By Michael Bray
I’m excited to raise a glass to the start of another wonderful summer at the southern New Jersey shore. In the spirit of rising temperatures, barbecues, and beach days, I wanted to use this week’s article to shine the spotlight on one of my favorite warm-weather wines: Sauvignon Blanc. Light to medium-bodied with refreshing acidity and bright fruit flavors, Sauvignon Blanc will pair beautifully with all of your summer activities.
What is Sauvignon Blanc?
Sauvignon Blanc is a green-skinned grape indigenous to France, and it appears in blends and single varietal wines from many of the world’s best growing regions.
What does it taste like?
When considering the characteristic flavor profile of Sauvignon Blanc, think green: gooseberry, honeydew, lime, green apple, bell pepper, fresh herbs, and grass are all common Sauvignon Blanc tasting notes. In addition to these hallmark flavors, some Sauvignon Blanc wines exhibit impressions of passion fruit, peach, nectarine, and guava. The differences in flavor often come down to the ripeness of the fruit at the time of harvest, as well as the climate of the growing region. Grapes grown in cooler climates will often not ripen to the level of grapes from warmer regions, and the resulting wines will have a firmer acid structure and more savory flavors.
Where is it grown?
As mentioned above, Sauvignon Blanc is grown in nearly every viticultural area in the world. Here’s an overview of some of my favorite SB regions:
France’s Loire Valley
The cool climate of the Loire Valley offers optimal growing conditions for Sauvignon Blanc. You can expect these wines to boast a bright acidity, refreshing minerality, and well-integrated citrus fruit flavors. (Try Domaine de la Potine Sauvignon Blanc 2020, 13.99; and Karine Lauverjat Sancerre 2020, $27.99.)
California’s Napa Valley
Many top Napa producers seek to embody the elegance of the Loire in their Sauvignon Blancs, within a considerably warmer growing region. Napa Sauvignon Blancs will typically exhibit bolder fruit impressions (think stone fruit like peach and tropical fruit like guava and pineapple) while maintaining the finesse of their French cousins. (Try Groth Sauvignon Blanc 2020, $24.99; and CADE Sauvignon Blanc 2020, $39.99.)
New Zealand’s Marlborough region
Sauvignon Blanc put New Zealand on the map as a top wine-producing region. The grape thrives in the cool climate of Marlborough, located in the northern part of New Zealand’s south island. A long, consistent growing season allows Sauvignon Blanc grapes to ripen beautifully, with the perfect balance of fruit and acidity. (Try Babich Sauvignon Blanc 2021, $14.99; and Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2021, $35.49.)
What about food pairings?
Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses like goat cheese and burrata, and its herbal notes make it a good match for meals accented with basil, rosemary, and cilantro. It is also one of the few wines that pair well with vegetable-based dishes, like salads, asparagus, and artichoke.
If you have any questions about Sauvignon Blanc (or any other grape varietal), you can reach me any time at Michael@passionvines.com
Drink passionately,
Michael
Michael Bray is the founder of and director of operations at Passion Vines Wine & Spirit Company in Somers Point and Egg Harbor Township. He serves on numerous local boards.
