Grapes · White grape

Sauvignon Blanc

Intensely aromatic and refreshing. Pungent and tropical in New Zealand's Marlborough, flinty and mineral in Sancerre, often blended with Sémillon in Bordeaux.

Also known as: Fumé Blanc (oaked, USA)

On the nose

Young wines (primary aromas)

  • gooseberry
  • grapefruit
  • lime
  • passion fruit
  • cut grass
  • green bell pepper
  • elderflower
  • asparagus

Oak & winemaking (secondary)

  • smoke
  • toast (Fumé Blanc, white Bordeaux)

With bottle age (tertiary)

  • rarely aged — mostly drunk young

On the palate

Dry, light to medium body, high, zesty acidity. Citrus and green fruit with a crisp, refreshing finish.

Tasting tip

Cut grass, gooseberry and grapefruit jumping out of the glass are the classic signs.

Often confused with

Grüner Veltliner (white pepper), Riesling (more floral, often off-dry), Albariño (more saline, peachy).

Where it grows