Sauvignon Blanc

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One of the so-called international varietals, Sauvignon Blanc (or simply Sauvignon) is a white wine grape commonly grown in the Loire Valley and Bordeaux regions of France, and in Australia, New Zealand and California where it is also known as Fumé Blanc.

This green-skinned grape is one of the "noble" varietals used to produce white Bordeaux such as the prestigious dessert wines of Sauternes and Barsac. Its other famous uses include the white wines of Pouilly-Fuissé and Sancerre in the Loire Valley of France, where it is most often vinified alone, unblended and unoaked.

Aromas -- Depending on climate, Sauvignon Blanc offers very different aromas, from grass to pepper to grapefruit. It can sometimes be recognized by its typical smell that reminds a cat's urine - which doesn't keep it from delivering a great taste.

Dry-style Sauvignon or Fumé Blancs are very versatile in accompanying foods, including French cheeses, tomatoes, peppers, garlic or other strong flavors that would clash with many Chardonnays and almost all other dry whites. It is also one of the few wines that can successfully be served with sushi.

100% Sauvignon wines should always be consumed young, except for the dessert wines of Sauternes and Barsac.
edit Regions

Sauvignon Blanc originated in the Bordeaux region of France, where it is most often blended with Semillon to add richness and softness. In the Loire Valley, it is most often vinified as a single varietal, without the use of oak.

Sauvignon Blanc was brought to California around 1880, from the Sauternes vineyards of Château d'Yquem. First grown in the area of Livermore Valley, it later acquired the name of Fumé Blanc under the initiative of Robert Mondavi. Californian vintners use it both as a single varietal or blended with other grapes.

The grape was introduced to New Zealand in the 1970s to be blended with Müller-Thurgau. As in Australia, the name Fumé Blanc is often used there.

Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon is one of the parent varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon.
edit Viticulture

Sauvignon vines tend to be quite vigorous growers, budding late and ripening early in the season - which allows them to perform well in sunny, warm climates.
edit Other names

* Blanc Doux
* Blanc Fumé
* Douce Blanche
* Feigentraube
* Fié
* Fumé Blanc
* Gros Sauvignon
* Libournais
* Muskat-Silvaner
* Muskat-Sylvaner
* Muskatani Sivanec
* Punechon
* Puinéchou
* Punéchou
* Rouchelin
* Sarvonien
* Sauternes
* Sauvignon
* Sauvignon Fumé
* Sauvignon Saune
* Sauvignon Petit
* Savagnou
* Savignon
* Servonien
* Sovinjon
* Sovinon
* Surin
* Sylvaner Musqué
* Weißer Sauvignon

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