Sauvignon Blanc: A ‘Wildly’ Popular White Grape Variety
This is an excerpt of an original article published on Somm TV Magazine.
Wine enthusiasts cannot and should not ignore the noble lineage of Sauvignon Blanc. This vivacious grape variety is responsible for the birth of the international renown king of red grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon.
Perhaps this makes Sauvignon Blanc the ‘King Father’ (or ‘Queen Mother’) after all? Rightfully so! It’s the second most planted white grape variety in France, after Chardonnay. It’s also one of the most popular white grape varieties worldwide, producing aromatically charming wines.
The Origins of Sauvignon Blanc
The birthplace of Sauvignon Blanc is likely the Loire Valley in France. The grape’s name is rather etymologically descriptive, as the word ‘Sauvignon’ derives from sauvage, French for ‘wild’, and an adjective that aptly describes its wild and vigorous nature. Its vines grow so vigorously that winegrowers must control the canopy to maintain the grapes’ quality.
Tracing its lineage up the family tree, one would learn that Sauvignon Blanc is an offspring of Savagnin. This ancient grape gave birth to other endearing varieties such as Loire’s darling Chenin Blanc, Austrian superstar Grüner Veltliner, and Alsatian Silvaner.
At home in the Loire Valley, some of the most iconic examples come from Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, and, increasingly, Menetou-Salon. Value-driven expressions derive from the larger Touraine wine production region.
What Sauvignon Blanc Tastes Like
Sauvignon Blanc’s hallmark characteristics include grapefruit, gooseberry, green apple, stone fruits, lime zest, fresh-cut grass, and boxwood shrub. When tasted blind, some may even agree that it makes some of the most easily recognizable varietal wines.
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