Grape variety : Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc: origins and characteristics of this grape variety

The third most planted white grape in the world, Sauvignon Blanc originated in eastern France and gradually conquered the globe, from California to New Zealand by way of South Africa. Sauvignon Blanc is a many-sided white grape that built the reputation of prestigious vineyards such as Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. Follow our guide and discover everything you need to know about Sauvignon Blanc through its history, its aromatic character, and the wines it produces. You will also find here all our advice for the best food and wine pairings with white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc. It belongs to the wider Sauvignon family, alongside Sauvignon Gris.

Description and origins of this grape variety

At present, we still do not know whether Sauvignon Blanc was born on the banks of the Loire or those of the Garonne. One thing, however, is certain: Sauvignon Blanc is one of the oldest grape varieties in France. Thanks to the writings of Gregory of Tours in the 6th century, we know that this white grape, with its distinctive fresh-fruit aromas, has been cultivated since Gallo-Roman times in the Loire region. Today, Sauvignon Blanc has crossed the borders of its native France to take root in every corner of the planet, becoming one of the most planted (and most appreciated) white grapes in the world.

The aromatic characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc

Vinified as a single varietal in the Centre-Loire region or blended with Sémillon (and sometimes Muscadelle) in the Bordeaux area, Sauvignon Blanc is a versatile grape that adapts to the terroir, the climate and the estate that grows it. We can distinguish two styles of dry white wine made from Sauvignon depending on the type of climate:

Sauvignon Blanc as a dry white wine in a cool climate

Sauvignon Blanc as a dry white wine in a warm, temperate climate

The main terroirs where it is grown in France

As a versatile grape able to express itself differently in both cool and warm climates, Sauvignon has taken root in many regions of France. Beyond its original terroirs, the Bordeaux region (blended with Sémillon and Muscadelle) and the Loire Valley (particularly the Centre-Loire, with appellations such as Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé), Sauvignon Blanc is also found in Burgundy (the Saint-Bris AOC), the South-West (Bergerac AOC) and the Languedoc. As we saw earlier, while Sauvignon Blanc expresses itself differently depending on the climate, the soil also has an impact on the profile of the white wines. In the Sancerre appellation, for example, Sauvignon Blanc shows itself as more mineral and taut on flint, more fruity on chalky soils, and more powerful on clay-limestone soils.

The best food and wine pairings with Sauvignon Blanc

Here is our advice for a successful food and wine pairing with Sauvignon Blanc, through the best appellations of France:

• To go with sushi, maki or a platter of oysters, be bold with a Loire Sauvignon Blanc: a fresh, mineral bottle from an estate in the white Pouilly-Fumé AOC. Its herbaceous, delicately fruity notes pair wonderfully with seafood.
• If you are planning an Asian-style stir-fry, be bold with a bottle from a Languedoc estate made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc. This sun-filled, aromatic white wine pairs perfectly with Asian cuisine thanks to its exotic, fruity notes.
• If you would like a food and wine pairing with a sole meunière, turn to a bottle from a Bordeaux château in the Entre-deux-Mers AOC. Its aromas of pink grapefruit, acacia blossom and vanilla will hit the mark!

Has this guide given you a taste for a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc? At Avenue des Vins, every estate is selected with the greatest care and every wine is available for delivery to your home, shipped directly from the estate or château of your choice. Whether you choose a bottle of Loire or Bordeaux white wine made from Sauvignon Blanc, or from any other region of France, discover our wines at the best price, delivered to your door!

Sauvignon Blanc in the Loire and Bordeaux

In the Loire, Sauvignon Blanc stands on its own. Vinified as a single varietal, it gives the racy, mineral dry whites that made the names of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, and across the wider Loire it is a benchmark for crisp, aromatic whites.

In Bordeaux, by contrast, it is above all a blending grape. Paired with Sémillon, and sometimes Muscadelle, it shapes the dry whites of the region and also lends its aromatic lift to sweet wines of the Sauternes style. The same grape thus plays two very different roles depending on where it grows.

Serving and enjoying Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is best served chilled, between 8 and 10 °C. At this temperature its citrus and boxwood aromatics stay crisp and its lively acidity keeps the wine refreshing, whether poured as an aperitif or alongside seafood.

Most Sauvignon Blanc is made to be enjoyed young, while its fresh, aromatic fruit is at its most vivid. The great dry whites of Bordeaux and the sweet wines of the Sauternes style are the exceptions, with the structure to age gracefully for years. For more crisp, aromatic bottles to open now, browse our white wines.

Frequently asked questions about Sauvignon Blanc

Is Sauvignon Blanc a dry white wine?

Yes. Sauvignon Blanc is above all a dry white grape, behind crisp, aromatic wines such as Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé in the Loire. In Bordeaux it is also blended with Sémillon to make dry whites and sweet wines.

What does Sauvignon Blanc taste like?

Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and aromatic, with notes of citrus, boxwood, green fruit and flint in cool climates. In warmer, temperate climates it leans toward exotic fruits such as mango and passion fruit, with a rounder palate.

Which regions produce Sauvignon Blanc?

Sauvignon Blanc is the star white grape of the Loire, in appellations such as Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, and a key grape of Bordeaux. It is also grown in Burgundy (Saint-Bris), the South-West (Bergerac) and the Languedoc.

At what temperature should you serve Sauvignon Blanc?

Serve Sauvignon Blanc chilled, between 8 and 10 °C. This keeps its citrus and boxwood aromatics crisp and its acidity refreshing, ideal as an aperitif or with seafood.