Sauvignon Blanc

Question 1

Characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc

Answer 1

• cool to moderate climates
• light to medium body, high acidity
• herbaceous (grass, green bell peper, asparagus) and floral aromas. green fruit (apple, gooseberry) to wet stones, to riper fruit, tropical fruit (passion fruit)
• complexity gained by blending grapes

Question 2

Winemaking and maturation of Sauvignon Blanc

Answer 2

• Single variety or blended with semillion
• common produced in inert vessels to prevent being overwhelmed by oak
• barrel aged: if oak has been used during winemaking
• best consumed when young

Question 3

Important regions of Sauvignon Blanc

Answer 3

France
- Loire: Sancerre AOC and Pouilly-fumé AOC:
cool climate, dry wines, high acidity, green fruits, herbaceous notes, wet stones
Touraine AOC: sub region to the west of Sancerre and Pouilly-fumé. fruity and inexpensive.
- Bordeaux: Simple Bordeaux AOC: fresh grass aromas, green apple,
Graves AOC, Pessac-Léognan AOC: concentrated and complex. blend of Sauvignon and semillion. Sem ads body, Sauvignon helps aging. Honey and nuts can develop in the bottle.
- South of France: much area to warm. Only areas cooled by altitude can produce good Sauvignon. Dry, high acidity, tropical fruit flavors, herbaceous notes

New Zealand
- Marlborough: cool to moderate climate, more pronounced than the loire. blended with different styles or grapes harvested at different time. fruit flavors (lemon, peach, passion fruits) and green bell pepper, asparagus.
Experiments with lees contact, small amounts of oak

Australia

• Margaret river: West Australia, single variety or blended with semillion. concentrated herbaceous aroma (grass), some in contact with oak.
• Adelaide Hills: cooled by altitude and ocean breezes. fresh and fruity, citrus to tropical fruits, blending with semillion for aging potential

Chile

• Casablanca Valley: cooled by sea breezes and morning fogs.
• Central Valley: inexpensive high volume to very good ex

South Africa

• Coastal regions, others are too warm
• Constantia: south of cape town, cooled by sea breezes, refreshing Sauvignon ripe tropical fruits, herbaceous notes
• Elgin: cooled by altitude, green fruit and wet stones

USA: commonly to warm
- Napa Valley: harvested early to retain herbaceous and acidity. sometimes oak contact to add body and smoke flavor