Grape of the month: Sauvignon blanc

The current warm weather makes us crave fresh, lively white wines. That is why we end up with the sauvignon blanc grape. This grape variety is mainly found in France (52,4% of the world's plantings), but also in Spain, Northern Italy, New Zealand, Chile, the United States and South Africa.

 

In France, the grape is mainly found in the Loire region (Quincy, Sancerre, Pouilly Fumé, Touraine), but also in Bordeaux (Bordeaux blanc, Graves, Pessac Léognan) or the South of France.

In the Loire, this grape generally provides fresh and lively wines. It has a golden green skin, spots, and firm flesh. Typical of this grape is a very aromatic fragrance ranging from cut grass, boxwood to white fruits (citrus, grapefruit, peach) and sometimes smoky (like on the flint soil in Pouilly Fumé). Sometimes also floral hints. On the palate it tastes of green apple, pineapple, lychee, cranberry, citrus and grapefruit.

 

In the Loire, sauvignon blanc is used on its own, while in the Graves and Pessac Léognan (Bordeaux) it is often blended with sémillon to make the wine softer and greasier. The typical freshness will really complement your aperitif, salads, asparagus, Asian dishes, smoked salmon, seafood, scallops...