European Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc wine has historically been made in the Loire Valley and Bordeaux regions of France. More specifically, it excels in Graves, Sauternes, Barsac, Pouilly-Fume, and Sancerre.
While Bordeaux uses the grape as a component in blends, many of Loire’s best whites are made entirely with Sauvignon Blanc. It is also widely planted in Spain, Austria and the Languedoc region of Southern France.
In Bordeaux, the varietal is mainly used in Graves, Sauternes and Barsac. It is blended with Semillon and Muscadelle for dry white wines in Graves and the sub-district Pessac-Leognan. The grape is also grown in Sauternes and Barsac where it is susceptible to botrytis cinerea.
Top Sauvignon Blanc from Graves is grown in alluvial soils and often aged in oak barrels. The grape has traditionally been combined with Semillon in white Bordeaux blends. These two grapes have a yin-yang relationship with Sauvignon Blanc adding acidity and Semillon adding voluptuousness. There is typically significantly more Sauvignon Blanc in these blends.
Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon are also used to make the famous botrytis wines from Sauternes and Barsac. The percentage of these two grapes is roughly reversed from Graves with Semillon dominant. The legendary Chateau d’Yquem uses about 80% Semillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc.
The varietal often stands on its own in the Loire Valley and is known for its minerality. There are many excellent values to be found in the region. Many argue that the Loire brings out the distinct varietal characteristics of the grape better than California. Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume are the most famous Appellations for Sauvignon Blanc in the Loire.
Pouilly-Fume Sauvignon Blanc is lighter than examples from Sancerre. These wines have a greenish hue, are rarely oaked, and have citrus flavors and flinty aromas. They should be consumed within 2 years of bottling.
Sauvignon Blanc is grown in the chalky soils of Sancerre. Many Sancerre producers allow skin contact before fermentation. These wines have a bit more weight than those from Pouilly-Fume. They will age for two or three years.
