A Savvy Guide to Sauvignon Blanc

History of Sauvignon Blanc

Drinking a Sauvignon Blanc is like time travel in a glass, tasting a wine similar to that drunk by the French 500 years ago. Originating in the Loire Valley in the 1500s, historical records show it going by the synonym “fiers”, the name Sauvignon comes from the French for “wild vine”. You may wonder what grape Sauvignon Blanc is, and in fact, it is the offspring of an incredibly old white grape called Savagnin, although the other parent grape is unknown. Other progenies of this parent include Grüner Veltliner, Chenin Blanc, Silvaner and Verdelho, making those wines Sauvignon Blanc’s brothers and sisters. Sauvignon Blanc is one of the few grapes which can be grown the world over. Sauvignon Blanc began being planted across Australia in the early 2000s after it had great success in New Zealand. Margaret River, Orange and the Adelaide Hills are all known for growing the grape, with just 20 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc in Australia in the 1970s expanding to over 6100 hectares thriving across the country today.

What does Sauvignon Blanc taste like?

Sauvignon Blanc is generally produced as a dry wine, although it isn’t unheard of for winemakers to leave in the tiniest bit of sugar to elicit a touch of sweetness. Sauvignon Blanc is an acidic, to medium acidic wine. It is the unique aromatic compounds in Sauvignon Blanc called “pyrazines'' which foster its herbaceous flavours like those of jalapeno, green grass and capsicum, layered beneath the zestier and more floral tones of passionfruit, guava, lime and peach. Recognised as a national benchmark of cool-climate Australian Sauvignon Blanc, 2021 Nepenthe Altitude Sauvignon Blanc tastes of vibrant, zesty fruit, bursting with passionfruit and gooseberry notes.

Is Sauvignon Blanc a dry or sweet wine?

Sauvignon blanc is a dry wine, although it is sweeter than a Chardonnay and a little fruitier.

How should I store Sauvignon Blanc?

Storing Sauvignon Blanc is similar to most other wines, ensuring the bottle is kept in a cool, dry place away from excessive vibration, heat and light. Most Sauvignon Blanc bottles should be chilled and drunk early and can be kept either on their side or upright in your fridge.