Sauvignon Blanc is a white grape variety known for its crisp, dry, and refreshing green and fruity flavors. This varietal is often described as having a high acidity and flavors of green apple, pear and lime with distinctive notes of green bell peppers, gooseberries, and freshly cut grass or hay.
In terms of growing climate, Sauvignon Blanc prefers cooler regions and its flavor can greatly change depending on the maturity of the grape at harvest. In warmer climates, the flavors trend more toward the melon end of the fruit spectrum, while in cooler climates, the flavors can be more grassy and vegetal.
It is a versatile grape, lending itself to a range of styles from bone dry to sweet late harvest and botrytized wines. Some Sauvignon Blanc wines, particularly those from New Zealand, can have a noticeable herbaceous character.
Although it's originally from France, Sauvignon Blanc is grown in wine regions around the world, including New Zealand, Chile, South Africa, Australia, California, and Washington State in the U.S. It's bottled on its own and also blended with grapes like Sémillon to create Bordeaux-style wines.
