This once under-appreciated alternative to chardonnay was brought to stardom by New Zealand. Tends to have strong grassy, herbal, mineral, citrus (particularly grapefruit) tastes. Has assertive, pronounced varietal flavors, usually dry and crisply acidic. More recently, some California examples are finished slightly sweet to soften them up.
Found all over the world, sauvignon blanc thrives in French white Bordeaux and in the Loire Valley (Pouilly Fume and Sancerre), as well as in California in sauvignon (or fume) blanc and in Meritage blends with semillon. New Zealand and South American and other sauvignon blancs are labeled as such.
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc | Location: France - Loire Valley - Menetou-Salon
Although there are subtle differences between the terroir of Menetou-Salon, an up-and-coming region in central Loire, and that of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé to its east, all three regions offer a unique and distinctive take on the expressive Sauvignon Blanc grape variety. In this classic, cool season Loire year, this well-made Assadet Menetou-Salon rings with the freshness and vibrant acidity of the vintage.
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc | Location: New Zealand - Marlborough
The aromatics in this 2011 Sauvignon are distinctly tropical. Indulging the nose the initial sweet passion fruit then gives way to hints of lime, classic gooseberry, and dried herbs. But it is the palate where this wine embodies all that is Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The entry onto the palate is smooth and fruit driven, which accelerates through to a midpalate burst of energy from the firm lively acidity with a lingering mouth-watering finish, leaving the discerned wine drinker simply gagging for more. Sauvignon Blanc can be enjoyed on many occasion: either on its own as an aperitif, or accompanied by seafood and salad dishes. Serve lightly chilled.
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc | Location: New Zealand - Marlborough
It ï¬lls me with a great deal of pride that we produced the original Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and we are as excited today with the 2010 wine as we were with the ï¬rst one in 1979. Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is now known as one of the world’s most remarkable wines. Essentially we have the right grape variety in the right place so it is no surprise therefore that, year after year the wine excels on the world stage. 2010 continues this long line of excellence.
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc | Location: United States - California - Napa
Our 2011 Sauvignon Blanc reflects all the positive attributes of a cool growing season. It’s wonderfully fresh and aromatic, with bright scents of pink grapefruit, gooseberry, melon and green apple. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with rich, vibrant citrus (grapefruit and kiwi), honeydew melon, spice and mineral flavors balanced by excellent acidity and a long, refreshing, mineral/chalky finish reminiscent of a fine White Bordeaux. A superb apèritif wine, our 2011 Sauvignon Blanc is also wonderfully versatile with food, especially salads and lighter seafood, poultry and pasta dishes.
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc | Location: France - Bordeaux
WA 94
Denis Dubourdieu's Barsac cru has an attractive bouquet with subtle notes of cooking apple, pear and lime-flower, all with very fine delineation. The palate displays good weight and a fine thread of acidity, lending tension and poise that leads to a taut finish, showing good botrytis levels for the vintage. With its trademark minerality in place, this Doisy-Daene comes highly recommended.Denis Dubourdieu's Barsac cru has an attractive bouquet with subtle notes of cooking apple, pear and lime-flower, all with very fine delineation. The palate displays good weight and a fine thread of acidity, lending tension and poise that leads to a taut finish, showing good botrytis levels for the vintage. With its trademark minerality in place, this Doisy-Daene comes highly recommended. -- Neal Martin
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc | Location: United States - Washington - Columbia Valley
The mostly stainless steel fermentation makes this a crisp, clean, refreshing style of Sauvignon Blanc, offering fresh aromas and flavors of lemongrass, apple and melon. We add a touch of Semillon, which contributes an appealing fig character and a beautifully soft, rich quality to the wine.
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc | Location: United States - Washington - Columbia Valley
This 100% Sauvignon Blanc from our Horse Heaven Vineyard delivers aromas of ripe pear and notes of citrus fruit. The wine was fermented in a combination of oak and stainless steel tanks. The stainless steel fermentation preserved the Sauvignon Blanc’s vibrant character and refreshing, crisp quality.
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc | Location: United States - California - Napa
Pear, lime zest, and apricot blossom aromas awaken the senses. The mid-palate expands into a rich and long finish. Melon and lychee are supported by flinty minerality, making this wine a perfect pairing for spicy dishes.
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc | Location: New Zealand - Marlborough
WA 90
The 2012 Sauvignon Blanc opens with intense grapefruit, passion fruit and green mango notes and touches of pineapple and fresh sage. Medium-bodied with a fair amount of viscosity to the texture, it has lively acid and a long finish. Drinking well now, it should keep to 2014+.