Two Regions spring to mind when thinking of the eminent varietal Sauvignon Blanc. Firstly, it’s homeland; the venerable Loire region of France. Loire is known to produce Sauvignon with lifted green notes of green apple and freshly cut grass, with a distinctive flinty mineral streak. Marlborough, New Zealand has established itself as the pinnacle New World Sauvignon Blanc. More vibrant and ‘showy’ than its French counterpart, brimming with tropical notes of passionfruit and gooseberry.
These two regions certainly dominate the market but let’s think outside the box; Sauvignon Blanc makes an appearance in vineyards world-wide.
Here’s a few suggestions from regions that aren’t instantly recognisable as Sauvignon Blanc hotspots.
Verdejo rules the roost in Rueda; however, Sauvignon Blanc is growing in popularity in the region. Well drained, sandy-clay soils make Rueda an ideal place to grow Sauvignon Blanc, resulting in wines with beautiful herbaceous aromatics as well as a distinct minerality.
Bodegas La Granadilla is a family winery in Nava del Rey, a village in the heart of Rueda.
Tasting Notes: This Sauvignon Blanc is Straw yellow in colour with steely iridescence, displaying aromas of passionfruit and lychee. On the palate it has a very pleasant and fresh entry, with exotic flavours and an herbaceous character that gives it another characteristic feature of the Sauvignon variety.
Pairing: Ideal alongside seafood, grilled vegetables, asparagus and artichokes.
The name Stellenbosch sometimes conjures up thoughts of mass produced negociant wine however there are many highly regarded premium winemakers in the region. The best sights in Stellenbosch are found on granite mountains, some of these soils are as old as 600 million years old.
Vegan, organic, and Biodynamic producer Reyneke’s vineyards overlook False Bay from Polkadraai Hills just outside of Stellenbosch, and have decomposed granitic soils, which make unique perfumed and elegant wines with depth and structure.
Tasting Notes: The Sauvignon is bursting with vibrant aromas of lime, gooseberries, and green guava, with underlying hints of grapefruit, lemon, and flint. On the palate, it exhibits a lovely brightness, with distinct notes of fresh lime and lemon pith. The wine also boasts additional complexity, which adds to its length and leaves a lasting impression the finish.
Pairing: Enjoy with goat’s cheese salads and light fish dishes.
Whilst best known for its reds, Bordeaux has a long tradition of producing white wines made primarily from Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. The left bank appellation Pessac Léognan is held in high regard for producing rich and luscious whites. Here, unlike most Sauvignon Blanc, it spends time on lees in oak providing a creamy texture with notes of honey and a development of nuttiness with age.
Les Hauts de Smith Blanc is the second wine of Smith Haut Lafite made with the same care and attention as the Grand Vin. 100% Sauvignon Blanc, spends 12 months on the less in French oak barrels (50% new oak.)
Tasting Notes: Bright pale-yellow colour, citrus and white flowers on the nose with a distinctive scent of ripe lemon, juicy peach, with hints of lychee and passion fruit. The palate offers precision and suavity, fresh notes of pink grapefruit, rose and roasted almonds. Balanced, vivid and tight, finishing with a mineral touch.
Pairing: A perfect accompaniment to an asparagus risotto or try with sushi.
Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc tend to be made in a Bordeaux style, time in oak, fuller bodied and richer. Coming from a much warmer climate than other Sauvignon Blanc regions, grapes are best suited in high altitude areas or vineyards that benefit from cooling sea fogs.
Ashes and Diamonds Blanc is a blend of 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 50% Semillon, sourced from three carefully chosen vineyards in Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll District and Yountville. 100%-barrel fermented sur lie for one year, 15% new oak.
Tasting Notes: A tropical nose bursting with mango, key lime, and lychee. A lusciously textured mouthfeel supported by more tropical fruits with grassy and floral notes on the finish.
Pairing: Richer seafood dishes or dried herb roasted white meats.
As these examples prove, not all Sauvignon Blanc is the same; from the fresh and mineral style to the luscious and rich, there’s a style to cater to every palate, any dish and any occasion.
