Sauvignon Blanc [sah-vin-yon blahnk]

Definition: A white grape used to make sweet or dry white wine. Also known as Blanc Fume in the Loire and Fume Blanc in California.

Grown primarily in: Australia, France (Bordeaux, Sauternes and Loire) and United States

Best Climate: Warm to Hot

Winemaking: In Bordeaux, sauvignon blanc is a blending grape with semillon. White Bordeaux blends average 80% semillon, 20% sauvignon blanc. In sauternes the blends are the same as Bordeaux, but the wines are made sweet. In California, sauvignon blanc is usually blended with 5% to 15% semillon.

Nose: Most sauvignon blanc wines are fermented and aged in stainless steel. Some see a little oak aging. Malolactic fermentation is not common, but can be found in some wines

Mouth: Citrus (lemon/lime, grapefruit), gooseberry, floral, grassy, spring flowers. Light to medium body. Crisp acids.

Note: Name means "savage" or "wild white."

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