Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is one of the world’s most widely grown white wine grape varieties. It produces crisp, dry, refreshing white wines with trademark acidity and aromatic, herbaceous flavors. Originating in the Bordeaux region of France, the Sauvignon Blanc grape is now grown in wine regions across the globe, from the Loire Valley to New Zealand to California.

 What does Sauvignon Blanc wine taste like?

Sauvignon Blanc grapes make dry white wines with high acidity and a light body. Depending on the climate, the grape contributes gooseberry, honeydew, grapefruit, and passion fruit notes. Sauvignon Blanc is most easily identified by its herbaceous notes, often compared to bell peppers, grass, and jalapeños. 

The grape’s high acidity makes it a popular choice for blending, especially with Sémillon in white Bordeaux blends, where it preserves the wine’s freshness. Sauvignon Blanc is rarely aged in oak, as winemakers tend to maintain the grape’s natural flavors and refreshing character.

Where is the Sauvignon Blanc grape grown?

While Sauvignon Blanc originated in France's Bordeaux and Loire Valley regions, it has spread to many of the world’s top wine regions, especially in the New World. 

The most notable Sauvignon Blanc regions include:

• Loire Valley, France: The original home of Sauvignon Blanc, especially Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé
• Bordeaux, France: Often blended with Sémillon
• Marlborough, New Zealand: Pungent, zesty wines that put New Zealand on the wine map
• Napa Valley and Sonoma, California: Full-bodied styles from well-ripened grapes, particularly Fumé Blanc.
• Chile: Crisp, citrusy, and grassy wines
• South Africa: Tropical fruit flavors and flinty minerality

The flavors and aromas of Sauvignon Blanc vary depending on the climate. Sauvignon Blanc wines from cooler climates like France and New Zealand tend to have more green, grassy flavors and higher acidity. The grape ripens more fully in warmer regions like California, producing wines with more tropical fruit notes and a fuller body.

Is Sauvignon Blanc sweet?

Sauvignon Blanc is not sweet. In fact, it is one of the driest white wines. The naturally high acidity gives an impression of freshness and tartness rather than sweetness.

Serving suggestions

Sauvignon Blanc is best served chilled at around 50–55 degrees Fahrenheit. You can achieve this by refrigerating the wine for a few hours or placing it in an ice bucket for about 30 minutes. Avoid over-chilling: it dulls the wine’s taste and aroma. 

Food pairings

Sauvignon Blanc's acidity and herbaceous flavors help it to pair well with various dishes. Classic Sauvignon Blanc pairings include:

• Seafood: Oysters, scallops, delicate white fish, and seafood salads.
• Sushi: The wine’s acidity pairs well with sushi and sashimi.
• Goat cheese: The acidity and citrus notes complement tangy cheeses.
• Herbs: Dishes with parsley, basil, mint, or cilantro.
• Green vegetables: Asparagus, zucchini, or artichokes.

Sauvignon Blanc vs. Pinot Grigio

Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio are both dry white wines, but there are several differences. Sauvignon Blanc tends to be more aromatic with grassy and herbal notes, while Pinot Grigio is more neutral with citrus and almond notes. Sauvignon Blanc has higher acidity and more intense flavors than the easygoing Pinot Grigio.

Alternatives to Sauvignon Blanc

If you enjoy Sauvignon Blanc, you may also like these dry white wines:

• Grüner Veltliner: Austria’s signature white grape produces peppery wines with citrus and green apple notes.
• Albariño: This Spanish grape makes zesty wines with peach, citrus, and mineral notes.
• Vermentino: A Mediterranean variety with bright acidity and herbal, saline flavors.
• Dry Riesling: Riesling can range from bone dry to sweet, with high acidity and intense aromatics.