This column spotlights the wine of summer: Sauvignon Blanc. Award-winning wine writer Leslie Sbrocco likens Sauvignon Blanc to a crisp white shirt worn with a pair of linen pants – in other words, summer in a glass.
There are two dominant types of Sauvignon Blanc: French Sancerre and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. The former is from France’s Loire Valley and the latter hails primarily from Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay.
Those aren’t the only places in the world where the wine is made, but their styles dominate. The key to Sauvignon Blanc is the climate where the grape is grown. Cooler climates lend themselves to the Sancerre version, while warmer areas with abundant sunshine favor the New Zealand style.
The French version is elegant, complex, highly acidic, and dry. In terms of aromas and flavors, you’ll get subtle citrus, green apple, lime, and fresh herbs.
There’s also a mineral quality to the wine. It’s best drunk young, but top producers’ wines can age between 5-8 years.
In terms of food pairings think of goat cheese, oysters, shellfish, white fish, sushi, and asparagus. If you like classic French finesse and subtlety in your glass, you’ll enjoy Sancerre.
New Zealand style Sauvignon Blanc bursts with personality. It has vivid aromatics and intense tropical flavors like guava, passionfruit, and jalapeno.
It’s refreshing and sometimes bracing. It’s best served upon release. It pairs beautifully with Thai or fusion cuisines, shrimp, crab, and citrusy salads.
It’s considered one of the benchmarks for modern aromatic whites. If you crave vivid fruit and freshness, this style is for you.
Interestingly, Sauvignon Blanc is also having a viral moment right now. According to social media, the Sauvignon Blanc martini is the drink of the summer.
TikTok creator Taylor Robbins adapted hers from Hillstone’s famous Crisp Martini. It’s made with 1.5 ounces of Gin, one ounce of Elderflower Liqueur and the juice of half a lemon.
Shake over ice and pour into a chilled glass. Top it up with one ounce of Sauvignon Blanc. Garnish with lime.
No matter how you enjoy your Sauvignon Blanc, here’s to a great summer. Cheers!
