| Sauvignon Blanc wine is crisp, high in acidity and | | | | and can be drunk young or aged several years. |
| light- to medium-bodied, and Sauvignon Blanc wine | | | | As well, Sauvignon Blanc can make for some |
| is recognizable for its grassy, herbaceous flavor | | | | fabulous late-harvest offerings. |
| and aroma. When grown in warmer climates the | | | | The most salient characteristic of Sauvignon Blanc |
| flavors are more fruity, melon-like. The grape is | | | | wine is its distinctive, penetrating aroma, which |
| important in California, New Zealand and | | | | can evoke scents of grapefruit, lime, green melon, |
| Northeastern Italy, but it really shines in France's | | | | gooseberry, passion fruit, freshly mown grass, |
| Loire Valley and Bordeaux regions. | | | | and bell pepper. Grown in cooler climates and in |
| There it is used prodigiously as a blending grape | | | | fertile soils promoting excessive vine growth, |
| and is responsible for the stand-alone varietals | | | | herbaceous smells and flavors can dominate the |
| Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume. Though not as rich and | | | | character of Sauvignon Blanc wine, while in |
| complex as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc is a | | | | warmer regions, the melon, citrus and passion |
| versatile grape, one that grows well in a number | | | | fruit aromas and flavors emerge. |
| of places, responds well to oak or a lack thereof, | | | | |