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The embodiment of aromatic power.
Also known as Blanc Fumé, Fumé Blanc, the world-famous grape variety, Sauvignon Blanc gives wine a special, slightly spicy taste. In France, it is a traditional grape variety of the Loire and Gironde regions; in the world, a thriving and strong producer, it likes soils that are not very or only moderately fertile. Vinified alone or in a blend with Sémillon, it offers not only very aromatic dry white wines, but also rich sweet white wines. Thus, in France, alone, it gives birth to the famous dry "Sauvignon wines" such as Pouilly Fumé, the white wines of Sancerre, Ménetou Salon, Quincy and Reuilly, giving these Loire Valley wines an undeniable connection. It also spawned the no less famous Barsac, Monbazillac, and when again blended together with Sémillon and Muscadelle brings us Graves and the sweet and syrupy fine wines of the Sauternes region, modelled on the vintages of Château Yquem. Finally, in Languedoc, it is used as a dry varietal wine and shows a pronounced character. Dry white wines or sweet white wines, it proves to be generous with aromas of boxwood, blackcurrant buds (green fruits) and, depending on the terroir, white flowers, citrus fruits and very pronounced mineral notes of flint (Pouilly Fumé).
- Centre Loire
- Touraine
- Bordeaux
- South West
- Languedoc ( IGP)
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- Chile- Argentina
- Spain- Austria
- Hungary
- Germany
- Switzerland
- California
Bergerac sec / Bordeaux sec / Entre Deux mers / Graves / Pouilly Fumé / Sancerre / Ménetou Salon / Quincy / Reuilly / Tourraine
Barsac / Monbazillac / Sauternes
Cool climate: Aromas of citrus fruits, white flowers (elderberry), green fruits (blackcurrant buds, redcurrant). Nuances of boxwood, mineral notes (flint). In the mouth, natural acidity. Very lively. Styles vary between wines to be drunk young and more structured, sometimes woody cuvées that age well.
Warm climate: In these latitudes, Sauvignon loses its freshness but gains in more opulent aromas and roundness. Aromas of exotic fruits, herbaceous notes. Close to the coast (Bordeaux), it has an oceanic iodine influence. Character sometimes a little heavy if one is accustomed to Sauvignons from temperate and humid zones. Depending on the winemaking process, the styles vary from light, tender and aromatic to more complex and round wines.
Often used in blends with Sémillon and Muscadelle (Monbazillac, Sauternes). Harvested when over-ripe, the " caramelized " grapes then deliver all their sweetness with plenty. Straw yellow colour with golden reflections, limpid robe. Freshness and liveliness. Sweet and syrupy (stronger in alcohol) they are smooth, racy and fragrant, developing languidly in the mouth. Sensual and distinguished, these wines have aromas of honey, apricot, dried citrus fruits, quince, exotic fruits and orange blossom. A real marvel!
The diversity of styles allows several combinations. Cool climate: Minerality assumed, these sauvignons go well with seafood, terrines, river fish, dry charcuterie (smoked meat). Asian cuisine: sushi. Fusion cuisine. Affinities with tomatoes, coriander, basil.
Hot climate: roast poultry. Asian cuisine.
Sweet or syrupy white wines are the classic companions of foie gras. Sweet and sour or spicy dishes from Asian cuisine. Splendid matches with blue-veined cheeses (Bleu d'Auvergne, Roquefort, Fourme d'Ambert...). Desserts: Fruit tarts (tarte tatin).
Clearly, there is not just one style of Sauvignon, but several, influenced by the terroir, the climate, but also the winemaking process. A Sancerre with delicate boxwood scents is very different from another dry wine from the South-West that is more structured and heavier. The aromatic power of the Sauvignon and its freshness are however the theme of the different styles. Even though it is grown all over the world, Sauvignon from France is the most successful wine abroad and that's not about to stop.
Beware, however, not to start a meal with a sweet wine that will overwhelm your taste buds and prevent you from appreciating other, more nuanced flavours later on in the meal.
Also known according to region: Sauvignon Blanc, Blanc Fumé (Nièvre), Fumé Blanc, Sauternes, Ahumat (Béarn), Fié (Poitou and Burgundy), Sauvignon Gris, Mune Mahatsa...
