Sauvignon Blanc Grape
The Sauvignon Blanc grape is a green skinned grape used to make white wine. The Sauvignon Blanc grape originated in the Bordeaux region of France where it is typically mixed with Semillion to make white Bordeaux. Sauvignon Blanc is a very popular grape variety and is grown in most of the world's major wine growing regions including:
- Australia
- France where it is used in the white wine from Bordeaux, as well as the Loire Valley. It is also a component of the dessert wines from Sauternes and Barsac.
- California where it may also be referred to as Fume Blanc
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- South America
Sauvignon is typically fermented into a dry white wine. Exceptions exist such as the fabulous dessert wines from Sauternes and Barsac in France. Sauvignon Blanc based wines are typically not aged in oak barrels and do not benefit from bottle aging, with the exception of the French dessert wines.
Sauvignon Blanc based wines are often referred to as light and crisp because of their high acidity. They can display flavors of melon and green fruit such as apples. Many will display a smokey quality and some even have flavors of green pepper and green grass (referred to as gassiness) that can be unpleasant if too pronounced.
Sauvignon Blanc wine is typically served chilled (see: Wine Serving Temperature). Sauvignon Blanc is considered to be a "food friendly" wine and pairs well with cheese, fish, poultry, and many other dishes that need a crisp wine to complement the food and cleanse the palate.
Other Names for Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc may also be known by the following names:
- Sauvignon Jaune
- Blanc Fume (France)
- Muskat-Silvaner (Germany & Austria)
- Fume Blanc
More Information About Sauvignon Blanc
- Sauvignon Blanc, from Wikipedia
