| Grape variety |
Sauvignon |
| Synonyms |
Fume Blanc, Blanc Fume, Muskat-Silvaner |
| Grape colour |
White grape |
| History |
Sauvignon Blanc, often simply referred to as Sauvignon, is a green-skinned grape variety that hails from the Bordeaux region of France. Its exact origins are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to be an offspring of Savagnin. The grape's name is derived from the French word 'sauvage', which means 'wild', reflecting its origins as an indigenous vine in South West France. It is now planted in many of the world's wine regions, producing a crisp, dry, and refreshing white varietal wine. The grape is also a component of the famous dessert wines from Sauternes and Barsac. |
| Ampelographic features |
The leaf of Sauvignon Blanc is medium, three-lobed, and has a rounded shape. The petiole sinus is open U-shaped revealing the leaf lying, while in its natural position it appears closed. The leaf exhibits a bright, intense green color on the top, and a lighter green underneath, with a slight pubescence. The grape clusters are medium-sized, cylindrical, compact, and often winged, with a short and thin peduncle. The berries are also medium-sized, round, with a thick and sturdy skin of golden-green color, speckled with small dots. Its flesh is not very juicy but slightly sweet. |
| Characteristics of the wine |
Sauvignon Blanc wines are renowned for their vibrant straw-yellow color, often with green-gold hints. The aroma is typically strong and distinctive, offering a blend of vegetal and tropical fruit notes, including capsicum, gooseberry, passionfruit, and sometimes, an herbaceous hint of freshly mown grass or nettles. On the palate, Sauvignon Blanc delivers a refreshing acidity, robust body, and a flavor profile that mirrors its aromatic characteristics. Its finish is typically long and elegant, leaving a lingering impression of its unique flavor profile. |
