A heatwave has struck Paris, and obviously, wine lovers are looking for the perfect wine that would match current hot weather. While red wine is usually a no-go for scorchers, not every white wine fits either. In this episode of French Wine Guide, we’d like to tell you about Sauvignon Blanc which is always the right choice when temperatures get high.
About the wine
Sauvignon Blanc is known for its freshness. Famous for the racy, acidic aroma that reminds of freshly cut grass and very fruity and herbal taste. Originally from France, Sauvignon Blanc can be found almost everywhere in the world. It has made its way to many places and grows in New Zealand, Chile, California (USA), Italy, Australia, Moldova, and other countries. Depending on where it’s cultivated, its smell, as well as the flavor, can vary.
In colder regions like France, Sauvignon Blanc smells more like grass and tastes like lime or honeysuckle. The warmer the climate, the more aromas, and flavors change. From this point, they can go through peach (California) and go as far as passion fruit (New Zealand). So don’t be surprised if one day you try Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, and it smells like a tropical punch.
In France, there are several regions where you can find Sauvignon Blanc. The main one is the Loire Valley, the other notable one being Bordeaux. In the Loire Valley, the most famous wines in the area come from Pouilly-Fumé, Sancerre, Reuilly, Quincy, Menetou-Salon. The flavors and aromas of the Loire Valley resemble lime and gooseberry, while those from Bordeaux are more like honeysuckle and lemongrass. In Bordeaux, it’s often mixed with Semillon and Muscadelle grapes. Sometimes Sauvignon Blanc is aged in oak, and it’s called Fumé Blanc. The style was popularized in the 70s by Robert Mondavi. Fumé Blanc tastes more creamy and waxy as it resembles flavors like cream, pear, and tarragon.
Pairings
Since Sauvignon Blanc is a very fresh and light wine, food should be paired similarly. Poultry, fish, and seafood will be a perfect choice. Aromatic spices like rosemary or garlic are also a plus. While organizing an apéro with cheese, go for chèvre or gruyère. You can also pair it up with feta, mozzarella, ricotta, or burrata. Green olives will also make a great addition to such planche de fromage.
Interesting Facts
- Sauvignon Blanc is a parent of Cabernet Sauvignon which is a mix of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It was spontaneously created in Bordeaux in the 17th century.
- Sauvignon Blanc isn’t always dry. If you prefer sweet wines, Barsac, Monbazillac, and Sauternes are the way to go.
- You can store it for up to two years.
- If Sauvignon Blanc pleases your taste buds, you’ll probably also like wines like French Gros Manseng or Colombard. When traveling in Europe, you might fall in love with Austrian Grüner Veltliner, Spanish Verdejo, and Italian Vermentino.
Cover photo via La Presse
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