Whole Bunch Wines Guide to Sauvignon Blanc
It's the Whole Bunch Wines Guide to Sauvignon Blanc. It is a regular feature in our wine tastings and a much beloved grape variety, but people can think it is a bit one-note. This is due to the prevalence of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, with their distinctive tropical fruit flavours.
Yet, it has so much more to offer. We will take you through grape itself, some of the different regions in which you can find Sauvignon Blanc and show you the variety which can be found across the globe. We will even throw in a couple of recommendations at the end.
Image Courtesy of Decanter
The Sauvignon Blanc Grape Variety
Much like Chardonnay and Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc is renowned for being both an aromatic and versatile grape variety. The grape originally came from Western France, and is presumed to be a cross between Traminer and Chenin Blanc which originated in the Loire Valley, but it has now established itself across the globe.
Sauvignon Blanc is also a grape variety which tends to where it's flavour profile on it's sleeve. It will punch you on the palate with intense and uncompromising fruit flavours. Cooler climate wines from mainland Europe will be bursting with citrus notes. While, warmer or moderate climates may display more pronounced notes of stone and tropical fruits.
While it is aromatic, which generally lends itself to ageing in stainless steel, it can also stand up to oak ageing. This is particularly notable in the French region of Pouilly-Fumé, which is known for oaked Sauvignon Blanc. You'll find this style recreated in New World wines under the name 'Fumé Blanc'.
Where Is Sauvignon Blanc Grown?
So, let's take a look at where you can find some top-tier Sauvignon Blanc. There's only one place to start and that is France! We'll begin, as we so often do in the wine world, with Bordeaux. Bordeaux white wine can be made from a few different grapes. They include Muscadelle, Colombard, Sémillon and of course, Sauvignon Blanc.
The Bordeaux whites may be fresh and fruity from the lesser regions such as Entre-Deux-Mers, but more often Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon will be blended together to create rich and complex oaked wines from appellations such as Pessac-Léognan.
Next up, is the Loire Valley. Mores specifically, Pouilly-Fumé. The appellation was officially created in 1937 and is located in the central Loire Valley. The Sauvignon Blanc of this region has a distinctive smoky quality, (which is where the fumé comes from). It also has a tinge of flint, as you get with Chablis.
However, it goes beyond simply smoke. It gives off strong citrus aromas and also a slightly vegetal, grassy and herbaceous flair. Wine nerds must try this style of wine!
Image Courtesy of WineTourism.com
Keeping it Fumé, we'll have to give nods to America and Australia. Both of these places have garnered real acclaim with this oaky, smoky style of wine. You'll find that the New World Fumé wines tend to be slightly more rich and ripe in flavour, than the somewhat austere examples of the Loire Valley. This is often the case when comparing wine between the Old and New Worlds.
Finally, we cannot talk about Sauvignon Blanc without giving a significant nod to the country of New Zealand. No Sauvignon Blanc has so captured the heart of wine drinks, more so than Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Cooling maritime influences and long hours of sunshine ensure a slow and strong ripening process. This allows the flavours to reach those super ripe tropical fruit flavours which often set this style of Sauvignon Blanc apart from the other wine-making nations.
What Do We Stock...
We are going to highlight two of our absolute favourite white wines for take-away or to drink in at Whole Bunch Wines. Both of these were some of the most popular white wines in 2024. If you're looking for a cheese-pairing the staff will have you covered as well! We've also got heaps more on the shelves, so stop in and say hello.
Greywacke Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Greywacke was created in 2009 by Kevin Judd, the person responsible for the ground-breaking early wines produced in Marlborough. Aromas of cassis and passionfruit are first to emerge, with guava, crisp pear and white peach adding a delicious fruit salad intricacy. On the palate, look for ripe pineapple and a lime sherbet zing, layered with elderflower and hints of citrus blossom.
Urra di Mare Mandrarossa Sauvignon Blanc
Mandrarossa began in 1999 and since then, they've looked to innovate. It displays intense notes of fresh citrus fruit, most notably bergamot and lemon. Then, the clay and limestone soils have instilled this wine with a notable minerality which adds texture. One of the best, for the money.
Don't Miss Out!
Make sure to check out our wine tastings and monthly wine club, if you want to try great wines like the ones mentioned in this blog post. Links below:
- Manchester Wine Tastings & Events
- Sauce Subscription (Monthly Wine Club)