Spectacular Special
Sauvignon Blanc
Passionfruit, fresh cut grass, tropical pineapple and zesty grapefruit. Its vibrant fruit flavours, crisp acidity and distinct personality of the Sauvignon Blanc grape that has captured the hearts and palates of wine enthusiasts worldwide. The oh so fruity and fresh Sauvignon Blanc grape has been around for decades and has never been so in demand than it is today.
Sauvignon Blanc's popularity continues to soar, making it a go-to choice for both novice wine drinkers and seasoned connoisseurs. With a lot to uncover about the versatile grape, it's time to dive into the world of Sauvignon Blanc and explore everything from its origins to its flavour profile.
Whether you're wondering if it's sweet or dry, curious about why it's so beloved, or searching for the best bottle to try, we've got you covered.
The Origins
Where is Sauvignon Blanc from?
The Sauvignon grape has been popular for a very long time, so lets explore its origin and the regions where this delicious grape is commonly cultivated. France is often a very celebrated country for its Champagne and red wines, but did you know it's also the birthplace of Sauvignon Blanc? The grape originates from the Bordeaux and Loire Valley regions.
Nowadays, winemakers from many countries like Australia, South Africa Chile and us in New Zealand are producing Sav vintage after vintage, taking inspiration from the grape's origins. This grapes journey from its French roots to the rest of the world has seen it evolve into several styles that reflect their own unique terroir of where it was grown.
New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
I want to discuss our beloved Savvy, which is highly popular and become a symbol in New Zealand. New Zealand is known for its award-winning wines and Sauvignon Blanc is one that is highly sought after. Marlborough, Nelson, Gisborne and Central Otago are the four most popular regions for producing world class Savvys. These regions are known to produce the best Sauvignon which is due to the climate, soils and wine making processes each vineyard go through to make it the best quality juice that is bottled up.
What sets New Zealand Savvy apart from the rest of the world?
The unique combination of intense aromas and flavours that both reflect the vibrant and very expressive notes of passionfruit, freshly cut grass and grapefruit. The result? Crisp and refreshing and undeniable moreish. The cool maritime climate we live in and diverse soil types both contribute to the wines bright acidity and distinctive mineral notes, making New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc a global favourite.
Savvy on the rise
Why is Sauvignon Blanc so popular?
This is a funny one to answer because each individual and their palates are so different that we can't point out one thing. However, Sauvignon Blanc's popularity can be attributed to its versatility and broad appeal.
The grape is complex in itself. People tend to lean towards this at their local pub or restaurant because of the fruity characteristics it has to offer such as passionfruit, peach, lime and apple, it is a very citrusy and tropical fruit based drop meaning wine drinkers like the easy-drinking aspect to it.
One reason this grape is such a crowd pleaser is dare we say it, it's easy to drink! Whether you're sipping at a casual gathering or pairing it with a gourmet meal, the vibrant fruit flavours making an excellent choice with a wide range of occasions.
Is Sauvignon Blanc Dry or Sweet?
Typically, Sauvignon Blanc is known to be extremely fruity, with a medium body, high acidity and is rated very low on the sweetness scale. We can't rule out sweet Sav however, it is up to the wine producers and the way they choose to make their wines, making the wines very unique to each vineyard and winery.
The level of sweetness can vary depending on factors such as the ripeness of the grapes at harvest time and the winemakers choices during fermentation. If you prefer a hint of sweetness, look out for the late-harvest Savs or dessert versions such as Sticky Sauvignon that offer a richer and sweeter profile.
Wine Brands
Which Sauvignon Blanc is best?
There are many vineyards that produce internally acclaimed Savvy's and if were to name just one that would be cheating. There are however several notable New Zealand brands that have established their own place in the market for their Sauvignon Blanc's. The iconic Cloudy Bay, Beloved Kim Crawford and the classic Oyster Bay are just to name a few.
Here is a list of some sought after wine brands that produce Sav that is hot in demand and go down an absolute treat:
