Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon is one of the world’s most widespread and famous white grape varieties. It is a semi-aromatic variety that exhibits a broad and complex range of aromas, with a distinct varietal imprint that, depending on the terroir, ranges from yellow pepper to tomato leaf, mown grass, gooseberry, nettle and hints of exotic fruit. This prized grape variety has found its natural habitat in France, in the Loire Valley area, where it produces Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé. In Italy, it is especially widespread in Trentino South Tyrol and Friuli Venezia Giulia, where the temperature range ensures expressive aromas and great freshness. In recent years, it has found a second home in New Zealand, where its typical notes of yellow pepper and tomato leaf are softened and complemented by a rich bouquet of exotic fruit.
The Aromas of Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine, certainly one of the most surprising and fascinating grape varieties in the world of wine. With its unmistakable aromas and unique taste, it is a grape that every good wine taster should recognize from the very beginning.
It is a semi-aromatic variety that mainly develops herbaceous and vegetable aromas, to which typical and diverse notes are added depending on the production area. Numerous researchers have studied this wide range of aromas for years. In particular, the analyses of the University of Bordeaux, which have revealed the elements responsible for its classic olfactory range, have been fundamental and of great value.
Among the various scents, the vegetable ones are the most evident and include tomato leaf, nettle and musk. Together with notes of green pepper, olive, fennel and capers, these produce the so-called characteristic green scents. The mineral notes of flint and gunpowder, on the other hand, are the main features of the Loire French Sauvignon Blanc.
Last but not least, the fruity scents of green apple, melon and citrus fruits such as grapefruit, lemon and lime give it a pleasant freshness. In the countries of the New World, on the other hand, aromas of exotic and tropical fruits such as papaya, mango, passion fruit and lychee develop, which are prominently featured in Sauvignon Australia.
The Sauvignon Blanc Grape Variety around the world
Due to its characteristics, the Sauvignon Blanc grape prefers particular climatic conditions with excellent temperature ranges, climates that tend to be rigid and soils that are not too rich. The siliceous component, such as that of the Loire area, provides the best results. The vine does not like the sun and heat, as it cannot thrive and develops uncontrollable acidity. It is essential to understand when to harvest because if the grapes are harvested too early, the result is a highly acidic and unpleasant herbaceous wine. The unmistakable freshness that characterises this grape variety is lost if harvesting is delayed.
The grape's name signifies "wildplant" in French, and it is believed to have originated in Bordeaux, where it is still blended today with Semillon and Muscadelle grapes to produce botrytized wines such as Sauternes. Its native homeland, where it has found its ideal habitat, is the Loire Valley, mainly around the villages of Sancerre and Pouilly-sur-Loire, with the latter becoming famous for its Pouilly Fumé wine.
French Sauvignon Blanc
The French Sauvignon Blanc, is a white wine from Sancerre, with fruity notes of citrus, remarkable freshness, and great drinkability. It is mainly aged in steel in order to preserve all its organoleptic qualities. The Pouilly-Fumé is a different case, as it is fermented and vinified mainly in wooden barrels, acquiring softness and creaminess as well as that extraordinary mineral note of flint that produces a great Sauvignon blanc that ages very well.
New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
In the rest of the world, New Zealand's Sauvignon Blanc is certainly one of the most famous newcomers. Although it does not have a long winemaking tradition, the wines, mainly produced in the Marlborough area, are making their way around the world and are appreciated for the irresistible tropical richness that comes with this variety's classic olfactory range. Examples include Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc, Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, and Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc.
Sauvignon Blanc from other countries
Sauvignon is also present in Australia, in Chile, Spain, SouthAfrica and Hungary, which are countries that are still struggling to establish themselves, although they have all the credentials to potentially become major producers. Consequently, it is considered to be one of the international grapes capable of producing wines with different expressions.
The Italian Production of Sauvignon Blanc
In Italy, the regions that specialised in its production are Friuli and South Tyrol. In Friuli, the best expressions are interpreted in the Collio and Colli Orientali, which are perfect areas of hilly origin in which the vine has been able to express itself wonderfully. Here, a warmer and more structured version is produced, which is sometimes macerated, and features fruity and almond scents as a result of resting in barriques. The Italian Sauvignon Blanc from Alto Adige wines are mainly concentrated around the area of Bolzano and have a more elegant and juicy character, combining the freshness of citrus with characteristic vegetal and herbaceous notes. In recent years, additional areas have tried their hand at producing interesting versions, such as the Langhe in Piedmont and the Colli Bolognesi in Emilia.
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Sauvignon vs Chardonnay
When choosing between Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, wine lovers are often drawn to their distinct characteristics. Sauvignon Blanc is known for its crisp, aromatic profile and high acidity, offering a fresh and zesty experience. On the other hand, Chardonnay is celebrated for its versatility, ranging from light and citrusy to rich and buttery, depending on its ageing process.
Flavour Profile:
- Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, fresh, and aromatic, with flavours of green apple, citrus, and tropical fruits and a characteristic grassy or herbaceous note.
- Chardonnay: Versatile, ranging from crisp and citrusy to rich and buttery. Flavours include apple, melon, vanilla, butter, and caramel when aged in oak.
Acidity:
- Sauvignon Blanc: High acidity, providing a vibrant and zesty taste.
- Chardonnay: Generally lower acidity, resulting in a rounder and fuller mouthfeel.
Ageing:
- Sauvignon Blanc: Typically enjoyed young to preserve its vibrant flavours.
- Chardonnay: Can be aged, especially in oak barrels, to develop richer and more complex flavours.
Typical Aromas:
- Sauvignon Blanc: Green apple, citrus, tropical fruits, grass, and herbs.
- Chardonnay: Apple, melon, vanilla, butter, caramel, with mineral notes in unoaked versions.
Regions:
- Sauvignon Blanc: Commonly found in regions like New Zealand, France (Loire Valley), and Italy.
- Chardonnay is grown in many regions worldwide, including Burgundy (France), California (USA), and Australia.
A good Sauvignon Blanc offers a refreshing and lively wine experience, ideal for those who enjoy a light and zesty drink. Chardonnay provides a broader range of styles, catering to various palates with its potential for both lean and mineral-driven wines and full-bodied and opulent wines.
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