Wine Not? Here Are The Best Sauvignon Blancs
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Framingham Sauvignon Blanc -
Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc -
Cakebread Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc -
Chateau Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc -
Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc -
Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc -
Buyer's Guide
Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most popular white wine varietals around the world. It's a green-skinned grape that can produce a light straw-colored wine that has a slight green tint. The flavors in this wine can also run on the green side, with notes of grass and herbs predominating in this crisp, acidic wine. This dry, crisp quality makes it a favorite to pair with fish and shellfish dishes.
There are two main styles of Best Sauvignon Blanc in 2022. Grapes grown in cooler climates will produce less sugar, leading to a more acidic wine that features grassy flavors and bitter citrus peel on the nose. In warmer climates, these grapes are much sweeter, leading to wines with strong flavors of tropical fruit and sometimes candy. In general, the first style is preferred, since the crispness of this wine is what made it popular in the first place. That said, there are plenty of people who love the off-dry quality of a warm-weather Sauvignon Blanc, which is often referred to as Fume Blanc, especially in Northern California.
A relatively light-bodied wine, Sauvignon Blanc is quick to mature in the bottle and is usually best within a few years of harvest. This quick turn-around has made it a popular varietal with winemakers who are just starting out.
The Best Sauvignon Blancs Models of 2022 in Detail
Framingham Sauvignon Blanc - Best Sauvignon Blanc
Grown in the mild climate of Marlborough, New Zealand, Framingham Sauvignon Blanc is one of our favorites. This wine is well-balanced, with pronounced minerality and lots of vibrant fruit on the nose. In order to add to its complexity, Framingham aged some of this vintage in oak barrels, which gives it bolder flavors and greater complexity. A gold medal winner, and a wine that's highly regarded by critics, this wine is incredibly well-crafted and will benefit from a couple years in the cellar, though it's ready to enjoy right now.
Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc - Runner Up
Grown in the warmer climate of California's Napa Valley, Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent wine with a touch of sweetness. Flavors of vanilla and marshmallow help to offset this naturally acidic wine, while aromas of citrus and ripe fruit make this a well-rounded, complex wine.
Cakebread Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc - Honorable Mention
With a name as sweet as Cakebread, it should be no surprise that this winery's Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc has the perfect balance between sweet fruit flavors and crisp acidity. Grown in the mild climate of Northern California, the grapes used in this wine have been able to develop the rich tropical fruit flavors characteristic of of Sauvignon Blanc grown at warmer latitudes. The aromas of citrus, kiwi, cantaloupe, vanilla and spice are big and bold, and the flavors of apple, guava, melon, grapefruit, and stone are richly complex and well-balanced. Over this next few years, this wine will continue to develop, and as good as it is now, it's bound to get even better over the next 3-5 years.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc - Consider
Fermented and aged in stainless steel in order to preserve the crisp, light character of the Sauvignon Blanc grapes, Chateau Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc is our favorite wine of this varietal for under $20. Though it hails from Washington state, this wine is characteristic of French Sauvignon Blanc, with lots of citrus and fresh grass flavors. Over the past years, Horse Heaven has scored in the high 80's and low 90's. It's not just loved by wine critics, however, this wine is also popular with serious and casual wine drinkers alike. Since it's dry and acidic, it's excellent with a light fish dinner or as a wine to sip on before dinner.
Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc - Best Sauvignon Blanc under $20
The perfect balance between Old World tradition and New World spunk, Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc is one of the best Sauvignon Blancs out there. This wine is pale yellow in color, with just a hint of green. The nose has citrus peel, ginger, stone, and white flower. Citrus, mineral, and fresh herbs dominate on the palate, which starts of juicy and finishes dry and acidic. This is a bold wine that pairs well with a wide variety of foods, especially fried seafood and strong cheeses.
Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - Best Sauvignon Blanc under $20
Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is a non-vintage wine with great complexity and incredible consistency. Blended from grapes harvested over the past 14 years, this wine has a bold flavor that doesn't change perceptibly from one year to the next. The aroma has notes of tropical fruit and herb, while the palate shows off the acidity and fruit forward qualities that this grape is known for. Though it's a little on the sweeter side at first sip, the finish is nice and dry with a big kick of acidity. Unlike many vintage Sauvignon Blancs that may benefit from a few years in the cellar, this wine is at its peak now and ready to enjoy right away.
Buyer's Guide
Popular not only among viticulturists but Sauvignon Blanc is also produced and enjoyed all over the world because of its bold, herbal flavors. Now that you have a list of the best sauvignon blanc available to choose from, read on to find out more about this aromatic wine and why it should be your next wine purchase.
History of Sauvignon Blanc
Just like its flavor, Sauvignon Blanc has a distinguished history on its rise to becoming one of the two dominating white wines. The production of Sauvignon Blanc dates back to as early as the 16th century in Western France however, there is some ambiguity of where it originates from, that is, either Bordeaux or the Loire Valley.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Sauvignon Blanc was transported to New World countries like the United States, Chile, and New Zealand. Perhaps one of the most astounding affairs in the world of wine was the lightning-fast success of the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, making New Zealand one of the greatest established wine-producing regions.
Currently, Sauvignon Blanc is aligned just behind Chardonnay in the white wine varieties. There is a range of New and Old World Sauvignon Blanc varieties available celebrated for their aromatic, citrus notes.
The Sauvignon Blanc grape
Called the ‘wild white’ in french, the Sauvignon Blanc grape is a green grape with leaves resembling those of wild wine grapes which grow like a weed. These grapes ripen early and therefore a cool, sunny climate is ideal for cultivation. However, because of its tolerance, it is grown all over the world.
The soil composition is a defining factor when it comes to the flavors of the grape. Dense soil will result in more enhanced vegetal, earthy flavors whereas grapes grown in an airy soil have a dominating punchy kick.
Characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc
Aroma and Taste
‘Grassy’ is the word you have probably heard when it comes to Sauvignon Blanc. Although Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most straightforward wines, easily recognizable on the nose, it still has a combination of multiple flavors coming through with a crisp, dry finish.
The ‘grassy’ flavor or green notes in Sauvignon Blanc are a result of organic flavor compounds called pyrazines. These herbaceous hints in the wine smell of bell peppers, jalapenos, and fresh green grass. Other prominent flavors are that of fruits like white peaches, limes, green apples, gooseberries, and pears. Hints of minerals like wet stone and chalk are also signature flavors.
If Sauvignon Blanc is exposed to oak, it develops richer flavors from the wood like that of vanilla and waxy aromatics.
As mentioned before, the sauvignon Blanc grape is very expressive of its terrier. Grapes grown in warmer climates tend to be more fruity whereas cooler climates and early harvesting result in a more grassy flavored wine. Keep this in mind while shopping for your next bottle.
Sauvignon Blanc has no complex background flavors, which is why it is the most common wine to start with if you want to be a wine-tasting savant or if you are a student.
Body
The body of the wine refers to the ‘mouthfeel’ it offers. ( the wine buffs can ignore this one!)
Sauvignon Blanc has a light to medium body with each sip being flavorful and punchy but not too heavy. This characteristic of Sauvignon Blanc along with moderate alcohol content (12.5 to 14% ABV) makes it a popular choice to go along with meals.
Acidity
The pronounced acidity of this straw-colored wine may make your mouth pucker in the first sip! Therefore, Sauvignon Blanc is a highly acidic wine but not overwhelmingly so. Wine experts may describe the taste as analogous to green smith apple, tangy and bursting of flavor!
Where is Sauvignon Blanc produced and what are the defining differences between the wines?
South Island, New Zealand
The maritime climate of Marlborough on the northern tip of South island provides optimum conditions for Sauvignon Blanc grapes to grow and develop strong fruity flavors. With characteristic dry grape wines, the grapes have a powerful aroma and popping flavors of grapefruit, lime, white peach, jalapeno, and bell pepper. The bold flavors are a result of the slow ripening process.
Loire Valley, France
The home of Sauvignon Blanc is known for producing classic variations like Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, two iconic denominations known for refined, crisp wines. The sugar levels, flavors, and aroma are much more complex because the grapes have a long ripening period due to the cold climate.
Northern California, U.S.A
In the warm climate of the Napa Valley, the Sauvignon Blanc grapes develop a distinct flavor from their French counterparts. The wine is aged in oak for a richer texture and flavor. The alcohol levels are also relatively high.
Andes Mountains, Chile
Similar to the french Sauvignon Blancs in flavor and aroma, the wines from Chile have lower acidity.
How should Sauvignon Blanc be served?
Serving Sauvignon Blanc is not fussy at all. It is food-friendly wine with no hard and fast storage restrictions. But here are a few tips to impress your guests when they come over for dinner!
Temperature
With wines, the temperature can change everything. You do not want the acidity of the wine to dull or the alcohol to be too strong when served warm nor would you prefer having to taste flat flavors from an icy cold glass of wine. Like all white wines, chilled Sauvignon is perfect. (50-55 degrees Fahrenheit)
Type of Glass
You may think glassware does not matter, but do not speak too soon! A long-stemmed glass with a narrow bowl with traps in all the aromas of the wine and the long stem will ensure that you do not warm the wine with your hands.
Best food pairings with Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is perhaps one of the most food-friendly wines. It is considered a staple to go with meals because it complements a variety of dishes. The wine goes best with white meats like chicken or fish. Salmon, cod, crab, lobster, oysters, etc. are commonly enjoyed with Sauvignon Blanc.
Sweet, rich Sauvignon Blancs go amazingly well with soft cheeses, yogurt, crème fraîche, or sour cream.
Glad tidings for vegans because this wine is a natural companion for vegetables. A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc with fried zucchini or a cucumber dill salad will make your day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1. Is Sauvignon Blanc used in blends?
Single varietal wines of Sauvignon Blanc are most common but in a few regions, blends are common. The most common blend is with Semillon for a fuller-body wine.
Q.2. Is Sauvignon Blanc a dry or sweet wine?
Both! But the sweeter versions are costly and rare. Dry-style wines are most common. The most common sweet ones are dessert wines made of grapes which undergo noble rot like dessert wines of Sauternes and Barsac in Bordeaux, France.
Q.3. Are Sancerre and Sauvignon Blanc the same?
No. It is analogous to how all tequilas are mezcals but vice versa is not true.
