Le Sauvignon Blanc is a globally cultivated grape variety. He is originally from Bordeaux and the Loire Valley. Sauvignon is the basis of sweet wines and fragrant dry white wines.
The different names of Sauvignon Blanc
“Blanc fumé” in Nièvre, “fumé blanc” in California if vinified in oak barrels, “Surin” in Loir-et-Cher, “Feigentraube” (grape-fig) in Germany, “Muskat sylvaner” in Austria or “Muskatini silvanec” in Croatia and Slovenia.
Where is Sauvignon Blanc found?
In the Loire Valley, such as Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. We find in these wines the classic aromas of Sauvignon blanc with a hint of smoky aromas that we associate with the soil of the region similar to those of Chablis.
In Bordeaux, it is often associated with Sémillon to support the fruit and bring complexity to white wines. White wines from Pessac-Leognan and Graves age well and develop complex aromas of honey and toast.
Worldwide, Sauvignon is grown in California, Mexico, Chile, South Africa, Australia, Italy, Spain and Portugal.
It is a popular and widespread grape variety in the world!
The Sauvignon grape flourishes in cool regions. If grown in an environment that is too hot, it tends to lose its main aromas and its characteristic acidity resulting in a heavy wine without any real interest.
Characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc
Vine
The Sauvignon has an average bud burst. Vigorous, it is however susceptible to powdery mildew and gray rot.
The fruit
The Sauvignon grape cluster is compact, tapered and sometimes winged. This is very much impregnated with the soil and the climate, explaining the diversity of aromas that Sauvignon generates. The grape of this variety is small with a thick skin. It is golden yellow when ripe.
The aromas
Sauvignon has very characteristic aromas that vary according to the terroir.
Most often, it develops aromas of blackcurrant, boxwood and citrus. Loire white wines have aromas of flowers, lemony white fruits and blackcurrant. For sweet Bordeaux wines, a small percentage of Sauvignon blended with Sémillon gives them very fresh aromas.
What to pair Sauvignon Blanc with?
Sauvignon Blanc has a particular affinity with things green, and with vegetables in general: salads, asparagus, peas, fennel, grilled peppers or courgettes, fish or seafood cooked with lots of herbs or with pesto. Its aromas have a lot to do with it, but it's also its crunchy texture and liveliness that make it a partner of choice for what's crispy and fresh!
Smoked fish, ceviche, grilled sardines, marinière mussels, fresh goat's cheese if the wine is young, but also more sophisticated dishes such as monkfish blanquette, scallops with lemongrass, prawns with ginger and coconut milk... Its energy, the freshness of its citrus notes give lively and fruity wines, easy to pair with all these dishes, cold or hot.