Sauvignon Blanc Flashcards
What are the typical flavor characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc?
High acidity, herbaceous (grass, asparagus), citrus (lemon, lime), and green fruit (apple, gooseberry).
What are some tropical fruit flavors found in Sauvignon Blanc from warmer climates?
Passion fruit, mango, and pineapple.
How is Sauvignon Blanc typically fermented?
Usually in stainless steel to preserve its fresh, fruity, and herbaceous character.
Is Sauvignon Blanc usually oaked or unoaked?
It is typically unoaked, though some regions produce lightly oaked styles.
What is the body and acidity level of Sauvignon Blanc?
Light to medium body with high acidity.
What style of Sauvignon Blanc is associated with Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé?
Dry, high-acidity wines with citrus, green apple, and flinty or smoky notes.
How does oak aging affect Sauvignon Blanc?
It adds subtle flavors like vanilla and toast and softens herbaceousness.
What are blended styles of Sauvignon Blanc commonly combined with?
Semillon, especially in Bordeaux.
What is Fumé Blanc?
A lightly oaked style of Sauvignon Blanc produced in California.
How does late harvest Sauvignon Blanc differ from typical styles?
It is sweeter, with flavors of honey and ripe tropical fruit.
What are the key regions for Sauvignon Blanc in France?
Loire Valley (Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé) and Bordeaux.
How does Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand, differ from Loire Valley styles?
More intense, with pronounced tropical fruit and herbaceous notes.
What are the key characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc from Bordeaux?
Dry, high-acidity wines often blended with Semillon, with citrus and grassy notes.
What are the key regions for Sauvignon Blanc in California?
Napa Valley and Sonoma County.
How does Sauvignon Blanc from Chile differ?
Crisp acidity, citrus flavors, and herbal notes, especially from Casablanca and Central Valley.
