NJ Lifestyle Magazine: Discover Sauvignon Blanc

By: Michael Bray

A version of this article was published in the Summer Issue of NJ Lifestyle Magazine (publication date: 7/1/2022).

We’re raising a glass to summer with one of our favorite wines for when the temperature rises and the grills start firing: Sauvignon Blanc. While some lower-quality wines with dull acidity and overripe fruit flavors have given this varietal a bad rap, well-made Sauvignon Blanc is among the best wine in the world.

What is Sauvignon Blanc?

Sauvignon Blanc is a green-skinned grape indigenous to France. While Sauvignon Blanc traditionally appears in blended wines from its home turf (as the main grape in dry whites from Bordeaux, and as a supporting player in sweet white wines such as Sauternes), this hardy grape is a world traveler that is produced as a single varietal wine in many of the best growing regions around the globe.

What does it taste like?

When considering the characteristic flavor profile of Sauvignon Blanc, remember its color. It’s a green-skinned grape that’s widely acknowledged for it’s green flavors: gooseberry, honeydew, lime, green apple, bell pepper, fresh herbs, and grass are all common Sauvignon Blanc tasting notes. In addition to these hallmark flavors, some Sauvignon Blanc wines exhibit impressions of passion fruit, peach, nectarine, and guava. The differences in flavor often come down to the ripeness of the fruit at the time of harvest, as well as the climate of the growing region. Grapes grown in cooler climates will often not ripen to the level of grapes from warmer regions, and the resulting wines will have a firmer acid structure and more savory flavors.

Where is it grown?

As mentioned above, Sauvignon Blanc is grown in nearly every viticultural area in the world. I’ll use this space to highlight some of my favorite regions, but this list is by no means exhaustive.

France’s Loire Valley

Sauvignon Blanc is often blended with other grapes in wines from France’s famed Bordeaux region, but in the Loire, Sauvignon Blanc is the star. The cool climate of the Loire Valley offers optimal growing conditions for this grape. You can expect these wines to boast a bright acidity, refreshing minerality, and well-integrated citrus fruit flavors.

My Pick from the Loire: Karine Lauverjat Sancerre 2020

Located on the left bank of the Loire River, Sancerre is a distinguished sub-region within the Loire Valley. Husband and wife team Christian and Karine Lauverjat produce their Sancerre from 30-year-old Sauvignon Blanc vines, and the resulting wines embody the heritage and elegance of the region. Bright aromas and flavors of white flowers and citrus fruit are supported by smooth mineral tones and balanced acidity.

California’s Napa Valley

While Napa Valley is best known for its distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon, this renowned region produces Sauvignon Blanc wines of equal pedigree and complexity. Many top Napa producers seek to embody the elegance of the Loire in their Sauvignon Blancs, within a considerably warmer growing region. Napa Sauvignon Blancs will typically exhibit bolder fruit impressions (think stone fruit like peach and tropical fruit like guava and pineapple), while maintaining the finesse of their French cousins.

My Pick from Napa: CADE Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2020

This bright wine from one of Napa’s best producers features bold aromas of green apple, peach, and orange blossom. The palate brings citrus and tropical impressions of pineapple and mango, balanced by a refreshing acidity.

New Zealand’s Marlborough region

Sauvignon Blanc put New Zealand on the map as a top wine-producing region. The grape thrives in the cool climate of Marlborough, located on the northern part of New Zealand’s south island. A long, consistent growing season allows Sauvignon Blanc grapes to ripen beautifully, with the perfect balance of fruit and acidity.

My Pick from Marlborough: Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2021

This delicious vintage from one of Marlborough’s first wineries opens with aromas of passion fruit, peach, and lime. The palate offers nectarine, citrus acidity, and a smooth finish.

What about food pairings?

Sauvignon Blanc shines as a partner to creamy cheeses like goat cheese and burrata, and its herbal notes make it a good match for meals accented with basil, rosemary, and cilantro. It is also one of the few wines that pairs well with vegetable-based dishes, like salads, asparagus, and artichoke.

I hope this overview of Sauvignon Blanc piqued your interest around this distinctive and long-lived varietal. Should you have any questions about Sauvignon Blanc, or any other grape, email me any time at Michael@passionvines.com

Drink passionately,

View the online version of the NJ Lifestyle Magazine summer issue on their website.