Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a grape variety that originated in the Loire Valley, and whose first mention dates back to 1534, in the famous work Gargantua by François Rabelais. Grown in the Bordeaux region, it is used in the blends of the great dry and sweet wines of Sauternes and Barsac, in combination with Sémillon. It is also grown in its native region, the Loire Valley, particularly in the appellations of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. The leading Sauvignon Blanc-producing region in France is Languedoc-Roussillon, but it can also – and perhaps surprisingly – be found in Burgundy (in the single-varietal white wines of the Saint-Bris AOC). It is also found in South-West France.
Sauvignon Blanc produces dry, lively white wines, with notes of boxwood, blackcurrant bud and grass, and, when it reaches a good level of ripeness, citrus aromas of lemon and grapefruit. Its delicious fruitiness makes it popular everywhere. It is grown in many countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Austria and the United States. Many producers make wines that showcase Sauvignon Blanc, such as Alphonse Mellot, Francois Cotat, Gérard Boulay, Château d’Yquem, Suduiraut, Climens, Greywacke and Dog Point.
