Variety
WhiteSauvignon Blanc
Also known as: Sauvignon, Fumé Blanc
Aromatic white variety with unmistakable profile – outspoken freshness, often green-toned aromas.
Portrait
Sauvignon Blanc probably originates in the Loire Valley or south-western France; it is a parent of Cabernet Sauvignon and related to Savagnin. The name derives from French "sauvage" (wild). Classic regions are Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé and Bordeaux, where it is blended with Sémillon into dry and sweet whites.
The vine is vigorous, buds early, ripens mid-season and at high yields tends toward grassy, hard flavours; botrytis and mildew are risks. It does well on limestone, gravel and flint. In the atlas it is represented in Pfalz, Rheinhessen, Alsace, Bordeaux, Western Australia, Transylvania, Muntenia & Oltenia and Dobrudja. Cool sites emphasise gooseberry, grapefruit and herbs, warmer ones tropical fruit.
The wine is usually drunk young and goes with goat's cheese, asparagus, salads, seafood and herb-driven dishes.
Taste profile
Six axes — acidity, sweetness, body, tannin, aroma intensity and depth — on a 0–5 scale, based on typical style. Real wines vary by region and producer.
Typical aromas — Sauvignon Blanc
These 6 aromas typically define Sauvignon Blanc. Actual taste experience varies by region and style.
Gooseberry
Nettle
Boxwood
Green pepper
Lime
Elderflower
Sauvignon Blanc aroma families
These aroma categories are characteristic of Sauvignon Blanc. Other varieties have different focuses.
Fruit aromas are the most common and come directly from the grape, ranging from citrus through stone fruit to black berries.
Floral aromas are especially marked in aromatic varieties like Riesling and Gewürztraminer.
Herbal aromas can be finely aromatic (sage) or grassy – a stylistic feature in some varieties, ripeness indicator in others.
Key regions
Sauvignon Blanc is grown in the following regions of our atlas. Click to see wineries.
Wineries with Sauvignon Blanc
467 curated profiles in our atlas grow Sauvignon Blanc.
467 wineries
Château d'Yquem
Sauternes & Barsac · Sauternes
Sémillon 80 %, Sauvignon Blanc 20 %
Marchesi di Grésy
Barbaresco · Barbaresco
Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto
Château Smith Haut Lafitte
Pessac-Léognan · Martillac
Rot: Cabernet Sauvignon ~55%, Merlot ~35%; Weiß: Sauvignon Blanc ~90%
Château Suduiraut
Sauternes & Barsac · Preignac
Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc
Trediberri
Barolo · La Morra
Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto
Château Carbonnieux
Pessac-Léognan · Villenave-d'Ornon
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Château Couhins-Lurton
Pessac-Léognan · Léognan
Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Château de Fieuzal
Pessac-Léognan · Léognan
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Château Guiraud
Sauternes & Barsac · Sauternes
Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc