Drink

Sauvignon Blanc

White wines made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape are highly appreciated around the world, thanks to a slightly more acidic profile and a taste of herbal and fruity aromas. It is, together with the Chardonnay grape, the variety most used in the production of whites. Next, we will analyze what the tasting profiles of this grape and its varieties are like.

The Chardonnay grape is the most widely used in the world for the production of sparkling wines, since it is the only one that allows the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée de Champagne model. However, for the production of white wines with light acidity, as well as for sweet and dessert white wines, the most common variety is Sauvignon Blanc. 

Sauvignon Blanc, “Wild White” in French, is a type of French white grape native to the Bordeaux area and the Loire Valley. Its fame throughout the world is due to the fact that it produces acidic, dry white wines with a wide variety of flavor notes that range from citrus to herbal touches. At the same time, it has a very extensive aroma profile, with marked notes that are easy to differentiate.

How is the Sauvignon Blanc grape

Sauvigon Blanc is a variety of white grapes originally from the south of France, but thanks to its easy adaptation to different types of terrain, it has spread throughout the world. Nowadays, it is possible to find vineyards of this variety in New Zealand, California and Chile, where it is one of the most appreciated.

It is one of the white grape varieties with early ripening, so it can also be grown in cold climates. On the other hand, the high acidity of the fruit allows it to retain its freshness for longer and makes the wines produced vary greatly in flavor depending on where they are grown. In this sense, the wines produced in cold areas tend to have a tasting of “green” flavors, with hints of herbs, pepper, with fruity and floral final notes. However, those that are produced in hot climates, as they mature so quickly, tend to lose part of their scent notes, leaving a taste of tropical fruit flavors and light notes of fleshy fruits such as peach or grapefruit.

On the other hand, of the types of white grapes that exist, Sauvignon Blanc creates small and compact bunches, with round berries, thick skin and colorless pulp. In addition, these vine varieties tend to be very vigorous, offering very high grape yields, with a late bloom.

variety profiles

The Sauvignon Blanc grape offers three clearly marked flavor profiles, which can be easily recognized when tasting the wines. The first of the white grape types Sauvignon Blanc offers a fruity flavor, with a citrus profile of marked notes of grapefruit, lemon and melon. These flavors come from pyrazines, aromatic compounds typical of this variety.

The next profile is the herbal one. This profile is the most appreciated by white wine lovers, since the notes perfectly complement each other. In this sense, they are wines of great complexity and strength. These are wines with aromas and flavors of freshly cut grass, along with herbaceous and balsamic notes, reminiscent of parsley or tarragon.

The third profile of the variety, which is basically found in wines grown and produced in California, offers simpler, sweeter wines with a friendlier profile. In these we find hints of vanilla and light smoky notes, which come from the oak barrels. This tasting profile is the most similar to that of the Chardonnay grape.

Sauvignon Blanc wine tasting

Sauvignon Blanc produces dry, very elegant and balanced white wines, with very different varietal aromas depending on the Denomination of Origin of the vine. 

In general, on the palate it produces acid musts with flavors of green fruits such as melon or olives. It is also common to find white wines with herbal and floral flavor notes, reminiscent of currants, elderberry or white flowers. Finally, wines made in warm areas often have hints of tropical fruit such as pineapple and citrus.

On the other hand, as it is an early-ripening variety, when it takes time to harvest, it usually produces stronger and sweeter liquor wines. Due to these characteristics, it is a very difficult variety to age.

As for the tasting of aromas, they are wines with a lot of nerve. They have a very wide aromatic range, with hints of medium alcohol and great acidity. In young wines, great freshness can be noted, with prominent aromas of ripe fruit and herbaceous nuances.

The Suavignon Blancs aged in oak barrels, usually have more complex aromas, with earthy touches, between limestone and stony, even containing some smoky notes.

What does Sauvignon Blanc pair with?

As we have already mentioned, Sauvignon Blanc is a wine with great strength and acidity, which is why it is an ideal pairing for fish and shellfish dishes, whether steamed, grilled or with light sauces that do not attack the the strength of the wine.

It is also a great accompaniment to appetizers such as olives, salted fish, and soft or creamy cheeses. At the same time, it pairs very well with light dishes and starters such as fruit salads, raisins, peppers and tomato.

Unlike certain more “soft” white wines, Sauvignon Blanc is a suitable accompaniment to pasta dishes and light meats, such as chicken or pork, as long as they are not preparations loaded with sauces.

In general, Sauvignon Blanc wine has a lot of personality, so it is not a wine for everyone; Or you love it, or hate it. If you are one of those who love this variety of white wine, you can enjoy it very cool in summer with your friends, while you strum some notes with your guitar pick and liven up a good evening.

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