Sauvignon Blanc

Question 1

Sauvignon Blanc grows best in a _____ to ___________ climate.

Answer 1

cool to moderate

Question 2

Sauvignon Blanc is normally viewed as a single varietal wine, though it is sometimes blended with ___________.

Answer 2

Sémillon

Question 3

Which of the following is untrue about Sauvignon Blanc?

a) Sauvignon Blanc is typically oaked to mask green characteristics
b) Sauvignon Blanc wines are best consumed young
c) most Sauvignon Blanc wines are high in acid
d) Sauvignon Blanc typically expresses green notes of asparagus, green bell pepper, etc.

Answer 3

a) Sauvignon Blanc is typically oaked to mask green characteristics (oak often overwhelms Sauvignon Blanc)

Question 4

Which two AOC regions in the Loire, France are most known for Sauvignon Blanc wines?

Answer 4

Sancerre AOC, Pouilly-Fumé AOC

Question 5

What sub-region to the west of Sancerre is known for Sauvignon Blanc that is less expensive and complex than its Loire counterparts?

Answer 5

Touraine AOC

Question 6

A bottle of Bordeaux Blanc (white Bordeaux) is most likely to be made from which two grapes?

a) Sémillon and Chardonnay
b) Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc
c) Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
d) Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc

Answer 6

b) Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc

Question 7

In the South of France, what trait is characteristic of the highest-quality Sauvignon Blanc producing regions?

a) cool springs
b) clay soil
c) high altitude
d) wet autumns

Answer 7

c) high altitude

Question 8

Which New Zealand wine producing region is known for its excellent production of Sauvignon Blanc?

Answer 8

Marlborough, New Zealand

Question 9

True or false: New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is typically less pronounced than Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc

Answer 9

False; more pronounced

Question 10

True or false: New Zealand typically focus ONLY on Sauvignon Blanc styles meant to mimic those of the Loire Valley

Answer 10

False; many styles are practiced and experimented with

Question 11

In Australia, Sauvignon Blanc is most commonly blended with ___________.

Answer 11

Semillon

Question 12

Which Australian wine region’s most planted grape is Sauvignon Blanc?

Answer 12

Adelaide Hills

Question 13

While Chilean wine region might produce very good quality Sauvignon Blanc?

Answer 13

Casablanca Valley (Central Valley also acceptable)

Question 14

Which of the following regions is NOT known for its plantings of Sauvignon Blanc?

a) Oregon, USA
b) Constantia, South Africa
c) Elgin, South Africa
d) Marlborough, New Zealand

Answer 14

a) Oregon, USA

Question 15

What winemaking technique is often employed to combat the too-warm climate for Sauvignon Blanc in the USA?

a) acidification
b) lees aging
c) oak aging
d) early harvesting

Answer 15

d) early harvesting