This one is for all the Sauvignon Blanc fans out there, like myself. Whether you dream of juicy passion fruit, paradise-like wines or into more of a glass drenched in aromas of gravel and grass, the world is your oyster and Sauvignon Blanc is your pearl. There is an enormous difference in what this grape can produce depending on where in the world it comes from.
Old World and New World are terms that you usually hear Somms use in fancy restaurants. I’m totally not the kind of girl to shove difficult highbrow wine terms into anyone’s face; however, these terms in particular are very important with my girl Sauvi B, and the list below is where you’ll find trendy regions in both the Old World and New World that’s making some pretty mentionable Sauvignon Blanc.
Old World
Graves, Bordeaux
Yes, yes, I know you did not expect for Monsieur Bordeaux, the masculine, big red producer to be the parent of the glamour girl Sauvignon Blanc, but alas it is true. The typical characteristics you get with Sauvignon Blanc here is a rounder and fuller body, with notes of wet leaves, ripe fruit and honey. These wines are not known for their high acidity but have a pleasing light, brightness to them.
Sancerre, Loire Valley
Ah, Sancerre the most well-known region in the Loire Valley. This area, believe it or not, used to be under water, which is cool because their soils are packed with sand, seashells and limestone that really comes through in the wine. Bottles from Sancerre are known for their kick-ass, mouth-puckering acidity due to the cold weather. Expect lots of pear, grass, rocks, lime blossom, honeysuckle and kiwi-like notes.
Other prominent Old World regions: Alto-Adige, Tuscany
New World
Marlborough, New Zealand
Marlborough in particular is one of the largest Sauvignon Blanc producing areas in all of New Zealand, but it’s not the only one; Martinborough, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and Canterbury are big in the game as well. The important thing to know about New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is that they are usually not subtle. Aromas of mainly passionfruit and guava ooze from the glass. Other very typical aromas include lime, jalapeno, mango, bell pepper, lemon curd, honey, grapefruit and papaya.
California
In the traditional California way, most Sauvignon Blanc here is oaked. This is an offbeat approach for this grape because traditionally it’s not oaked. Oak aging here gives its own pizazz, clad with aromas of nutmeg and a warm wool sweater, cinnamon, yellow plum and really a whole array of spice box notes. California Sauvignon Blanc are perfect to snuggle up to in the winter; they usually have a higher ABV, around 13 percent, and will make you feel like you’re wearing scarves on the inside.
Other prominent New World regions: Chile, South Africa, Washington State
Now give yourself a pat on the back as the newest Sauvignon Blanc expert of the wine world. Next time you roll into a fancy restaurant have no fear; grab the wine list with your head held high. Look for the region that is listed next the name of the grape and get ready to rock all of your friends’ worlds with your newly-acquired wine knowledge.
