Sauvignon Blanc is an aromatic grape that grows best in cool to moderate climates to help preserve its delicate flavours. Its characteristics include herbaceous aromas such as grass and asparagus, blossom, and green fruit (think green apple or gooseberry). However, In warmer climates, riper flavours can develop such as passionfruit or pineapple.
There are many fantastic Sauvignon Blanc producing countries out there, but this article will mainly focus the two countries arguably most renowned for their world-class Sauvignon Blanc: France and New Zealand.
What is sauvignon blanc from france like?
The spiritual home of Sauvignon Blanc is the Loire in Northern France, so much so that it is the only grape permitted for use in Sancerre AOC and Pouilly-Fumé AOC found in the Central Vineyards of the Loire. AOC stands for Appelation Origine Controlee and means that there are stricter regulations to uphold in the area in order to use the specific region on the label. You can expect wines from the Loire Valley to have flavours of green apple and wet stones. Pouilly-Fumé specifically is known for making beautiful wines with smoky notes as well! Here are some great bottles to try:
Tesco Finest Pouilly-Fume
Pouilly-Fumé is part of the Central Vineyards of the Loire. This wine from Tesco has a high acidity balanced by refreshing green flavours of gooseberry and lime, as well as the classic smoky note that the region is known for.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £14.00
Specially Selected Touraine Sauvignon Blanc
Touraine is closer to the ocean compared to the Central Vineyards where Pouilly-Fumé is situated, and therefore you can find more of an ocean influence in this bottle. Flavours of lemon and grass are dominant in this wine.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £7.49
Bordeaux also uses Sauvignon Blanc in its white wines, however, these wines are typically blended with Semillon to add body to the wine. White Bordeaux blends are also often oaked.
Château Saint-Jean-des-Graves
This classic example of a white Bordeaux blend has the usual citrus notes of a Sauvignon Blanc with more weight to it thanks to the Semillon. This wine is also able to age in the bottle to add more definitive oxidative flavours such as raisin or dried apricot.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £9.99
Alternatively, more producers from the ‘New World’ such as South Africa, Australia and Chile are releasing their own White Bordeaux interpretations.
Kleine Zalze Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
Stellenbosch is known for its reds, but also makes some brilliant whites. This bottle from Kleine Zalze includes tropical notes of pineapple and passionfruit on the nose.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £7.50
Tesco Finest Western Australia Sauvignon Semillon
Howard Peak is the producer used for this Tesco Western Australia blend. The grapes go through hand-sorting to ensure only the best grapes make it to the final wine. On the palate you taste a beautiful blend of lime, green apple and gooseberry with a hint of grass.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £8.00
What is Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand like?
New Zealand has done an amazing job at creating a sterling reputation for Sauvignon Blanc production. The overall climate is on the cool side, however, what makes a difference in growing conditions compared to France is the long hours of sunshine that both the North and South Islands receive. The cooler temperatures help retain the green freshness, while the intense sunshine helps develop beautiful tropical flavours such as passionfruit, melon and pineapple.
Yealands Sauvignon Blanc
This crisp and classic wine has brilliantly high natural acidity balanced by the intense fruit flavours including guava and peach with the classic herbaceous notes of asparagus.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £10.00
For similar wines from other countries, aim for any warm climates such as South Africa, South Eastern Australia or Chile.
Our Selection Chilean Sauvignon Blanc by Amazon
This is a refreshing white from the Aconcagua region of the Leyda Valley. Flavours of apple, lemon and lime are the most apparent, with a lovely minerality.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £6.98
Co-op Fairtrade Irresistible Sauvignon Blanc
This zesty sauvignon blanc from The Cape is a refreshing wine full of lemon, lime, ripe melon and passionfruit. A great bang-for-buck find.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £6.85
If you enjoyed reading this then, have a look at The Best Riesling to Try or if it’s a bang for your buck bottle you’re after then check out these Stunning Supermarket Red Wines for Under £10!
