Sauvignon Blanc

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Sauvignon Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc) is a white wine grape variety that originates in the Bordeaux region of France. This is the second most common French white grape variety after Chardonnay. Nowadays it is most common along the middle reaches of the Loire River.

Undoubtedly Sauvignon Blanc is one of the kings of white grapes. Due to its number of specific characteristics, it is one of the most memorable and at the same time easily recognizable varieties. Sauvignon Blanc grapes give extremely aromatic and fresh wines, distinguished by their juiciness and crystal purity.

Sauvignon Blanc is a pretentious variety in terms of soil and climatic conditions. It blooms late and ripens early, so it does not need excess heat. The preferred soils on which it grows are calcareous-clayey. It ripens in mid-September and is moderately resistant to winter temperatures.

Sauvignon Blanc grows well in well-ventilated areas. When ripe, the sugar content reaches 20-24%. The Sauvignon Blanc clusters are small to medium-sized, weighing about 100 g. They are cylindrical to cylindrical-conical, compact. The berries are small and spherical, slightly elliptical and often deformed due to the compactness of the grapes. The skin is yellow-green, and only when it reaches full maturity is yellow-amber. The meat is sweet and juicy, with a pleasant sour taste.

There are several varieties of Sauvignon Blanc, which have different colors of grapes - Sauvignon Noir, Sauvignon Violet, Sauvignon Rouge, Sauvignon Rose.

Distribution of Sauvignon Blanc

Undoubtedly, Sauvignon Blanc is most common in France, where plantations with this variety reach 12,000 hectares. Its main area of distribution is the middle reaches of the Loire River. It is there that the vineyards are located, which give the purest and freshest grapes Sauvignon Blanc. Another significant area of distribution in France is Bordeaux, where sauvignon blanc is present mostly as a blend of muscadel and semillon in all white wines and is very rare on its own.

Outside the Loire the most impressive Sauvignon Blanc is located in New Zealand. The style of making sauvignon blanc in New Zealand has over time become a benchmark for all producers in the New World, which guarantees the island nation an extremely stable place in the world's wine elite. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc wines are aromatic, concentrated and fruity.

In California, this variety is known as Blanc Fume and is the fourth most popular wine variety, covering an area of about 7,500 hectares. California wines of this variety are clean and pleasant, and even those that fall into the lower price range are an excellent example of the typical Sauvignon Blanc.

In Italy, vineyards with sauvignon blanc are located in the northern part of the country. The climate of the region allows to achieve great results.

In South Africa, the best sauvignon blanc comes from the colder coastal areas of the country. Chile and Argentina boast very good success in exporting these wines, although there are great difficulties in growing and cultivating the variety.

In Bulgaria Sauvignon Blanc is planted in limited areas in Razgrad, Burgas, Targovishte and others. Apart from the above-mentioned countries, the variety is also present in Romania, Serbia, Macedonia, Slovenia, Austria, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Slovakia, Spain and others.

In California, sauvignon blanc became more popular when one of the largest winemakers in the United States, Robert Mondavi, introduced the variety Sauvignon Blanc, strongly influenced by an oak vessel, under the name Fume Blanc. Interestingly, today on the American market wines of the Sauvignon Blanc variety are the next most consumed after the favorite of white Chardonnay varieties.

Characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc wines are characterized by juiciness and crystal purity. The main characteristic of Sauvignon Blanc is instantly recognizable, piercing, fresh, fine and extremely harmonious taste. The nature of these wines depends much on the year of harvest and the skills of the producer themselves, rather than on the region. The most characteristic notes in the wonderful aroma of wines produced from Sauvignon Blanc are the scent of tropical fruits, hay and gooseberries.

Serving Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is served well chilled and consumed while still young. This means that sauvignon blanc wines are not able to age, ie. do not improve their taste over time. Sauvignon Blanc wine is made to be consumed young. The younger the wine, the better it tastes. In addition, once opened, the bottle should be drunk within a day or two, because the wine is easily susceptible to oxidation.

Its taste will be best felt if it is well cooled - 7-10 degrees. The exceptional freshness of the wine is due to its high acid levels.

Aromatic sauvignon blanc should be served with foods that will not reduce its qualities, but on the contrary - will emphasize its taste and aroma.

Seafood goes well with sauvignon blanc. All types of smoked fish go with this fine wine. Tender vegetables, especially artichokes or asparagus in a light sauce, served with sauvignon blanc become a real feast for the senses.

It can be summed up that the wine combines perfectly with all kinds of seafood, crabs, fish, seafood soups, roasted aubergines, fondue, smoked cheeses, all kinds of spicy Asian food. All green leafy vegetables (in lasagna, souffle, salads) also go with this white wine.