Sauvignon Blanc
Sancerre and other Loire wines, Marlborough and California split most of our sauvignon blanc between them.
Sauvignon blanc questions
Is sauvignon blanc sweet or dry?
Sauvignon blanc is almost always dry, with high acidity and flavors of citrus, green apple, passion fruit, gooseberry and fresh herbs. The fruity, aromatic style can sometimes give an impression of sweetness, especially from New Zealand, but there's very little sugar. The main sweet exception is Sauternes, which blends sauvignon blanc with sémillon.
Is sauvignon blanc a good wine for beginners?
Yes. Sauvignon blanc is fresh, fruity and easy to like, with clear aromas that are easy to recognize. It's affordable, widely available and goes with lots of food. If you find it too tart or grassy, try a California version, which tends to be rounder, or move to pinot grigio for something lighter.
What is fumé blanc?
Fumé blanc is a name Robert Mondavi created in 1968 for his oak-aged sauvignon blanc from California, inspired by Pouilly-Fumé in the Loire. It helped make sauvignon blanc popular in the US. Today fumé blanc usually means a sauvignon blanc with some oak, giving a rounder, slightly smoky style, though the term isn't regulated.
What's the difference between Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé?
They're neighboring appellations on opposite banks of the Loire River in central France, and both are made from 100% sauvignon blanc. Sancerre is usually crisp and mineral, with citrus and chalky notes. Pouilly-Fumé grows on more flint-rich soils and is often described as a touch smokier and fuller. Both are classic matches for goat cheese.