All About Sauvignon Blanc

Appearance

  • Color: Pale straw to light yellow color, often with a slight greenish tint.
  • Opacity: Generally clear and bright, with a clean, transparent appearance that reflects its light-bodied nature.

Aroma

  • Primary Aromas: Commonly includes notes of citrus fruits like lime, lemon, and grapefruit, as well as green apple, gooseberry, and passion fruit.
  • Secondary Aromas: Herbaceous notes such as freshly cut grass, green bell pepper, and herbs like basil and thyme. In some cases, Sauvignon Blanc may also exhibit flinty or smoky notes, especially from cooler regions like the Loire Valley in France.
  • Tertiary Aromas: In aged versions, the wine can develop more complex aromas, including honey, nuts, or subtle spice, although this is less common as Sauvignon Blanc is typically enjoyed young.

Flavor Profile

  • Fruit Flavors: Dominantly citrus (lime, lemon), tropical fruits (passion fruit, guava, mango), and green fruits (gooseberry, green apple).
  • Other Flavors: Notes of bell pepper, green herbs, and sometimes flinty or smoky nuances depending on the terroir.
  • Oak Influence: Sauvignon Blanc is often unoaked to maintain its crisp acidity and fresh flavors. However, some producers, particularly in Bordeaux, may use oak barrels to add richness and complexity, imparting subtle vanilla or toast notes.

Structure

  • Body: Light to medium-bodied, offering a refreshing and crisp mouthfeel.
  • Tannins: Minimal to none, as it is a white wine.
  • Acidity: High acidity, which contributes to its vibrant and refreshing character.
  • Alcohol: Typically ranges from 12% to 14%, depending on the region and style.

Join the club

Get this varietal often & more delivered to your doorstep when you join our wine club!

Pairings for Sauvignon Blanc

Goat Cheese and Fresh Salads

A goat cheese salad, featuring creamy and tangy goat cheese paired with fresh greens, fruits, and nuts, is a refreshing and flavorful dish. The tanginess of the goat cheese pairs well with crisp, acidic white wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc, which enhance the cheese’s distinct flavors without overpowering them. A dry rosé or a light, fruity red like Beaujolais also complements the salad, adding a delicate balance to the creamy cheese and fresh ingredients. This versatile salad is ideal for a light lunch or as a starter, offering a variety of textures and flavors that harmonize beautifully with these wines.

Get recipe

Seafood

Buttery texture and oak influence complement sweet seafood flavors. The dishes can range from light and delicate to rich and bold, offering a variety of textures and flavors. Whether it's a flaky white fish like cod, meaty tuna, or buttery lobster, the right wine pairing can enhance the natural flavors of the dish. Lighter seafood, like shellfish or sole, pairs well with crisp white wines, while richer dishes, such as salmon or seafood stews, benefit from fuller-bodied wines. With the right wine pairing, seafood becomes a perfect symphony of flavors and textures.

Get recipe

Spicy Asian Cuisine

Spicy Asian cuisine, such as Thai curries, Sichuan dishes, and Korean BBQ, is known for its bold flavors, combining heat from chili, ginger, or peppercorns with savory, umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce and fish sauce. The challenge in pairing wine with these dishes is to balance the heat while enhancing the dish's complexity. Wines with lower alcohol, high acidity, and slight sweetness are ideal as they cool down the spice, while still allowing the flavors of the dish to shine. Aromatic whites or fruity reds work well to complement the heat​.

Get Recipe

Popular Locations for Sauvignon Blanc

1 2