Learn about Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is the second most popular white wine purchased in the U.S. Sauvignon Blanc is also extensively produced in New Zealand. In the Loire Valley of France, the wines of Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé are made with the Sauvignon Blanc grape. A White Bordeaux wine is also mostly Sauvignon Blanc. California Sauvignon Blanc wines tend to be made in two styles. One style is similar to Sancerre: dry, acidic, and herbaceous. These Sauvignon Blanc wines often have a touch of the Semillion grape and some are partly fermented in the barrel or even concrete egg-shaped tanks. The second style resembles the Sauvignon Blanc wines of New Zealand. They tend to have citrus flavors, gooseberry, and tropical fruit. A few domestic wineries use Fumé Blanc instead of Sauvignon Blanc. This is a marketing tool; the wine is Sauvignon Blanc.
The character of Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc wines tend to be light and refreshing, crisp and aromatic. Most Sauvignon Blanc wines are made to drink within one year. Cut grass, gooseberry, grapefruit, melon and honeysuckle are some of the characteristics found in Sauvignon Blanc. An additional article, What’s in Your Sauvignon Blanc?
Under $20 Sauvignon Blanc wines we like
Click to find our reviews on these wines
- Ferrari-Carano Fumé Blanc
- Markham Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
- Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc
- Hanna Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc
- Bonterra Sauvignon Blanc
Foods we like with Sauvignon Blanc
- Breaded Panko Shrimp – Costco appetizer
- Stuffed or Grilled Calamari
- Linguini with clam sauce
- Petrale Sole – breaded and fried
- Chicken or turkey sandwich with cheese
- Avocado or Guacamole – Recipe
- Healthy Portobello Mushroom Sandwich
Sauvignon Blanc on the vine