Sauvignon Blanc
A highly aromatic white that ranges from green and herbal to citrus and tropical fruit.
At a glance
- Cut grass
- Passionfruit
- High acidity
- Sweetness
- dry
- Acidity
- high
- Body
- light to medium
Recognize it
Green and herbaceous aromas are more prominent with less-ripe fruit, while riper fruit can show more citrus and tropical character. Fermentation also plays an important role in the tropical aromas.
Detail
Sauvignon Blanc is strongly associated with Sancerre in the Loire and Marlborough in New Zealand. Its compact bunches can be vulnerable to rot in wet conditions. Green herbal character usually fades as the fruit ripens, while riper fruit can become more citrusy or tropical. Site, canopy management, harvest timing, and fermentation all shape the final style.
Green aromas decrease as the grapes ripen. Passionfruit-related aromas develop during fermentation.
Similar grapes
Verdejo
Similar high acidity with herbal and citrus notes.
Difference Verdejo often has a bitter finish.
Grüner Veltliner
Similar high acidity with a green, herbal edge.
Difference Grüner leans toward white pepper, while Sauvignon Blanc more often shows gooseberry.
Explore
Wines made from Sauvignon Blanc
- Sancerre
- Pouilly-Fumé
- Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
- Pessac-Léognan
- Entre-Deux-Mers
- Barsac
- Graves
- Bergerac
- Monbazillac
- Menetou-Salon
- Reuilly
- Cadillac
- Anjou Blanc
- Quincy
- Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
- Loupiac