Take Five: a global offerings of Sauvignon Blanc
If it’s May, it’s time to break out the refreshing white wines and perhaps no variety telegraphs spring brighter than Sauvignon Blanc. Though originating in France and most famously in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley (Sancerre, Pouilly Fumé), it’s made in numerous Old and New World regions: Australia, California, Chile, Italy (where it is also known as Sauvignon) and New Zealand. Indeed, the latter, emerged as a legitimate contender in the category in the 1980s and has enjoyed near-global domination with zingy styles from Marlborough.
Wine-searcher.com, a site used by both the industry and consumers for market intelligence on wines, as well as news and educational content, recently ranked the top Sauvignon Blancs, drawn from its proprietary data. Their report shows France is up in popularity (and price) and New Zealand’s showing on the “most wanted” has diminished. Of the top 10 highest ranking Sauvignon Blancs, seven were French.
Wines made from the grape deliver range of styles, from the super-acid-driven classic gooseberry and citrus version smacking of lime and grapefruit found in colder-climate regions to more rounded, tropical-fruit flavors that are common themes in the warmer climes. The more pungent aromas range from freshly cut grass, or green hedges such as boxwood to what is politely referred to as “feline.” It’s a great partner grape, too, adding acidity and tanginess to rounder, more full-bodied whites. Look for delicious blendings with Semillon, such as those from the Pessac-Léognan appellation of Graves in southern Bordeaux.
No matter the taste or smell, It’s so well-known and famous, it has its own day (surprise!). Here are a few bottles to help celebrate.
Babich “Select Blocks,” 2021, Marlborough, New Zealand. Lime and whit floral abound on the nose with some greenness, that is pleasant, not in your face. An Old School style of New World Sauvy B. Tropical fruits float in a creamy aspect but overall, the wine is crisp and pleasant on its own or with salads, light pasta dishes.
OG de Negoce “Lot 346” 2023, Limestone Coast, Australia. A bit of a feline noes, but also with pleasing lime notes and a bit of lactic hinting at its creamy mouth texture. On the palate, honey, sweet ripe melon, tropical-fruits and full. Perfect pairing with Asian and related spicy foods.
Root:1, Casablanca Valley, Chile. This is a very pungent and green style of Sauvignon Blanc. There’s a little smoke/char on the nose—inviting, but odd for the variety, especially a fresh version such as this—but the classic greenness takes over on the palate and delivers more of a traditional profile.
Turmhof Tiefenbrunner 2021 Südtirol, Alto Adige, Italy. I would like to give this a 10-star review—it’s just that delicious. A pretty, shiny gold in color, rich with ripe, full fruit and driven by lemon compote, it has mouth-watering acid, intriguing herbal undertones. This is a complete wine.
Xanadu, 2022. Margaret River, Australia. This is actually a blend of 66% SB with the remainder Semillon and is smooth and creamy and devoid of any harsh green markers. There’s a lime underlaying, but it’s an accent—does not define the wine. Otherwise, taste pineapple and other tropical fruits, smoothed out by the Semillon.
[Next up: Sauvignons from California—and not the red kind]
