If you are a fan of whine, then you will be pleased to know that there are so many different kinds out there. Whether you are in the mood for red white, white wine, or even a rosé, you are sure to find the perfect bottle to suit your needs.
Today we are going to be talking about Sauvignon Blanc, which is a type of white wine that comes from France.
Even if you already enjoy Sauvignon Blanc, there are lots of things to learn about it, and this is the right place for that.
We are going to go over everything you need to know about Sauvignon Blanc. We will be talking about what it actually is, how it tastes, and lots of other useful information you should know about this wonderful wine.
What Is Sauvignon Blanc?
Sauvignon Blanc is a type of French white wine. Pronounced “saw vee nyon blahnk”, it is actually one of the most popular white wines in the whole world.
It gets its name from the Sauvignon- a kind of wild plant that has a very unique flavor profile, including a certain acidity to it. This wild plant is used to make the wine itself and it is known for its acidic and even “grassy” flavor.
The grape that is used to make the Sauvignon Blanc originates from the city of Bordeaux and the surrounding regions.
Now, the Sauvignon Blanc is enjoyed by many people all over the world and it is grown in places such as North America, New Zealand, France, and Chile.
What Does Sauvignon Blanc Taste Like?
As previously mentioned, Sauvignon Blanc is known for the unique grapes that are used to make it. The uniqueness of the grapes extends to the wine itself, giving it an acidic and even “grassy” sort of taste.
It is also quite citrusy, with a bit of a sharp taste thanks to the inclusion of peppers and jalapeños.
This wine has a wonderfully balanced mix of herbiness and citrus notes, as well as sharp and subtle spiciness to it. It is a wonderfully unique flavored white that you should definitely try.
There are lots of ingredients found in a Sauvignon Blanc, with the most common ingredients including elderflowers, gooseberry, jalapeños, green peppers, grapefruit, lime, passionfruit, elderflower, fresh herbs, and green grass.
You can get Sauvignon Blanc in both sweet and dry varieties, so you are sure to find a variation that suits your taste. However, if you want a more traditional Sauvignon Blanc, we recommend enjoying the dry version.
Where Is Sauvignon Blanc Grown?
While the grape used to make Sauvignon comes from Bordeaux, Sauvignon is actually grown in other locations. Typically, the grapes used to make this wine are grown in New Zealand, North America, France, and Chile.
Each of the locations makes its wine a bit differently, so let’s take a brief look at each of them now.
North America
Grown in Northern California, the Sauvignon Blanc that is grown and cultivated here is aged in oak and is typically higher in alcohol content than some of its other counterparts.
Sauvignon Blanc is highly adaptable, so it has no issues growing in the warmer climate.
New Zealand
Grown and cultivated on South Island, the Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand are dry and they are bursting with aromatic, citrusy flavors.
Some of the New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs have powerful hints of grapefruit and lime, while others taste more like passionfruit, guava, and white peach.
Chile
Grown in the Andes Mountains, the Sauvignon Blanc found in Chile has adapted to growing in higher climates. This higher climate gives the Sauvignon Blanc a very unique, making it more restrained but still very beautiful in taste.
Typically, you will find the Sauvignon Blanc growing in the San Antonio and Casablanca Valleys.
France
Grown in the Loire Valley, the Sauvignon Blanc found in France is produced in a cooler climate and the wine is usually known by the names Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé here.
Both of these wines are elegant, fresh, and citrusy, and they even have a herbal-like quality to them.
Best Sauvignon Blanc Food Pairings
If you enjoy a good glass of wine with your meals, then Sauvignon Blanc is one of the best ones you can choose.
It pairs incredibly well with so many different foods and dishes, but it pairs especially well with things such as chicken, green vegetables, and seafood.
Here is a small list of some of the best examples, so you can plan your meal accordingly.
- Pesto Pasta
- Cherry Tomato Salad
- Roasted Broccoli with Garlic
- Chicken Piccata
- Grilled Mango Chicken
- Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Chimichurri
- Caprese Salad
Should You Chill Sauvignon Blanc?
Some wines should not be chilled, but Sauvignon Blanc definitely should. When this wine gets too warm the aromatic taste is harder to notice and the alcohol is much stronger in taste.
This might sound great, but it becomes so overpowering that it ruins the flavor profile of the whole wine.
Is Sauvignon Blanc Sweet?
You can get variations of Sauvignon Blanc that are sweet, but traditionally it is meant to be dry and not sweet at all.
Conclusion
Sauvignon Blanc is a very popular type of white wine that originates from France, but you will now find it growing all over the world. It is especially popular in the U.S. as we as Chile and New Zealand.
Try it for yourself today!
I can offer you articles and information about wine from a seasoned sommelier, and now a winemaker too! I hope that you enjoy some of our articles, and start thinking outside of the box when it comes to wine.
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