Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc white wine is not as simple as many think, producing some of the most unrestrained, mouth-watering and pure examples of a grapes ability to be more than just grape juice. Although it excels in cooler climates, it can produce lovely tropical flavours in warmer regions such as South France.

The grape’s vaunted homeland is the Loire Valley and the most famous names to look out for are the villages of Sancerre, Pouilly Fumé and the sub-region of Touraine. Archetypal examples are brimming with lean, green fruit, exuding fragrant nettle and herb aromas with an intriguing mineral note.

But it is perhaps New Zealand that has bought this grape to fame and fortune. This is Sauvignon, only more so - bristling with verdant grass and gooseberry aromas with varying degrees of zest and zing. Looking for inspiration? why not try the zingy Domaine de la Renne from the Loire Valley or perhaps the exquisite Paddy Borthwick Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.