Sauvignon Blanc is the world's most refreshing white — pungent, zesty and unmistakably aromatic. From the flinty, mineral wines of Sancerre to the explosive passionfruit and grassy zing of Marlborough, it offers gooseberry, lime, green herbs and a racy acidity. Crisp and immediate, it is built for drinking young, though oaked Fumé and Bordeaux Blanc styles add depth.
Structure
| Body | Its signature green, herbaceous aromas come from pyrazines and thiols, amplified in cool climates. New Zealand turbocharges the tropical, zesty side; the Loire keeps it mineral and restrained. Blended with Sémillon in Bordeaux and barrel-aged, it gains weight and ageability. |
|---|---|
| Acidity | High, racy. |
| Tannin | None (white). |
| Finish | Crisp and zesty, with citrus, herb and a mineral edge. |
| Aroma | Gooseberry, lime, passionfruit, cut grass and flint. |
Serving: 8–11°C (46–52°F). · Decanting: None needed.
Sauvignon Blanc drinking window
| Tier | Drinking window |
|---|---|
| Everyday | Drink within 1–2 years. |
| Sancerre / premium | Best 1–4 years. |
| Oaked Fumé / Bordeaux Blanc | 3–10 years. |
| Vintage | Drinking window |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Drink now. |
| 2022 | Drink now to 2026. |
| 2023 | Drink now to 2027. |
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Sauvignon Blanc — questions answered
Why does Sauvignon Blanc smell grassy?
Pyrazine and thiol compounds give green, herbaceous and tropical aromas, most intense in cool climates like the Loire and New Zealand.
Should Sauvignon Blanc be drunk young?
Mostly yes — its appeal is fresh, zesty fruit; only oaked Fumé Blanc and Bordeaux Blanc styles reward a few years' age.
What is Fumé Blanc?
A name for oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc, coined in California, giving a rounder, smokier, more textured wine.
What food pairs with Sauvignon Blanc?
Goat cheese, shellfish, herbs and green vegetables — its acidity and herbal notes are a classic match.