Sauvignon blanc

From ArticleWorld

Sauvignon blanc is a grape of the green-skinned variety which most likely originated from the region of France know as Bordeaux. Although it is now grown in much of the world's winelands, its flavor can vary greatly deending on the climate of the region it is grown in. In general the Sauvignon blanc produces a varietal wine that is crisp, somewhat dry, and usually refreshing.

Regions

In France Sauvignon blanc is grown in primarily Bordeaux, but also in the Loire Valley (as Sancerre, and Sauvignon de Touraine, Pouilly Fumé,), and Sauternes. Sauvignon was not considered one of the great wines until Pouilly Fumé and Sancerre were ‘’discovered’’ in Paris in the mid 1960s. In the 1990s, some of the wines from New Zealand made the grape very popular, because of less expensive and varietally correct wines produced by such wineries as Babich, Montana, Cloudy Bay Vineyards and Hunters. Many critics and officianados consider Cloudy Bay Vineyards to produce the absolute best Sauvignon Blanc in the entire world. Plantings in Australia, California, South Africa, and Chile are also very extensive, and Sauvignon Blanc is continueing to increasing in popularity as white wine consumers seek alternatives to Chardonnay. Depending on climate, its flavors can range from tangy and grassy to sweet and tropical, it’s even been quoted as having the flavor of ‘’cat's pee on a gooseberry bush’’, although no one has asked how they would know what that tastes like.

Characteristics

To get the true nature of Sauvignon blanc, it is best to enjoy it slightly chilled, with fish or cheese. Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling were two of the first fine wines to be bottled with a screwcap in commercial quantities, particularly by New Zealand producers. In general it is best drunk young, as it does not always benefit from ageing. Dry and sweet white Bordeaux, generaly made with Sauvignon blanc as a major contributor, is the one exception. It is not uncommon for it to be blended with Sémillon as well.