Sauvignon Blanc Flashcards
What kind of grape is Sauvignon Blanc?
Aromatic White
What is the typical profile of a Sauvignon Blanc grape?
- Dry
- Light-Medium Body
- High Acid
- Herbaceous (Green Bell Pepper, Capsicum, Asparagus)
- Floral (Blossom)
- Green Fruit Aromas (Apple, Gooseberry)
- Tropical Fruits (Passionfruit)
- Wet Stones
When does a Sauvignon Blanc have more Green Fruit Aromas? Tropical Fruit Aromas?
Green Fruits - Less Ripe Grapes
Tropical Fruits (Riper Grapes)
What Climate does Sauvignon Blanc prefer?
Cool to Moderate
Is Sauvignon Blanc usually single-varietal or a blend?
Usually Single-Varietal
Sometimes blended with Semillon
Is Sauvignon Blanc Oaked or Unoaked?
Unoaked (mostly).
Oak will overwhelm the herbaceous aromas of Sauvignon Blanc
If ages in oak, what term is typically used?
Barrel-Aged
Should Sauvignon Blanc be drunk young or aged?
Drunk young
Aging can develop undesirable vegetal notes and aromas
What are the most important French regions for Sauvignon Blanc?
Loire
- Sancerre AOC
- Pouilly-Fume
Are any other grapes allowed to be grown in Loire (Sancerre AOC / Pouilly Fume AOC)
No
Only Sauvignon Blanc
What climate is the Loire area?
Cool climate
What is the typical profile of a Loire Sauvignon Blanc wine?
- Dry
- High Acid
- Green Fruit Aromas (Apple)
- Herbaceous (Grass, Asparagus)
- Wet Stones
Where is the Touraine AOC located?
Touraine
Sub-region to west of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume AOC
Is Sauvignon Blanc wine made in Bordeaux? What regions?
Yes
Bordeaux AOC
Graves AOC
Pessac-Leognan AOC
Are Bordeaux AOC’s Single-Varietal or Blends?
Blend
Sauvignon Blanc blended with Semillon
What does Semillon contribute to Bordeaux AOC Sauvignon Blanc wines?
- Adds Body
- Helps wine age
- If oak matured, flavours of Honey, Nuts
Does the South of France region grow Sauvignon Blanc?
Yes
What is the typical profile of a South of France Sauvignon Blanc?
- Dry
- High Acid
- Tropical Fruit (Passionfruit)
- Herbaceous Notes (Grass)
What region in New Zealand is famous for Sauvignon Blanc?
Marlborough
Where is Marlborough located?
Top of New Zealands’ South Island
How are New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc different than Loire wines?
More Pronounced characteristics
Are New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc a single-varietal or blends?
Blend - of a single-varietal
Blends of different grape sites or different grape ripeness
What is the typical profile of a New Zealand Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc?
- Dry
- LIght-Medium Body
- High Acid
- Strong Fruit Flavours (Lemon, Peach, Passionfruit)
- Pronounced Herbaceous (Green Bell Pepper, Asparagus)
What regions in Australia are known for Sauvignon Blanc?
- Margaret River (Western Australia)
- Adelaide Hills (South Australia)
What is the profile of Australian Sauvignon Blanc?
- Fresh, Fruity
- Citrus, Tropical Fruit
- Some blended with Semillon to make fuller-bodied wines that can age
What two areas in Chile are known for Sauvignon Blanc?
- Central Valley
- Casablanca Valley
How does the vineyards of Australia and New Zealand cool down?
Ocean Breezes and Altitude
How does the Chilean Vineyards cool down?
Sea Breezes and Morning Fog
What regions in South African grow Sauvignon Blanc?
- Constantia (south of Cape Town - cooled by sea breezes)
- Elgin (cooled by Altitude
Are USA Sauvignon Blanc’s herbal?
The warm climate makes is hard to make in the warm climate.
Grapes sometimes picked earlier to preserve high acid and herbal notes
What is one area in USA that makes good Sauvignon Blanc?
Napa Valley
Sometimes oaked to add body and flavour (smoke)
