THE Sauvignon blanc has today conquered vineyards all over the world, to the point of becoming THE 3rd most cultivated white wine grape variety in the world ! However, this one is not not an easy variety to grow . Between his tendency to be too productive and its sensitivity to various diseases, you have to be very vigilant in the vineyard if you want to produce quality wines from it.
But then, why such success? In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of Sauvignon, exploring its historical origins, its presence in the wine regions of France and to the stranger, its aromatic profile so pleasant or even the many food and wine pairings possible with this great variety.
Here is the complete guide to Sauvignon!
The origins of Sauvignon
Sauvignon is
a very old grape variety . Cultivated
from the Gallo-Roman era , the first written traces we have on this come from Bishop Gregory of Tours, in the 6th century of our era. The latter would come from a
crossing between the Chenin blanc (another very important white grape variety in the Loire),
as well as the Traminer (better known as
Savagnin bench in the
Jura ). However, even today, we do not know where Sauvignon comes from. is actually original.
In fact, two regions claim paternity: the
Loire Valley as well as
the Bordeaux Sauvignon was indeed identified in both vineyards during the 18th century (in 1736 in Graves in Bordeaux and in 1783 in Pouilly-sur-Loire).
For many centuries, its weaknesses have harmed its culture: susceptibility to various diseases (powdery mildew, esca, grey rot etc.), excessively abundant harvest harming its quality, difficult to harvest... there were many obstacles present. Nevertheless, from the 1960s and thanks to the development of more modern viticulture, Sauvignon regained popularity.
Thus, if there were only 5,000 hectares in France at the beginning of the 1970s, it is now present at a height of 30,000 hectares within the French vineyard. The latter has therefore become the 3rd most planted white grape variety in the country , After Ugni Blanc and the very famous Chardonnay .
Sauvignon in France and abroad
These 30,000 French hectares of Sauvignon are mainly distributed in two regions: The Loire and Bordeaux .
So, Sauvignon is
the star grape variety of many appellations located in the
Centre-Loire as
Sancerre ,
Menetou-Salon ,
Pouilly-Fumé ,
Quincy or Reuilly where it is vinified in such a way as to produce exclusively dry white wines.
In Bordeaux, this represents almost half of the white grape varieties (the two other white grape varieties being
Semillon and the
Muscadelle ) and is therefore a major player in the achievement of
white wines can be dry as
soft . Names like
Between two seas ,
Pessac-Leognan or even
Sauternes bear witness to this great wine wealth.
Abroad, Sauvignon Blanc has completely conquered the New Zealand (70% of the vineyard!), and is also firmly established in California , At Chile or even in South Africa . A real global success!
The aromas of Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon is renowned for its delicious aromatic very expressive which may present different nuances depending on its place of production.
Thus, in cool latitudes like those of the Loire (where it is vinified as a single varietal), it reveals a
minerality very nice, as well as a
bright acidity . Furthermore, he usually exhales
citrus aromas (lemon and lime, grapefruit),
gooseberry ,
blackcurrant buds ,
boxwood ,
fishing or even
pear .
In the Bordeaux region, this can be vinified alone but is
regularly assembled with Sémillon and sometimes Muscadelle. If it retains the characteristics mentioned above, it will generally present a profile presenting
of the fruity aromas more mature . Furthermore, it is a region where it is
often vinified in oak barrels . In this case,
a fatter, butterier and vanilla character may appear.
Internationally, and particularly in New Zealand, these are generally notes of tropical fruits which will appear, like aromas of passion fruit , mango Or pineapple . This result is above all linked to a low-temperature winemaking process carried out in order to express this typicality. A lively acidity will always be present, constituting the very backbone of this grape variety.
What to eat with of Sauvignon ?
When it comes to food pairings, Sauvignon Blanc delivers many possibilities Its freshness and minerality make it an ideal choice to accompany light and fresh dishes such as summer salads or some fish tartares. The agreement with the seafood (oysters, shrimp, scallops etc.) or of the grilled fish is also sublime.Finally, how can we not mention the perfect marriage of Sauvignon with fresh goat cheese , like Crottin de Chavignol.
If your Sauvignon has a more powerful profile and creamy , it will then be necessary to turn to fattier fish , which we will accompany for example with a creamy sauce . For this type of wine, the poultry can also be a great pairing.
Service and storage of Sauvignon
To serve your wine at the proper temperature, you must first determine what type of sauvignon you have in your hands.
In the vast majority of cases, Sauvignon presents a profile focused on freshness and fruit . With this type of wines, we recommend a service between 8-10°C in order to best reveal its aromas.
For the richer and/or woodier profiles , a temperature of service between 11-13° will then be recommended. Indeed, if these wines are served too cold, you risk completely missing out on their aromatic richness as well as their smooth substance.
Finally, regarding the aging capacity of Sauvignon-based wines, it must be admitted that the grape variety achieves rarely wines for laying down . Indeed, exuberance The aromatic and fruity flavor of Sauvignon makes its wines generally to be appreciated during their youth (1 to 4 years).
However, some high-quality Sauvignons can be kept in the cellar. For this, they must come from a very high quality terroir . Aging in barrels can also extend the aging capacity of a Sauvignon wine.
However, it is rare to exceed 10 years of age ! At this age, a aromatic profile concentrate and rather powerful will then be presented to the taster. In an old vintage of Sancerre, for example, an exacerbated minerality will be present, accompanied by notes of honey and mushroom . Delicious but very intense...and far from the sauvignons we are used to !
What are the best sauvignons? ?
Although it is complex to define with certainty a list of the best sauvignons in France, La Cave Éclairée offers you an eclectic and ambitious selection of wines from this grape variety. You will find in these proposals delicious lively and mineral sauvignons but also wines aged in oak barrels , presenting a rich and intense character.There is something for all tastes and budgets!
Now you know (almost) everything about Sauvignon! All you have to do is pour yourself a glass of this delicious grape variety and set off to discover its many facets.
