Sauvignon Blanc

View All/ Add Photos

(aka. Blanc Fume, Fume Blanc, Savagnin Musque)

Sauvignon Blanc is widely grown in California -- at over 15,000 acres, it’s now the third most planted variety -- and often assumes the moniker ‘Fume Blanc’. This popular synonym, credited to Napa’s Robert Mondavi, derives from the grape’s historic home of Pouilly in France’s Upper Loire Valley, where Sauvignon Blanc is the dominant varietal and goes locally by the name of ‘Blanc Fumé’. This noble grape is also successfully grown in Washington State and in New York on Long Island. In Canada, the variety is establishing a foothold in both the Niagara region of Ontario and British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.

When treated with respect and afforded suitable growing conditions, it is one of the wine world’s darlings. Dry wines made from this grape are characterized by steely, racy acidity, green, gooseberry fruit, asparagus and a grassy, herbaceous character. It is rarely oaked, except in California, where it has often been subjected to such extreme winemaking as new oak, extended lees contact and malolactic fermentation. Here, it produces a tropical, buttery style of Sauvignon Blanc. However, California producers are increasingly using less oak, to create more naturally expressive wines.

In France’s Pouilly Fume, the grape expresses its most subtle complexity, with the best wines grown on limestone hills with a high proportion of flint, said to give the wines a gun smoke (flinty) aroma. Elsewhere in France, namely Bordeaux’s Graves and Entre-Deux-Mers regions, Sauvignon Blanc has had a long, if uneven, history. Here, the variety co-stars with another white, the more supple Semillon, in addition to a minor supportive role played by the more perfumed Muscadelle. In Bordeaux, Sauvignon Blanc not only makes dry wines, it plays an important, albeit subsidiary role, in the highly-prized sweet wines of Sauternes and Barsac. In these lavishly rich wines, its sharp acidity helps to balance the round and almost waxy nature of botrytis-affected Semillon.

Across the border in Italy, producers such as Jermann, Schiopetto and Livio Fellugia have made Collio and the Colli Orientali DOCs famous with their impressively expressive versions of Sauvigon Blanc.

Sauvignon Blanc has also found a home in the southern hemisphere, most notably the Marlborough region of New Zealand’s South Island where they have fashioned a modern style of this classic, profiling a more fruit driven tropical expression of the grape. Indeed, the Sauvignon Blancs of New Zealand can stun the uninitiated with their intensity, and may seem an altogether different wine than the traditional grassy or flinty versions. Typical examples have powerful aromatics with classic gooseberry fruit, and freshly-mown grass elements, complimented by rich tropical fruit salad aromas. They are matched with richly characterful palates and tart, edgy acidity. Marlborough’s advantage over competing growing regions is its long, sunny growing season, with dry autumns and cool nights. The grapes are allowed to ripen on the vine much longer here than elsewhere, enabling fruit intensity to be maximized. Meanwhile, the area’s cool nights retain the grape’s natural and balancing, razor-sharp acidity. The Kiwis can also be credited with implementing modern and effective methods of canopy management, keeping crop levels to a minimum and picking the grapes at varying times to create more complex wines.

Sauvignon Blanc is produced as a dry wine in all corners of the wine world. Even if you cross the Tasman Sea, from New Zealand to its brasher antipodal neighbor Australia, the grape is successful. Cool corners of Australia, such as the Yarra Valley in Victoria, are showing potential with Sauvignon Blanc based wines, even if they rarely produce wine with the same edge as their Kiwi counterparts. South Africa also produces reliably characterful Sauvignon-based wines, as does Chile’s cool Casablanca Valley.

You are one sexy gal, Sauvignon Blanc, trotting joyously through fields of grass, with your long, blond tresses blowing in the breeze. We envision you with leis of wild flowers and gooseberries bouncing on your bosoms; you absorb all the herbal essences around you. You are young and fresh - crisp even - with taut skin and daring spunk. You have the steely courage to bound up to us bare-naked. Yet when you do don cloths of oak you present yourself in a most exotic way. However, most would agree that you are best au naturel! – Description from Appellation America (view original content) (hide)

Add description View 2 descriptions »

Kendall-Jackson Summation Vintner's Reserve

Winery:	Kendall-Jackson
Region:	USA » California
Type:	Table Wines

View wine »

Green Chile-Chicken Enchiladas

New Mexicans prefer these over the beef enchiladas associated with other Southwest cuisines. Prepare the sauce and the chicken mixture up to two days ahead, and refrigerate separately until ready t... Read more »

View more Recipes »

Sauvignon Blanc for June

With summer upon us the consumption of Sauvignon Blanc is about to explode! Of the four giants of the wine world, which includes Cabernet, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, no wine is as seasonal as little old Sauvy. It’s light, crisp charact...

View more Top Stories »

New Zealand Wine Regions

Marlborough and the Wairau Valley are home to the famed New Zealand style and, in many ways, the modern New Zealand wine industry itself. These regions are shaped by glacial washes filled with alluvial soils, deep river deposits, and thin, silty soils....

View more Commentary »

Mentor for Sauvignon Blanc Wines

Jake Pippin

Wine marketing and education professional with Wines of Chile and a native Oregonian with a love of wine old and new. I am wine geek and traveler with an unquenchable desire to explore the world of wine one region and country at a time.

View Profile » View Top Lists »

View More
Popular Sauvignon Blanc wines

Find local availability for these wines:Submit

Buy Sauvignon Blanc wines »

Popular Regions for Sauvignon Blanc View all

California

Viticulture in California began in the 1700s as Spanish missionaries worked their way north fro...
France

Perhaps no country evokes such strong associations with fine wine as does France. Its reputatio...
Sonoma County

Wine-making in Sonoma, California began in 1812 when Russian colonists planted grapes at F...
South Africa

The history of wine-making in South Africa began as the Dutch East India company establish...
Chile

Winemaking was first introduced to Chile by Spanish settlers in the 1500’s, but it wasn’t until...
Napa

There is some debate over how this famous wine region got its name. Spanish settlers named...
New Zealand

The history of New Zealand wine-making dates back to the 1800s when settlers planted vines and ...
Marlborough

While wines from Marlborough, in New Zealand’s South Island, have only come into prominenc...
Sancerre

Sancerre is an appellation located in the so-called Upper Loire -- the eastern end of the ...

Popular Wineries using Sauvignon Blanc

Almaden Vineyards

For over 150 years, Almaden Vineyards wines have been welcome at America's table. We offer a wide...
Cupcake Vineyards

Our winery is located in Monterey County, California where warm days give way to cool nights a...
Barefoot Cellars

We got our start as a "garage wine" back in the Sixties but really stepped up what Barefoot wa...
Arrow Creek

Arrow Creek wines capture the spirit of California – the freedom of open spaces, the rustic outdo...
CrauforD Wine Co.

Crauford Wine Company was founded in 2000 by Marilyn Crawford Corley, whose family originated in ...
Rex Goliath

At age 70, I have had at least 50 yrs. of a glass of wine after my evening meals. Just recently,...

People getting updates on Sauvignon Blanc Wines

Page 5 of 915
Sauvignon Blanc on Snooth

May 2013

Tres Sabores Sauvignon Blanc Farina Vineyard 2011

Snoothrank:

Some hints of lemon/grapefruit aromas. Quite fruity on the initial introduction to the palate. Yup, there's the grapefruit along with that refreshing acid. Boy, this wine is begging for raw oysters, but I anin't got none. Another great summer sipping wine. Even though it's not summer, yet, it is pretty hot here, today. This wine is a winner... Read More

Wine review by EMark
May 2013

Breaux Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Snoothrank:

Not thrilled with the perfuminess imparted by the Musque clone, but I did really enjoy the white peach notes towards the finish. Read More

Wine review by worldsmith
May 2013

Joseph Mellot Père et Fils Sancerre le Montarlet 2008

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by dmalashock
May 2013

A Mano Moscato Puglia IGT 2008

Snoothrank:

Off-dry doesn't do this moscato justice, this is more like a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. The golden hay color produces medium body legs that have a longer finish than the brief notes one gets from tasting this midly acidic white wine.I rate this a 2 as far as Moscatos go, but a 3 for a white wine. Read More

Wine review by JBilyj
May 2013

Chateau Bonnet Entre Deux Mers 2010

Snoothrank:

This was a hidden treasure! It was served very cold on a very hot night in Phoenix. We had it with King Salmon. It complemented the meal perfectly. Even non-wine drinker husband raised thumbs up on this one! Read More

Wine review by Halatsuu
May 2013

Waterbrook Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley 2011

Snoothrank:

Disappointed because of the price tag. Aroma is of rubbing alcohol. Taste is not typical of sauvignon blancs. Banana, apple, oak, strange flavor profile for a sauv blanc. After a few sips it was drinkable. I'm stuck with a case of it too. Maybe some customers will enjoy it more. Read More

Wine review by joebernardinoATyahoo
May 2013

Preston of Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Valley 2007

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by DWCPSC
May 2013

Baron Rothschild Mouton Cadet Blanc Bordeaux Aoc Frankreich Bordeaux Muscadelle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2009

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by annecara
May 2013

I ran up to Napa for a few days to get away and taste some wines from places ... ... were2011 Priest Ranch Sauvignon Blanc2009 High Flyer Pinot Noir Doctor's VineyardThe spectacularly perfumed 2009 Priest Ranch Syrah which had a delicious nose of chocolate lava cake. Nice wines all.I dined at Hurley's that night and upon many recommendations... Read More

Forum post in the topic Napa Highlights May 2013
May 2013

Turnbull Wine Cellars Old Vines Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Snoothrank:

Musty nose of melon. Juicy bubblegum-like acidity. Nice acidity and a crisp profile. Lots of tropical fruit flavor. Nice. 89 pts.5/10/13 at winery Read More

Wine review by VegasOenophile

prev 1 ... 3 4 5 6 7 ... 915 next

Best Wine Deals

$30.69

20%off

Olivier Domain Olivier Hillaire Chateauneuf du Pape les Petits Pieds d'Armand 2005
$15.99

24%off

House of Mandela Chardonnay Royal Reserve 2009

See More Deals »

Sauvignon Blanc Top Lists

Sauvignon Blanc Tasted 6/2013 by Gregory Dal Piaz

Sauvignon Blanc from Chile by Constance Chamberlain

Wines Less Traveled: Sauvignon Blanc by Matt Walker

Sancerre & Pouilly Fume by Barberolo
Sauvignon Blanc by tashia153
Sauvignon Blanc by George Engel
Favorites by Redmondcarroll
Favorites by Soobe
Top Sauvignon Blanc by Kristen Hager
Top Sauvignon Blancs by Kyle Graynor

View All Sauvignon Blanc Top Lists »

Community Activity

Recent Forum PostsView all

Fresh and Local Inspires Chef Brian Lewis's Creativity
Best known for his collaboration with actor Richard Gere in...
Differences between the wines made by the methode Traditionnnelle and Charmat process
Hi Snooth. I was wondering what characteristics give these two...
Genius or insanity? Rimmerman's "German Cellar"
Just got this from Garagiste, and have all sorts of weird...
Impromptu Napa trip... Where to taste?
So I am going to Napa tomorrow for a few days. I have some...

Sauvignon Blanc wine ratings and reviews

Winery:	Crinella Winery
Region:	USA » California » Sonoma County » Russian River Valley
Color:	White Wines

Winery:	Kokomo Winery
Region:	USA » California » Sonoma County » Dry Creek Valley
Varietal:	Sauvignon
Color:	White Wines

Winery:	Château Clos Haut-Peyraguey
Region:	France » Bordeaux » Sauternes
Varietal:	Sauvignon , Sémillon
Type:	Dessert/Fortifieds

Winery:	Sterling Vineyards
Region:	USA » California » North Coast
Type:	Table Wines

Winery:	Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery
Region:	USA » California » Sonoma Valley
Type:	Table Wines

Winery:	Chateau St. Jean Winery & Vineyards
Region:	USA » California » Sonoma County » Russian River Valley
Type:	Table Wines

Winery:	Simi Winery
Region:	USA » California » Sonoma County
Type:	Table Wines

Winery:	Manifesto!
Region:	USA » California » Solano County » Suisun Valley
Type:	Table Wines

Winery:	Hanna Winery
Region:	USA » California » Sonoma County » Russian River Valley
Type:	Table Wines

Winery:	Paumanok Vineyards, Ltd.
Region:	USA » New York » Suffolk County » Long Island » North Fork
Varietal:	Sauvignon Blanc
Type:	Table Wines

Winery:	Château Cheval Blanc
Region:	France » Bordeaux » Saint-Emilion Grand Cru
Varietal:	Cabernet Sauvignon , Sauvignon
Type:	Table Wines

Sauvignon Blanc

Kendall-Jackson Summation Vintner's Reserve

Green Chile-Chicken Enchiladas

Crinella Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley Marino Vineyard

Endive Spears with Spicy Goat Cheese

Sterling Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc North Coast

Black Bean and Corn Chicken Chili

Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery Fume Blanc Sonoma County

Goat Cheese and Fresh Herb Omelet

Chateau St. Jean Fumé Blanc la Petite Étoile Vineyard Russian River Valley

Pumpkin Pie–Spiced Pumpkin Seeds

Simi Sauvignon Blanc

Salmon Cakes with Lemon Rice

Manifesto Sauvignon Blanc Suisun Valley

Buckwheat-Cheddar Blini with Smoked Salmon

Manifesto Sauvignon Blanc Suisun Valley

Goat Cheese Crostini with Pickled Peppers

Hanna Winery Sauvignon Blanc

Hot Crab Dip

Hanna Winery Sauvignon Blanc

Bread-and-Butter Radishes

89065Gregory Dal Piaz

268548Constance Chamberlain

842795Matt Walker

72100Barberolo

1131284tashia153

910235George Engel

957226Redmondcarroll

529342Soobe

30196Kristen Hager

455797Kyle Graynor

Mentor for Sauvignon Blanc Wines

View More Popular Sauvignon Blanc wines

Popular Regions for Sauvignon Blanc View all

Popular Wineries using Sauvignon Blanc

People getting updates on Sauvignon Blanc Wines

Page 5 of 915 Sauvignon Blanc on Snooth

Stay Connected

Get our free newsletter

Snooth Newsletters