Here, it is commonly blended with Sémillon and, to a lesser extent, Muscadelle to produce both dry and sweet white wines.
The remarkable thing about Sauvignon Blanc is its kaleidoscope of flavours. The spectrum of flavour will depend on where the grapes are grown. In cooler climates, such as France, Sauvignon Blanc has a crisp minerality with green apple and gooseberry flavours and distinctive herbal notes akin to freshly cut grass or bell pepper. In warmer climates such as California, it often expresses more tropical fruit characteristics, with flavours such as passion fruit, ripe peach and melon.
Sauvignon Blanc is a versatile grape and is capable of producing a variety of wine styles. It can produce crisp and invigorating wines, often enjoyed young to appreciate their freshness and vibrancy. At the same time, it can shine in sweet, complex forms such as the botrytised Sauternes blends, which showcases its ageing potential.
Where is Sauvignon Blanc from?
Sauvignon Blanc is a grape variety with a rich history. It can be traced back to the Bordeaux region in France, where it has been grown for centuries. However, the earliest mention of the grape is from the Loire Valley in the early 16th century. The grape’s name, which translates as “Wild White”, hints at its origins as an indigenous vine of South West France.
Yet, the grape’s popularity extends beyond France. It is grown successfully in many other wine regions, including New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and California.
Top Sauvignon Blanc wine regions to look out for include:
Loire Valley, France – Winemakers in the Loire Valley create some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc wines. Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé wines are known for their racy acidity, pronounced minerality, and flavours of citrus and green fruits, often underscored by a distinctive ‘gunflint’ smokiness.
Bordeaux, France – In Bordeaux, Sauvignon Blanc is typically blended with Semillon and Muscadelle to produce dry and sweet white wines. The sweet wines of Sauternes, which incorporate Sauvignon Blanc, are prized worldwide.
Marlborough, New Zealand – Sauvignon Blanc found a new home in New Zealand in the 1970s. Since then, the country has gained global recognition for its distinctive style of Sauvignon Blanc. Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is zingy and crisp with intense gooseberry and passion fruit aromas, along with grassy-lemongrass flavours. New Zealand’s success with Sauvignon Blanc has significantly influenced the grape’s global popularity today.
California, United States – In California, Sauvignon Blanc has shown its chameleon-like ability to adapt to diverse climates. The cooler coastal regions of Sonoma County and Monterey create crisp, zesty Sauvignon Blanc wines with citrus and grassy notes, while the warmer regions such as Napa Valley produce riper, fuller-bodied wines often aged in oak, known locally as ‘Fumé Blanc.’
New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
When it comes to New Zealand wine, Sauvignon Blanc is the star of the show. Marlborough is the birthplace of the country’s iconic style of Sauvignon Blanc.
Marlborough is located at the northeastern tip of the South Island. The abundant sunshine, cool maritime climate and free-draining soils make it the perfect place to grow Sauvignon Blanc. The cool temperature delivers a long growing season, allowing the grapes to develop intense flavours while maintaining their vibrant acidity.
The Marlborough style of Sauvignon Blanc burst onto the scene in the late 1980s after vines were first planted in the 1970s. It quickly gained critical acclaim. The wines were instantly recognised for their pronounced intensity. They offered a whirlwind of ripe tropical fruit such as passionfruit, underpinned by zesty citrus and an unmistakable herbaceous or grassy note – often likened to gooseberry or pea-pod aromas.
The success of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc has had a profound impact on New Zealand’s wine industry. It has led to substantial growth in vineyard plantings and wine exports and firmly cemented Sauvignon Blanc as the country’s flagship wine. Today, Sauvignon Blanc makes up around 86% of New Zealand’s wine exports, with Marlborough responsible for the majority.
Best New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs
Let’s look at some of our favourite New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc wines.
Hunter’s Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Hunter’s has been instrumental in putting New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc on the world wine map. The 2023 vintage is brimming with passion fruit, crisp apple and citrus notes. A spectacular pairing with seafood or spicy Thai dishes or to simply savour on its own.
Hole in Clouds Sauvignon Blanc 2022
This renowned wine consistently delivers high quality with intense, concentrated flavours of citrus and tropical fruits, underlined by a vibrant acidity. Its vibrant aromas and lively fruit flavours make it a perfect partner for seafood or spicy Thai dishes.
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Introduced by David Hohnen in the 1980s, Cloudy Bay offers an understated brilliance. The wine epitomises the freshness and intensity that Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is celebrated for. Despite the intense competition in the region, Cloudy Bay continues to define the quality benchmark for New Zealand wines.
Company Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Crafted by one of Marlborough’s pioneering wineries, Company Bay is a superb expression of the region’s distinct style. The winery’s commitment to picking grapes in the cool of the night and fermenting them at low temperatures maximises the wine’s intensity and freshness. This vibrant, crisp, juicy white is a delight on its own and pairs wonderfully with seafood, spicy Asian cuisine or salads.
Mussel Pot Sauvignon Blanc 2022
This top-notch Sauvignon Blanc comes from John Walsh, a renowned grower in Dillons Point. Offered under the exclusive UK Mussel Pot label, this wine showcases the legendary quality of John’s grapes. Brimming with gooseberry, passion fruit and lime, this wine shines when served chilled. Though it pairs beautifully with New Zealand green-lipped mussels, it’s actually named after John’s favourite restaurant in Marlborough Sounds.
French Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc finds its purest expression in France, especially in the Loire Valley and Bordeaux regions.
In the Loire Valley, Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé create mineral-driven Sauvignon Blanc that reflect the region’s limestone-rich soils. These wines are fresh with a tongue-tingling zestiness and brimming with intense green apple, gooseberry and grapefruit flavours.
In Bordeaux, Sauvignon Blanc is commonly blended with Sémillon and Muscadelle. This balances the grape’s zesty freshness with richer, rounder flavours. In the sweet wines of Sauternes and Barsac, Sauvignon Blanc plays a crucial role, adding acidity and structure to the rich sweetness imparted by botrytis-affected Sémillon.
What does Sauvignon Blanc taste like?
Sauvignon Blanc is a treat for the tastebuds! It’s famous for its vibrant, fresh flavour profile. You can expect zesty citrus notes – think lemon, lime and grapefruit – alongside green fruit flavours like apple and gooseberry. It often carries a herbaceous streak, evoking fresh herbs or grassy fields, and in some cases, bell pepper or asparagus.
One of Sauvignon Blanc’s hallmarks is its zingy acidity, which gives a refreshing, tongue-tingling quality to the wine.
The exact taste can vary depending on where it is grown. In cool climates like France’s Loire Valley or New Zealand’s Marlborough region, the wine tends to lean towards the green, herbaceous end of the spectrum with a pronounced minerality.
In warmer regions such as California, the grape often produces a riper, more fruit-forward style of Sauvignon Blanc. Here, the citrus and green notes give way to more tropical fruit flavours such as passionfruit, melon and guava.
Is Sauvignon Blanc dry or sweet?
Sauvignon Blanc is typically a dry white wine. But the grape can be used to make sweet wines, too. In Sauternes in France, Sauvignon Blanc grapes affected by ‘noble rot’ are used to make sweet wines.
Noble rot shrivels the grapes, concentrating the sugars and flavours, producing lusciously sweet wines with balancing acidity. Late Harvest Sauvignon Blancs, made from grapes left longer to ripen on the vine, also showcase a sweeter profile.
Whether dry or sweet, all styles of Sauvignon Blanc share a vibrancy and expressive fruit character, making this grape a firm favourite.
Chardonnay vs Sauvignon Blanc – which is sweeter?
Typically, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are all dry white wines. They have little or no residual sugar left after fermentation, so they taste crisp and refreshing rather than sweet. However, sweetness can vary depending on other factors, such as fruitiness and acidity.
Pinot Grigio is typically light-bodied with crisp acidity and flavours of green apple and citrus. This has a lean, refreshing taste on the palate.
Sauvignon Blanc has a high acidity and vibrant citrus taste with herbaceous notes, providing a crisp and invigorating taste.
Chardonnay, particularly from warmer climates, has ripe fruit flavours, a buttery texture and a softer acidity. This can create the perception of sweetness despite being technically dry.
Chardonnay vs Sauvignon Blanc – what’s the difference?
Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are two of the most popular white wines in the world. While both are dry wines, they differ in style and taste.
Originating in Burgundy, France, Chardonnay is grown worldwide thanks to its versatility. From the crisp apple notes in Chardonnay from cool climates to the tropical fruit tones of the wine produced in warmer locales, there’s a Chardonnay for every palate. When aged in oak or subjected to malolactic fermentation, it takes on a rich buttery texture with flavours of vanilla, toast and cream.
Zesty Sauvignon Blanc was born in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley. It charms with vibrant citrus, green apple and a trademark herbaceous or grassy zing. Sauvignon Blanc is always fresh and vivacious whether you drink a crisp Loire Valley classic or a fruity New Zealand number.
And when it comes to dinner? With its rounded, rich flavours, Chardonnay is a dream date for creamy sauces, succulent chicken and seafood. Sauvignon Blanc, on the other hand, is your picnic hero, embracing fresh salads, tangy goat cheese and zingy, citrusy dishes with gusto.
How do you serve Sauvignon Blanc?
Serve Sauvignon Blanc chilled to between 7°C - 10°C. This will highlight its crisp acidity and vibrant fruit flavours. Use a white wine glass with a smaller bowl to help maintain this cooler temperature and concentrate the wine’s aromas.
Sauvignon Blanc typically doesn’t need decanting. Its charm lies in its freshness and immediate appeal. However, an older, more complex Sauvignon Blanc benefits from a short decant to help open up the flavours.
How many calories are in a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc?
A standard 750ml bottle of Sauvignon Blanc contains around 600 calories. Breaking it down per serving, a 125ml glass of Sauvignon Blanc holds around 100 calories. These numbers are averages, however. The calorie count can be slightly lower or higher depending on the specific wine. For instance, a Sauvignon Blanc with higher alcohol content or a hint of residual sugar will contain more calories than a lower-alcohol, bone-dry version. While Sauvignon Blanc is often considered a ‘lighter’ white wine regarding calories, focusing on moderation and responsible drinking is essential. Wine is to be savoured and enjoyed. Mindful drinking is key when appreciating wine and considering calorie intake.
What foods pair well with Sauvignon Blanc?
Sauvignon Blanc’s vibrant acidity and lively fruit flavours make it a versatile partner to many dishes. Here are some pairing suggestions:
Fresh seafood – Shellfish like oysters, clams, scallops and mussels are classic pairings. Grilled fish, shrimp and calamari are excellent options that complement Sauvignon Blanc’s citrus and green fruit notes.
Goat cheese – The wine’s high acidity cuts through the creaminess of goat’s cheese and other tangy cheeses, creating a harmonious balance.
Poultry and white meat – Chicken, turkey and pork, especially when prepared with herbs or citrus flavours, pair beautifully with Sauvignon Blanc.
Green vegetables – A grassy, mineral-driven Sauvignon Blanc is an exciting match for green vegetables such as asparagus or zesty salads.
Sweet or spicy dishes – Riper, more fruit-forward Sauvignon Blanc from warmer regions can stand up to slightly sweeter, spicy or richly flavoured dishes.
Can I cook with Sauvignon Blanc?
Yes, you can definitely cook with Sauvignon Blanc.
Its high acidity and fruity flavours make it great for deglazing pans after sautéing meats or veggies. It’s good for marinades, helping to tenderise meat while adding flavour. Use it in poaching liquids for fish or chicken to create light, aromatic dishes. Add it to risotto or pasta for a refreshing taste. It also pairs well with seafood, especially when steaming mussels or clams.
Always cook with wine you’d enjoy drinking. If it tastes good in the glass, it’ll taste good in the dish!
Does Sauvignon Blanc go off?
Yes, like all wines, Sauvignon Blanc can go off after opening. A bottle will last around 2-3 days if re-corked or sealed and stored in the fridge.
Unopened bottles of Sauvignon Blanc should be enjoyed within a few years of release. Some premium wines from regions such as Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé can age and evolve for several years with proper storage.
What are the best Sauvignon Blanc wines?
Sauvignon Blanc’s character can vary depending on where it’s grown and how it’s made. A Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc may brim with tropical fruit and intense grassy notes, while a Californian Sauvignon Blanc might favour riper fruit flavours with a touch of oak.
Here are five superb Sauvignon Blanc wines from around the world:
Domaine Daniel Reverdy Sancerre 2022, Loire Valley, France
This classic Sancerre is elegant and vibrant. Expect a perfect balance of mineral-driven freshness and a lively array of fruit flavours, from zesty citrus to subtle white peach.
Sunday Bay Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Marlborough, New Zealand
This Marlborough classic’s intense passion fruit, gooseberry, and distinctive grassy notes are a true sensory delight. A perfect example of New Zealand’s signature style.
Redheads Princess of Thieves Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Adelaide Hills, Australia
This wine is alive with vibrant fruit flavours, refreshing acidity and a unique character that sets it apart. It is sourced from a single vineyard perched in the cool heights of the Adelaide Hills. The wine has a delicious, tangy lemon freshness, beautifully showcasing the region’s signature youthful style.
Hayrick Sauvignon Blanc 2022, California, USA
Savour the luscious flavours of orchard fruits and zesty herb, floral and hay nuances. The wine’s freshness and fruity character make it a delightful treat for Sauvignon Blanc fans.
Laithwaites Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Bordeaux, France
Our award-winning Laithwaite’s Sauvignon Blanc 2021 is a refreshing dry white wine that balances grassy freshness, zesty lemon and light tropical fruit nuances. It’s perfect for pairing with fish, salads, spicy noodles or just as a glass on its own.
Start your taste journey
Sauvignon Blanc continues to captivate wine lovers across the globe. Whether you’re enjoying a wine from France or New Zealand, you’re sure to be delighted by its vibrant flavours and zingy charm. Regardless of where it originates, one thing is certain – Sauvignon Blanc always promises a refreshing adventure in every sip.
Explore our range of curated Sauvignon Blanc wines, perfect for every occasion.
About the author
Chris Larkin
A seasoned copywriter with over two decades experience, Chris has been part of the team since 2021. At Laithwaites HQ, you’ll find him either working on our latest catalogue or creating informative content for our website. Qualified to WSET Level 3 Wine, Chris is as geeky about wine as he is about copywriting. But when it comes to choosing a special bottle, he is a traditionalist, and loves a good Bordeaux or Mâcon Chardonnay.
