- Last updated on May 30, 2023
Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most popular and affordable white wines in the world.
It’s known for its high acidity and typical green herbal flavors. It gives its best in a cooler climate but grows nearly everywhere offering a variety of styles.
Our Best Sauvignon Blanc Selection
- Best Overall: Illumination Sauvignon Blanc
- Best Value: Craggy Range Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
- Best Budget: Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2021
- Best California (Napa): Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc 2019
- Best California (Sonoma): Foppiano Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2019
- Best Washington: Chateau Ste. Michelle Sauvignon Blanc 2018
- Best France (Loire Valley): Hubert Brochard Aujourd’hui Comme Autrefois Non Filtré Sancerre 2019
- Best France (Loire Valley) runner-up: Claude Riffault Les Boucauds Sancerre Blanc 2019
- Best France (Bordeaux): Château de Fontenille Entre-deux-Mers 2020
- Best Italy (Alto Adige): Terlan (Terlano) Sauvignon Winkl 2020
- Best Italy (Friuli Venezia Giulia): Venica & Venica Ronco delle Mele Sauvignon 2020
- Best Australia: Shaw + Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2019
- Best New Zealand: Seifried Estate Old Coach Road Sauvignon Blanc 2020
- Best South Africa: Tokara Sauvignon Blanc Reserve Collection Elgin 2020
- Best Chile: Casas del Bosque Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2020
- Best Sparkling: Steenberg Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc N.V.
- Best under $15: Fernlands Sauvignon Blanc 2020
- Best under $20: Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc
- Best under $50: Vie di Romans Vieris Sauvignon Blanc 2018
- Best Luxury: Château Margaux Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux 2012
19 Best Sauvignon Blanc Reviewed
Find below the reviews for our wine selection of the 19 Best Sauvignon Blanc so that you have all the info you need to pick what’s best for you.
Vivino’s tips: Ranks #2 in Californian Sauvignon Blanc in USA.
Region: United States, California
Tasting notes: Peach, Pink Grapefruit, Lemon, Kiwi
And the winner is… Illumination Sauvignon Blanc.
There are a few things that make this wine stands out compared to the competition
- Brings Cali Sauvignon Blanc to the next level with its complexity, intensity and balance, so you are going to have a unique experience.
- It’s in the top 3 of the Californian Sauvignon Blanc right now.
- Scores 90+ points according to numerous critics, which tells you how good this wine is.
- Priced competitively against its peers, so you’ll save a few $s and still get a great wine.
Illumination Sauvignon Blanc is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc Musque (64%), Sauvignon Blanc (22%), and Semillon (14%) grapes.
What it means is that you get extra complexity and texture than in a Merlot made in purity, i.e. entirely from Merlot grapes.
Here is what you’ll get from it:
On the nose, white peach, pink grapefruit, lemon, and kiwi aromas along with floral notes of jasmine and honeysuckle. and herbs aromas.
On the palate, it’s a crisp, refreshing, mineral, and light-body wine with flavors of guava, mandarin, and citrus and a creamy texture.
Pairing wise try it with salad, sushi, turkey, or Brie and Goat cheese and it’ll be a delight.
To summarize, if you want the best Sauvignon Blanc and are ok with a $40 price tag, get this, otherwise, keep reading.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 44% more.
Region: New Zealand, Marlborough
Tasting notes: Passionfruit, Guava, Citrus, Honeysucle.
The runner-up is Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc.
We are now moving to New Zealand and compared to the previous bottle you will get more acidity, less creaminess, and more tropical fruit notes.
Apart from that, it’s a great bottle of wine for nearly half the price.
The three things that make this wine the best value wine are:
- It’s elegant, crisp and balanced, which means that you’ll get a refreshing wine with intense flavors and aromas.
- Scores 90+ points according to numerous critics, which tells you how good this wine is.
- It offers great value for your money, ~$15 cheaper than Illumination Sauvignon Blanc
Here is what you’ll get from it:
On the nose, lemon, passion fruit, guavas and lime with hints of honeysuckle aromas.
On the palate, it’s a refreshing, complex, and balanced light-body wine with flavors of melon, honey, lemon, pineapple, and a long finish.
Try it with salads, asparagus, turkey, chicken, shellfish, and sushi for example, and it’ll be a delight!
To summarise, Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc is a great bottle for a very good price.
It won’t be as structured as Illumination Sauvignon Blanc but it’s still delicious and you’ll save roughly $15 that you can spend on more wines. ☺
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 45% more.
Region: New Zealand, Marlborough
Tasting notes: Passionfruit, Melon, Citrus.
What if you just want to have a nice glass of wine with no fuss and that tastes delicious?
You know, just for the pleasure of drinking it on its own or having it with that tasty shellfish or sushi of yours.
Well, Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc is exactly it and it’s super affordable too.
The three things that make this wine the best budget are:
- Fruity, crispy and bright, which means it’ll be refreshing and easy to drink with fruity aromas and flavors.
- It’s the perfect everyday white that delivers every time.
- It cost $16 (😲) yes, it’s unbelievable for the quality you get.
Here is what you’ll get from it:
On the nose, passionfruit, melon, and ripe citrus, hints of grass.
On the palate, it’s a crisp and bright light-body wine with flavors of guava, lychee, lime, and tropical fruit.
Try it with salads, asparagus, and vegetarian dishes in general, chicken sandwich, salmon, cod, sushi or Brie cheese, and it’ll be a delight.
To summarise, Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect everyday white, yummy, and refreshing that delivers every time and is incredibly affordable.
If you though are after more refined bottles and overall experience Illumination Sauvignon Blanc or Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc are better choices.
Read our full review here.
Region: United States, Napa Valley
Tasting notes: Lemon, Grapefruit, Honeydew.
Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc is a wine that truly captures the essence of the Napa Valley.
With its bright and zesty flavors, this wine is a perfect accompaniment to any occasion, whether it’s a summer day or a festive celebration.
The winemakers at Cakebread Cellars have created a wine that perfectly balances fruit and acidity, making it a delightful and refreshing choice for any wine lover.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Great value for money. Similar wines usually cost 3 times as much.
Region: United States, Russian River Valley
Tasting notes: Lime, Lemon, Melon, Straw
Foppiano Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc is a wine that truly captures the essence of the Russian River Valley.
With its refreshing citrus flavors and crisp acidity, this wine is a perfect representation of the cool-climate region.
The winemakers at Foppiano Vineyards have used their expertise to craft a wine that is both delicious and refreshing.
Sip and savor the flavors of this unique and delightful Sauvignon Blanc.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: This vintage rates better than any other year for this wine
Region: United States, Columbia Valley
Tasting notes: Melon, Apple, Citrus, Straw.
Chateau Ste. Michelle wines are crafted at two facilities: The white wines are made at the Woodinville winery near Seattle and the red wines at the Canoe Ridge Estate winery in eastern Washington.
This is a very affordable yet enjoyable Sauvignon Blanc, perfect for the every day drinking or any informal occasions.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 74% more.
Region: France, Sancerre
Tasting notes: Citrus, Pear, Green Apple, Gooseberry.
Hubert Brochard Sancerre Aujourd’hui Comme Autrefois is a wine that truly captures the essence of the Loire Valley.
This Sauvignon Blanc is bright, lively, and refreshing, with delicate flavors and aromas that are a testament to the skill of the winemakers.
With its crisp acidity and subtle minerality, this wine is a perfect match for a variety of dishes.
This is a wine that you won’t want to miss.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: 2019 vintage rates better than any other year for this wine
Region: France, Sancerre
Tasting notes: Citrus, Pear, Grapefruit, Lychee, Oak, Honeysuckle.
Claude Riffault Les Boucauds Sancerre Blanc is a beautiful expression of the Sauvignon Blanc grape, with its intense aromas and crisp, refreshing flavors.
It is a wine that perfectly reflects the terroir of the Boucauds vineyard, and the skill and expertise of the winemaker.
This wine is a testament to the exceptional quality of Sancerre wines, and it is a true delight for any wine lover.
Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a delicious meal, Claude Riffault Les Boucauds Sancerre Blanc is a wine that is sure to impress.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Great value for money. Similar wines usually cost 3 times as much.
Region: France, Entre-deux-Mers
Tasting notes: Citrus, Grapefruit, Peach, Grass.
In case you wonder, it’s not a typo. This wine is priced 3 times less than its peers. I’d be quick…
Château de Fontenille Entre-deux-Mers is a wine that perfectly showcases the terroir of the Bordeaux region.
With its bright acidity and delicate flavors, this wine is a true testament to the skill and passion of the winemakers at Château de Fontenille.
Sip and savor the flavors of this delightful white wine and transport yourself to the beautiful vineyards of Bordeaux.
Read our full review here.
Region: Italy·Südtirol – Alto Adige
Tasting notes: Ripe Apricot, Mandarin, Passion fruit, Elderflower
Terlan Sauvignon Winkl is a wine that beautifully blends the unique characteristics of the Terlano terroir with the expertise of the winemakers.
This wine is a true masterpiece of Sauvignon Blanc, with its delicate aromas and flavors that are a testament to the winemaking tradition of the region.
The wine’s complexity, elegance, and vibrancy make it a perfect addition to any wine lover’s collection.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 30% more.
Region: Italy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Tasting notes: Apple, Peach, Pineapple, Gooseberry.
Venica & Venica Ronco delle Mele Sauvignon is a wine that captures the essence of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region.
With its intense and complex aromas, this wine is a true testament to the passion and expertise of the Venica family.
The wine boasts a beautiful golden color and aromas of tropical fruits, elderflower, and citrus, all balanced by a subtle minerality.
This wine is a true expression of the exceptional Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in the Ronco delle Mele vineyard.
Read our full review here.
Region: New Zealand, Nelson
Tasting notes: Passion fruit, Lemon, Green Apple, Lemon Grass.
Seifried Estate Old Coach Road Sauvignon Blanc is a wine that truly captures the essence of the Nelson region of New Zealand.
This wine is refreshing and zesty, with flavors that are sure to delight the palate.
With its bright citrus notes and subtle hints of tropical fruit, this Sauvignon Blanc is a true reflection of the unique terroir of the region.
Enjoy a glass of this delightful wine and experience the beauty and charm of the Nelson region.
Read our full review here.
Region: South Africa, Elgin
Tasting notes: Passion Fruit, Guava, Citrus, Gooseberry.
Tokara Sauvignon Blanc Reserve Collection Elgin is a wine that perfectly captures the essence of South Africa’s Elgin Valley.
With its crisp acidity, this wine is a refreshing burst of citrus, green apple, and passionfruit flavors.
Its elegance and complexity make it a standout wine, perfect for any occasion.
Sip and savor the flavors of this exceptional Sauvignon Blanc and experience the unique terroir of the Elgin Valley.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 38% more.
Region: Chile, Casablanca Valley
Tasting notes: Lime, Guava, Grass
The Casas del Bosque Sauvignon Blanc Reserva is a perfect expression of the Casablanca Valley terroir.
It is a refreshing and crisp wine that offers a complex array of flavors and aromas.
This wine is a true representation of the winery’s dedication to producing wines of exceptional quality.
Read our full review here.
Region: South Africa, Constantia
Tasting notes: Passion Fruit, Litchi, Guava, Pineapple
It has made to be fun, fruity and fresh and the nose bursts with aromas of passion fruit, litchi, guava, pineapple, mango and green figs.
The palate is fresh and fizzy with hints of pineapple and passion fruit and a long lingering aftertaste with a refreshing finish, perfect for a hot summer’s day.
Whether you’re sipping it on its own or pairing it with a delicious meal, the Steenberg Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc will leave you feeling rejuvenated and satisfied.
So why not pop open a bottle and toast to the good life?
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 34% more
Region: New Zealand, Marlborough
Tasting notes: Lemon, Lime, Tropical Fruit, Gooseberry.
Light straw color with hints of green. Bright green herbal fruit aromas, with hints of lime and lemon and a touch of capsicum and gooseberry.
Lovely, bright green fruit with hints of gooseberry, citrus, and cut-grass characters on the palate. A solid backbone of zesty acid with a clean, fresh finish.
Read our full review here.
Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc is an aromatic, crisp, elegant, and refreshing wine.
This is also thanks to Marlborough’s climate which allows grapes to fully develop their potential.
Vie di Romans Vieris Sauvignon Blanc is a wine that truly captures the essence of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region.
This wine is a symphony of aromas and flavors that reflect the unique terroir of the estate’s vineyards.
With its vibrant acidity and elegant structure, this Sauvignon Blanc is a testament to the winemaker’s skill and passion.
A sip of Vieris is like taking a journey through the beautiful Italian countryside.
Read our full review here.
Region: France, Bordeaux
Tasting notes: Citrus, Grapefruit, Tropical, Nutty, Vanilla, Honey, Gosseberry.
Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux is a truly exceptional wine that represents the pinnacle of white wine production in Bordeaux.
Its stunning complexity, depth, and elegance are the result of the winemaking team’s unwavering commitment to quality and their exceptional attention to detail.
From the beautifully nuanced aromas to the rich and layered flavors, every sip of this wine is a testament to the time-honored traditions and expertise of Château Margaux.
With its rare and coveted status, this wine is a true collector’s item and a must-try for any serious wine enthusiast.
While its price point may be higher than other white wines, the Pavillon Blanc is worth every penny for those seeking an unparalleled sensory experience.
Read our full review here.
Buying Guide to Sauvignon Blanc
It’s not just about which Sauvignon Blanc you should buy. There are other important aspects like how to serve it, food pairings, and much more. The below buying guide will give you a detailed overview on all these topics.
Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc Overview
Here you find an overview on where this Sauvignon Blanc style is most commonly planted.
Grape
Sauvignon Blanc
ABV
11.5% - 14%
Main Regions
France: Loire
Other Regions
Chile
Italy: Alto Adige
Grape
Sauvignon Blanc
ABV
11.5% - 14%
Main Regions
France: Loire
Other Regions
Chile
Italy: Alto Adige
Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc Taste Profile
These are some of the most common aromas and flavors of Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc.
Color
Pale Lemon
Nose
Flint
Green Bell Pepper
Gooseberry
Lime
Palate
White Peach
Citrus
Saline & Dry
High Acidity
Light Body
Color
Pale Lemon
Nose
Flint
Green Bell Pepper
Gooseberry
Lime
Palate
White Peach
Citrus
Saline & Dry
High Acidity
Light Body
Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc Food Pairing
These are some food pairing suggestions for Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc.
Appetizer
Salad
Brussel Sprouts
Asparagus
Meat
Chicken
Turkey
Fish
Shellfish
Halibut
Cod
Salmon
Sushi
Cheese
Soft (Philadelphia),
Cream (Brie)
Appetizer
Salad
Brussel Sprouts
Asparagus
Meat
Chicken
Turkey
Fish
Shellfish
Halibut
Cod
Salmon
Sushi
Cheese
Soft (Philadelphia),
Cream (Brie)
Serve and Store Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc
Here you find some useful tips on how to serve and store this Sauvignon Blanc style.
Decant
Nope
Glass
Chardonnay
Viognier
Serve at
45 - 50 °F
7 - 10 °C
Store for
1-3 years
Decant
Nope
Glass
Chardonnay
Viognier
Serve at
45 - 50 °F
7 - 10 °C
Store for
1-3 years
Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc Styles
There are five notables areas in the Central Loire Valley. Each area comes with taste variations:
- Menetou-Salon: fresh, musky floral, citrus fruit, white peach a rounded mouthfeel.
- Pouilly-Fumé: vibrant, very mineral, with citrus and floral aromas.
- Quincy: high acidity, citrus fruit, cut grass, and pepper aromas with a rounded mouthfeel.
- Reuilly: high acidity, citrus fruit, white peach, and herbal aromas.
- Sancerre: vibrant, mineral, citrus fruit, gooseberry, cut grass, and floral aromas.
Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc Overview
Here you find an overview on where this Sauvignon Blanc style is most commonly planted.
Grape
Sauvignon Blanc
ABV
11.5% - 14%
Main Regions
France: Bordeaux
USA: California
Other Regions
USA: Washington
Italy: Tuscany
South Africa
Grape
Sauvignon Blanc
ABV
11.5% - 14%
Main Regions
France: Bordeaux
USA: California
Other Regions
USA: Washington
Italy: Tuscany
South Africa
Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc Taste Profile
These are some of the most common aromas and flavors of Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc.
Color
Pale Lemon
Nose
Fennel Blossom
Citrus
Lime
White Peach
Beeswax
Palate
White Peach
Lime
Honeycomb
Round/Creamy
Dry
Medium-High Acidity
Light Body
Color
Pale Lemon
Nose
Fennel Blossom
Citrus
Lime
White Peach
Beeswax
Palate
White Peach
Lime
Honeycomb
Round/Creamy
Dry
Medium-High Acidity
Light Body
Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc Food Pairing
These are some food pairing suggestions for Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc
Appetizer
Salad
Brussel Sprouts
Asparagus
Meat
Chicken
Turkey
Fish
Shellfish
Halibut
Cod
Salmon
Sushi
Cheese
Soft (Philadelphia),
Cream (Brie)
Appetizer
Salad
Brussel Sprouts
Asparagus
Meat
Chicken
Turkey
Fish
Shellfish
Halibut
Cod
Salmon
Sushi
Cheese
Soft (Philadelphia),
Cream (Brie)
Serve and Store Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc
Here you find some useful tips on how to serve and store this Sauvignon Blanc style.
Decant
Nope
Glass
Chardonnay
Viognier
Serve at
45 - 50 °F
7 - 10 °C
Store for
3-5 years
Decant
Nope
Glass
Chardonnay
Viognier
Serve at
45 - 50 °F
7 - 10 °C
Store for
3-5 years
Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc Useful Insight
For Bordeaux style, it’s common to see “lees” contact and barrels aging that produce more rounded and rich in taste wines. To know more check our winemaking guide.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Overview
Here you find an overview on where this Sauvignon Blanc style is most commonly planted.
Grape
Sauvignon Blanc
ABV
11.5% - 14%
Main Regions
New Zealand: Marlborough
Other Regions
Italy: Friuli Venezia Giulia
Grape
Sauvignon Blanc
ABV
11.5% - 14%
Main Regions
New Zealand: Marlborough
Other Regions
Italy: Friuli Venezia Giulia
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Taste Profile
These are some of the most common aromas and flavors of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Color
Pale Lemon
Nose
Asparagus
Passion Fruit
Lime
Grapefruit
Pineapple
Mango
Gooseberry
Palate
Zesty
Lime
Passion Fruit
Grapefruit
Saline & Dry
High Acidity
Light Body
Color
Pale Lemon
Nose
Asparagus
Passion Fruit
Lime
Grapefruit
Pineapple
Mango
Gooseberry
Palate
Zesty
Lime
Passion Fruit
Grapefruit
Saline & Dry
High Acidity
Light Body
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Food Pairing
These are some food pairing suggestions for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Appetizer
Salad
Brussel Sprouts
Asparagus
Meat
Chicken
Turkey
Fish
Shellfish
Halibut
Cod
Salmon
Sushi
Cheese
Soft (Philadelphia),
Cream (Brie)
Appetizer
Salad
Brussel Sprouts
Asparagus
Meat
Chicken
Turkey
Fish
Shellfish
Halibut
Cod
Salmon
Sushi
Cheese
Soft (Philadelphia),
Cream (Brie)
Serve and Store Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Here you find some useful tips on how to serve and store this Sauvignon Blanc style.
Decant
Nope
Glass
Chardonnay
Viognier
Serve at
45 - 50 °F
7 - 10 °C
Store for
1-3 years
Decant
Nope
Glass
Chardonnay
Viognier
Serve at
45 - 50 °F
7 - 10 °C
Store for
1-3 years
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Styles
You can find both sharp and more intense flavors from stainless steel tanks, or more rounded and creamy wines from barrels.
There are six New Zealand style and Marlborough is the most prominent:
- The Northern Island has a milder and warmer climate which translates into a riper and fruity style of SB. The regions are:
- Hawke’s Bay (tropical fruit and creamy from the oak),
- Wairarapa (stone fruit, herbal and wet stone),
- Gisborne (ripe tropical fruit)
- The Southern Island has a cooler climate which translates into higher acidity and crispiness. The regions are:
- Marlborough (passion fruit, gooseberry, and herbaceous),
- Nelson (tropical fruit),
- Canterbury/Waipara (citrus fruit, high acidity, and minerality),
- Central Otago (start with tropical fruit and ends with dry and mineral)
Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc Overview
Here you find an overview on where this Sauvignon Blanc style is most commonly planted.
Grape
Sauvignon Blanc
ABV
11.5% - 12.5%
Main Regions
New Zealand
Other Regions
South Africa
Grape
Sauvignon Blanc
ABV
11.5% - 12.5%
Main Regions
New Zealand
Other Regions
-
Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc Taste Profile
These are some of the most common aromas and flavors of Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc.
Color
Pale Lemon
Nose
Green Bell Pepper
Yeasty Apple
Tropical Fruit
Gooseberry
Palate
Honey Flavor
Tangy Fruit
Dry
High Acidity
Non-Persistent Bubbles
Light Body
Color
Pale Lemon
Nose
Green Bell Pepper
Yeasty Apple
Tropical Fruit
Gooseberry
Palate
Honey Flavor
Tangy Fruit
Dry
High Acidity
Non-Persistent Bubbles
Light Body
Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc Food Pairing
These are some food pairing suggestions for Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc.
Appetizer
Prosciutto Crudo
Creamy Souce
Meat
Pork
Asian Cuisine
Fish
Shellfish
Smoked Salmon
Caviar
Sashimi
Cheese
Soft (Philadelphia),
Cream (Brie)
Appetizer
Prosciutto Crudo
Creamy Souce
Meat
Pork
Asian Cuisine
Fish
Shellfish
Smoked Salmon
Caviar
Sashimi
Cheese
Soft (Philadelphia),
Cream (Brie)
Serve and Store Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc
Here you find some useful tips on how to serve and store this Sauvignon Blanc style.
Decant
Nope
Glass
Flûte
Serve at
43 - 50 °F
6 - 10 °C
Store for
2-5 years
Decant
Nope
Glass
Flûte
Serve at
43 - 50 °F
6 - 10 °C
Store for
2-5 years
Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc Useful Insight
The sparkling Sauvignon Blanc is made, similarly with Prosecco, with the Charmat Method. The first and second fermentation is in steel.
Our Verdict
Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most popular and affordable white wines in the world.
What to do next?
Be sure to serve your Sauvignon Blanc at the right temperature.
Read our wine comparison guide on Sauvignon Blanc vs Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc vs Pinot Grigio to learn more about these grapes.
Check out our full wine reviews to discover new great wines for your to try.
Alternatively, why don’t you check out our Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and Champagne guides?
FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Sauvignon Blanc.
What does Sauvignon Blanc mean?
“Sauvignon” is a French word that derives from “souvage”, i.e. wild, since the vines are reminiscent of wild grapevines.
“Blanc” is a French word that means “white” in English, and comes from the light greyish skin of the grape.
What is Sauvignon Blanc history?
Origins are not clear. It is thought to originate in West the Loire Valley and Bordeaux Regions in Western France.
During the 18th century in Bordeaux the pairing of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc led to Cabernet Sauvignon.
The vine arrived in California at the end of 1800 and acquired the alias of “Fumé Blanc” From Robert Mondav in 1968.
In 1970 the vine arrived in New Zealand but it’s only in the late 20th century that the Marlborough region gained a reputation.
In 2015 Sauvignon Blanc accounted for the vast majority of New Zealand’s wine exports.
Where does Sauvignon Blanc grow best?
Sauvignon Blanc ripens early and grows best in cool climates like France, New Zealand, and Northern Italy.
These wines tend to have high acidity, citrus fruit, and herbaceous flavors with some tropical fruit and floral notes.
In France, the climate slows the ripening of the vine which results in better acidity vs sugar balance and develops aromas intensity.
In warmer climates such as California, Washington, South Africa, and Chile, the tropical fruit notes intensify.
This happens thanks to the over-ripening of the grapes, which, if not controlled will considerably reduce aromas.
When is the perfect time to drink Sauvignon Blanc?
Like Pinot Grigio and Unoaked Chardonnay, a hot summer day is perfect to enjoy Sauvignon Blanc: it’s refreshing, very light, and easy to drink.
Is Sauvignon Blanc sweet?
Sauvignon Blanc is not sweet. It is a dry wine which means it contains less than 15 g/L, or sugar per liter. Learn more about wine sweetness level here.
When is the International Sauvignon Blanc day?
There is an International Sauvignon Blanc day and it’s the first Friday in May.
Which wines were first bottled with a screw cap in commercial quantities?
Sauvignon Blanc has many synonyms. The most famous are Fumé Blanc in the US, Feigentraube in Germany, and Muskat-Silvaner in Austria.
What are Sauvignon Blanc Synonims?
There’s a Pinot Grigio Rosé version called Ramato that you should try. Let’s find more about it here.
Can Sauvignon Blanc Smell of Cat Pee?
Yes it can. Cat pee is a possible flavor. Yes I know, you would not expect that. It comes from the 4MMP chemical compound. So don’t worry the wine is still good!
Is Sauvignon Blanc used for Dessert Wine?
What’s Sauvignon Blanc's typical price range?
- For Light Body White Wine, the price generally ranges from $10-$40. Where $20-$40 are generally the French and Italian wines, $10-$30 California and New Zealand wines. $10-$20 for the rest.
You can though also find Sauvignon Blanc from Bordeaux that costs over $1000 like Château Haut-Brion blanc AC Pessac-Léognan, 2007. - For Sparkling Wine, the average price is between $15-$25