The ‘wild one’ known for its bold flavours

The purest expression of Sauvignon Blanc comes from the vineyards of its origin – Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume – from the Loire Valley in France. Some of the reasons why this expression is so popular are because it gives high yields, does not need much Sun and can handle cold climate, writes Sommelier Pratik Angre.

One of the few grape varieties that make delicious wines all around the world, Sauvignon Blanc is the eighth-most planted grape variety in the world and the third most planted white grape variety; behind Airen and Chardonnay.

The name Sauvignon is derived from the French word ‘Sauvage Vigne’ meaning ‘wild growing vine’. One of the reasons why it is so popular is because it gives high yields, does not need much Sun, and can handle cold climate. It is widely known for making crisp, dry, aromatic, and extremely distinctive wines.

The primary flavours of Sauvignon Blanc are lime, green apple, passion fruit and peach. Depending on where it is grown and how ripe it is, the flavours can range from zesty lime to tropical guava and mango. What makes Sauvignon Blanc wines unique from other white wines are its other herbaceous flavours like bell pepper, jalapeño, gooseberry and grass.

Where it all Started

Originating from the Loire Valley in France, the grape was first mentioned in mid 1500s. It owes much of its fame and recognition to the winemakers of Loire Valley and Bordeaux. It is the parent grape of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Between 1850s-1870s, the Sauvignon Blanc grape was naturally crossed with Cabernet franc in the vineyards of Bordeaux. The grape has travelled around the world and even transported to Chile, prior to the Phylloxera plague which devastated the vineyards in Europe.

Old World Class

Though made widely around the globe, albeit in different styles, the purest expression of Sauvignon Blanc comes from the vineyards of its origin – Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume – from the Loire Valley in France.

Sauvignon Blanc from France, especially from these abovementioned two regions, make for very terroir-driven wines as compared to the rest of the world. These wines have finesse, richness, complexity, pouilly fume - where fume translates to ‘smoke.’ The flinty soil with limestone of these regions imparts the smoky gunflint flavour to the wine. They are high-end wines and are age-worthy.

In Bordeaux, Sauvignon Blanc wine is often blended with Semillon and Muscadelle, where Semillon complements it by adding richness to the blend and Muscadelle adds floral notes.

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