Sauvignon Blanc
Explore the characteristics and regions associated with Sauvignon Blanc.
Sauvignon Blanc is one of the primary white grapes in Bordeaux (usually as part of a blend) and is normally bottled as a single variety in the Loire regions of Pouilly Fume and Sancerre in eastern France. In addition, in the Sauternes and Barsac regions of France, Sauvignon Blanc is susceptible to the naturally occurring mold botrytis, or noble rot, and contributes to exceptional dessert wines. Sauvignon Blanc is known for its high acidity which results in a refreshing, crisp and tart wine that is very well suited for numerous types of foods. Sauvignon Blanc displays a wide range of flavors depending on growing conditions and viticulture practices. Less ripe versions often have grassy, vegetal and herbaceous flavors while more ripe versions exhibit grapefruit, apple, melon and other citrus flavors. Oak contact is usually limited, and Sauvignon Blanc rarely has the weight, complexity and depth of Chardonnay, although there are certainly a number of exceptions that can be found.
Regions Known for Sauvignon Blanc
- Yakima Valley
- Walla Walla Valley
- Temecula Valley
- Suisun Valley
- Sta. Rita Hills
- St. Helena
- Spring Mountain District
- South Coast
- Sonoma Valley
- Sonoma Mountain
- Sonoma Coast
- Sierra Foothills
- Santa Ynez Valley
- Rutherford
- Russian River Valley
- Redwood Valley
- Red Mountain
- Rattlesnake Hills
- Ramona Valley
- Paso Robles
- Oakville
- North Fork of Long Island
- Napa Valley
- Monterey
- Mendocino
- Los Olivos District
- Los Carneros
- Lodi
- Livermore Valley
- Knights Valley
- Kelsey Bench-Lake County
- Horse Heaven Hills
- High Valley
- Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara
- Guenoc Valley
- Fountaingrove District
- Finger Lakes
- Edna Valley
- Dry Creek Valley
- Columbia Valley
- Columbia Gorge
- Chalk Hill
- Carmel Valley
- Calistoga
- Bennett Valley
- Ballard Canyon
- Arroyo Seco
- Anderson Valley
- Alexander Valley
- Sonoma County
- Santa Barbara County
- Amador County