Wine · Grape variety guide
Grape Variety Guide · WSET Level 2
Sauvignon Blanc
Punchy, green, and unmistakably aromatic — the Loire's and Marlborough's signature grape.
High acidity
Aromatic
Usually unoaked
Where it grows
- Loire Valley, France — Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé — subtle, mineral, flinty
- New Zealand — Marlborough — the benchmark for pungent, tropical styles
- Bordeaux, France — blended with Sémillon, both dry whites and sweet Sauternes
- South Africa — Western Cape
- Chile — cooler coastal valleys
What it tastes like
- Green, herbaceous notes — grass, green pepper, gooseberry, nettle
- Citrus and, in warmer sites like Marlborough, passionfruit and other tropical fruit
- High acidity, light to medium body
- Usually unoaked, though some producers use a little oak for a richer "Fumé" style
Growing notes
- Vigorous and prone to overcropping, which dilutes flavour if not controlled
- Careful canopy management balances ripeness against overly green, grassy character
- Buds and ripens in the early-to-mid part of the season
Good to know
Sauvignon Blanc is one of the natural parents of Cabernet Sauvignon (crossed with Cabernet Franc). The green pepper and grassy aromas in both grapes come from the same family of compounds, called pyrazines.
Exam tip
A classic Level 2 pairing: cool, subtle, mineral Loire Sauvignon Blanc against pungent, tropical Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc — same grape, very different climate-driven style.
Part of the Grape Guide — browse all varieties, or jump back to the study sheet.
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