What is Sauvignon Blanc?
Quick answer
Sauvignon Blanc is an aromatic white grape from the Loire Valley and Bordeaux. It stands out for its vivid aromas of citrus, boxwood, passion fruit and cut grass, with piercing acidity. It is the grape behind Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé and white Bordeaux, and also thrives in New Zealand.
Detailed answer
Sauvignon Blanc is the most expressive and instantly recognisable white grape on the nose. Its name likely derives from the French sauvage ("wild"), referencing its origins as a wild vine in southwest France.
In the Loire (Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé), it expresses chalky minerality, citrus and flinty notes. The best examples age beautifully for 5–10 years. In Bordeaux, it is often blended with Sémillon for dry whites (Pessac-Léognan, Entre-deux-Mers) and sweet wines (Sauternes, Barsac), where noble rot transforms it into golden nectar.
New Zealand's Marlborough launched Sauvignon Blanc onto the world stage in the 1980s–90s with an explosive style: passion fruit, gooseberry, cut grass, maximum aromatic intensity. This style conquered English-speaking markets and remains the world's best seller.
Sauvignon Blanc also excels in South Africa (Stellenbosch, Elgin), Chile (Casablanca, Leyda), Austria (Styria) and Friuli. Each terroir gives a different expression, from austere to tropical.
Most Sauvignon Blanc is best drunk young (1–3 years), except oak-aged Loire and Bordeaux cuvées. Serve at 8–10°C. Its bright acidity makes it a perfect partner for goat cheese, seafood and herb-based dishes.