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Wine 101 The Fascinating Sauvignon Blanc
Explore the fascinating journey of Sauvignon Blanc, a beloved white wine celebrated for its crispness and distinct herbaceous notes. From the vineyards of Bordeaux to the chic bistros of Paris and the vibrant wineries of New Zealand, discover the global allure of this refreshing varietal.
Sauvignon Blanc Unveiled in 60 Seconds
- Known for its refreshing crispness, Sauvignon Blanc is a popular white wine in the U.S.
- Originating in Bordeaux, France, its name is derived from “sauvage,” meaning wild, reflecting its rampant growth in the region.
- Bordeaux winemakers utilized Sauvignon Blanc in white blends and Sauterne dessert wines.
- The grape found fame in Sancerre, Loire Valley, where it became the sole ingredient for the renowned Sancerre wine.
- New Zealand emerged as a global champion for Sauvignon Blanc in the 1980s, introducing vibrant, affordable wines to the international market.
- Bright, crisp, and refreshing, Sauvignon Blanc from diverse regions like California, Chile, and South Africa gained global recognition.
Sauvignon Blanc’s Origin and Global Voyage
- Sauvignon Blanc shares its birthplace with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in Bordeaux, France.
- The grape, named after “sauvage” due to its wild growth, was primarily used in Bordeaux white blends and Sauterne dessert wines.
- Sancerre, in the Loire Valley, saw the exclusive cultivation of Sauvignon Blanc for the creation of the iconic Sancerre wine.
- Parisian bistros embraced Sancerre in the 20th century for its versatility with or without food.
- New Zealand’s introduction of bright, crisp, and affordable Sauvignon Blanc wines in the 1980s revolutionized its global popularity.
Sauvignon Blanc’s Characteristics
- Known for its minerality, herbaceous aromas, and crisp acidity, Sauvignon Blanc is appreciated for its vibrant and fruity characteristics.
- Rarely aged in oak, winemakers across the world showcase the grape’s bright and fruity nature.
10 Facts about Sauvignon Blanc
- Sauvignon Blanc is a highly popular white wine known for its crispness in the U.S.
- The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, sharing its birthplace with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
- Its name is derived from the French word “sauvage,” meaning wild, reflecting its rampant growth in Bordeaux.
- Bordeaux winemakers used Sauvignon Blanc in white blends and the production of Sauterne dessert wines.
- Sancerre, in the Loire Valley, exclusively cultivated Sauvignon Blanc for the renowned Sancerre wine.
- Sancerre gained popularity in Parisian bistros in the 20th century for its versatility with or without food.
- New Zealand became a global champion for Sauvignon Blanc in the 1980s, introducing vibrant and affordable wines.
- Sauvignon Blanc is characterized by its minerality, herbaceous aromas, and a crisp, refreshing pucker.
- The grape is rarely aged in oak globally, allowing winemakers to showcase its bright and fruity characteristics.
- Regions like California, Chile, and South Africa also produce stellar representations of Sauvignon Blanc.
Since you made it here…Interesting Wines to try
2019 Bouchaine Hyde Vineyard Merlot Carneros – Napa Valley
- The legendary Hyde Vineyard unveils a brilliantly structured Merlot
- Ripe tannins dominate, yet irresistibly approachable in its early evolution
- Sarsaparilla, cola spice, and cigar humidor dance with black licorice
- Layers of plum sauce, blackberries, cassis, and black raspberries unfold
- Scrubby herbs emerge with perky acidity, keeping the experience lively
- Immerse yourself in the world of wine with Hyde Vineyard’s masterpiece
- Elevate your tasting experience with this captivating Merlot
2019 Chappellet Merlot Napa Valley
- Inky richness, bursting with toasty cacao, espresso, and grilled vanilla
- Silky mouthfeel framed by sweet, integrating tannins
- Spiced plums, cassis, and bright acidity lingering through a blueberry-kissed finish
2019 Cuvaison Arcilla Merlot Los Carneros – Napa Valley
- Pure evocation of strawberries with evolving tea-like tannins
- Flavors of blackberry, black raspberry, and smashed blueberry
- Notably savory with hints of carob, mineral, black licorice, and plum sauce layers
2019 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot Napa Valley
- A beautiful expression with sweet tannins and well-integrated oak spicing
- Hoisin sauce, cassis, violets, and candied orange peels
- Sandalwood, floral peppercorns, espresso beans, warm vanilla, and loam
2019 L’Ecole No. 41 Merlot Walla Walla Valley, Washington
- Estate-grown brilliance structured for mid-term aging
- Ripe red berry fruit and cherries finding counterpoints in dusty tannins and carob
- Minerality pulsing through each sip, delivering a brilliant wine experience
2019 La Jota Vineyard Co. Howell Mountain Estate MerlotNapa Valley
- A classic effort from winemaker Chris Carpenter with astounding mountain-grown grapes
- Age-worthy tannins allowing notes of licorice, granite, cacao nibs, and well-steeped tea to shine
- Cardamom and violets lingering through the long, elegant finish
2020 Macari Vineyards Merlot North Fork of Long Island
- A spicy and fascinating expression, dominated by crushed peppercorns
- Remarkably translucent, revealing red cherries, raspberries, and toasted fennel seeds with oak spice
2018 Meeker Winemakers’ Handprint Collection Merlot Sonoma County
- Lifted and well-delineated, expressive of black raspberries, ripe cherries, and goji berries
- Loamy earthiness, sarsaparilla-dusted tannins, and a bay-leaf note creating an intriguing wine experience
- Elegant yet powerful, structured for cellaring or enjoying now with grilled meat
2019 Mt. Brave Merlot Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley
- Toasty, rich, and brooding, a wine rewarding patience
- Notes of blackberry liqueur, kirsch, cassis, purple plums, and cardamom promising complexity
- Impressive balance and structure with graphite-like tannins and singed laurel nuances
2019 Northstar Premier Merlot Columbia Valley, Washington
- Velvety texture, ripe with a counterbalancing punch of acidity
- Crushed blackberries and mulberries, vanilla, clove, and toasty oak through the finish
- A stellar example of what the wine variety does best in the Columbia Valley
2019 PlumpJack Estate Winery Merlot Napa Valley
- A toasty, modern, crowd-pleasing beauty with rich, chocolatey notes
- Plums, blackberries, and cassis lifted by candied violets
- Aging potential of five to seven years, but delightful fruitiness makes it enjoyable now
2019 Ridge Vineyards Estate Merlot Santa Cruz Mountains
- Shining with the character of the venerable Monte Bello Vineyard
- Cedar, incense, brambly berries, elegant balance, and beautifully calibrated acidity
- Promising another ten to fifteen years of life ahead
2019 Rutherford Hill Winery Merlot Napa Valley
- Silky and herbaceous, less fruit-forward than typical Napa Merlot
- Layers of black and red raspberries, cherries, and chocolate with lively mineral finish
- A solid value delivering a unique wine experience for less than $30
- Estate-grown Merlot marked by toasty oak, cafe mocha notes, and woodsy spices
- Silky tannins, density, and underlying pulse of minerality providing real energy
- A captivating wine experience with impressive aging potential
2020 Seven Hills Winery Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Walla Walla Valley, Washington
- Fruit-forward Merlot from a vineyard planted in the early-1980s
- Underlying bergamot note with nuances of sage, oregano, and cracked peppercorns
- Sweet tannins lingering through flavors of red and purple plums and huckleberries
2018 St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery Rutherford Estate Vineyards MerlotNapa Valley
- Rich, chocolatey aromas of hoisin sauce and spiced blackberry liqueur
- Balanced acidity with minerality, hint of dried herbs, and fantastic kirsch finish
2019 Vérité La Muse
- One of the most intriguing and appealing new-release Merlots
- A balance of perfume and depth with red currants, raspberries, cherries, plums, graphite, and hints of tobacco and sandalwood
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