Sauvignon Blanc is a wine with many flavors. The variety of essences that the Sauvignon Blanc grape can carry has resulted in this wine not having as great a following as other white wines, such as Chardonnay in California. In fact, it has resulted in somewhat of a sense of confusion in consumers.http://www.thewinenews.com/junjul01/cover.html This works to keep the price of this wine lower, however, for those who have learned of and appreciate its nuances.http://www.winepros.org/wine101/grape_profiles/sauv_blanc.htm</refe>
The wide variety of flavors in this grape of makes it suitable for a wide variety of wines, from the dry-style Sauvignon or Fumé Blancs to the sweet wines and dessert wines it is often used for. The high acidity keeps those sweet wines from being cloying or sticky-tasting.<ref>http://www.winepros.org/wine101/grape_profiles/sauv_blanc.htm
Serving Information
Sauvignon Blanc is most often served relatively young, without extensive aging. Many winemakers ferment it in stainless steel to preserve the tangy, sharp flavors it is possesses. When it is aged, it is generally for a short period of time in oak barrels, although extended oak aging can produce a "creamy, luscious Sauvignon,"http://www.thewinenews.com/junjul01/cover.html, and in fact, it is at times aged up to 15 years.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sauvignon_blanc
This wine is unique in the number of flavors it is capable of. From mown grass to bell peppers, from vanilla to passionfruit, it can be "sleek and racy" or have a more "subdued, elegant style".http://www.thewinenews.com/junjul01/cover.html
It pairs well with a number of foods, and is often thought of as the best white wine to compliment the widest variety of foods.http://www.winepros.org/wine101/grape_profiles/sauv_blanc.htmhttp://www.thewinenews.com/junjul01/cover.html
California's climate is such that all of the possible nuances of this grape can be grown there, in varying parts of the state. Some varieties are marketed as "Fumé Blanc".
Varieties
Fumé Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc blended with Semillion
References
Fast Facts
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Native to
Western France in the Loire Valley and Bordeaux Regions
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Used in
Blends with Semillion or as a standalone dry or sweet white wine, and dry and sweet Bordeaux
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Paired with
Pairs well with a variety of foods and especially shines as a compliment to strong foods that would clash with or overpower other wines
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Flavors
scents of grapefruit, lime, green melon, gooseberry, passion fruit, freshly mown grass, and bell pepper
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Dates from
Prior to the 18th century
