Clean, vibrant and intense with lots of flavour, Sauvignon Blanc is one of the world's most distinctive and widely planted white grape varieties. Originating in the Loire Valley and Bordeaux, it has since spread successfully across the world, notably finding its most distinctive character in Marlborough, New Zealand. A high-acid, aromatic variety, grown in cool-climate regions, Sauvignon is typically made to be drunk young. Ranging in taste from the grassy, asparagus style the French prefer, all the way to full-throttle New Zealand, where generous passionfruit and gooseberry compote flavours take over. Essentially, it's a friendly, dry white that goes well with food, has bags of personality and is instantly recognisable wherever it's grown.
TYPICAL FLAVOURS
Elderflower • Citrus • Cut Grass • Passion Fruit
FOOD PAIRING
Goat's cheese • Grilled Vegetables • Sushi
FAMOUS CHILDREN
Sauvignon Blanc is a parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, along with Cabernet Franc. The crossing happened naturally in the 17th or 18th century, most probably in Bordeaux.
SAUVIGNON BLANC AROUND THE WORLD
In the Loire Valley (Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, Menetou-Salon), it produces elegant, mineral-driven wines with notes of citrus, green apple and flint. In Bordeaux, it is often blended with Sémillon, creating richer wines, where oak ageing can add complexity and depth.
Sauvignon Blanc has become synonymous with New Zealand and Marlborough, where grapes are harvested by tractor during the night, to lock in those full-on, heady flavours. For a more restrained New World style, look to Chile or South Africa, where zesty fruit and mineral elegance combine.
Taste the Grape Sauvignon Blanc Half Dozen
There are many factors that contribute to the flavour of a wine, including the winemaking process, but the single most important is the grape variety. Our Taste the Grape Half Dozen offers the opportunity to sample six different styles from across the world, all made from the same grape variety, providing insight into its unique character and versatility.
£112.85 £99
per half dozen
Tanners New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 2024
Wonderfully aromatic on the nose with some tropical passionfruit character amongst the grassy, herby, asparagus notes, the palate is elegant, fresh and fine with good length.
Pair with: Pea, Mint & Feta Tart
£14.50
per bottle
Château Lafont Menaut Blanc, Pessac-Léognan 2020
Philibert Perrin, also owner of Château Carbonnieux, produces full, rich wines with good structure. Oak-aged, this has plenty of fresh Sauvignon fruit and lovely depth to finish. A newly created property on the way up.
Pair with: Lemon & Parmesan Crusted Cod
£25
per bottle
Pouilly-Fumé, Château de Tracy 2023 (organic)
Classic Pouilly-Fumé with elegant mineral style and grassy asparagus flavours. Subtle and aromatic with lovely concentration.
"Delicate florals, smoky minerals and a squeeze of lime, then a rush of citrus floods the palate. Supple, with a warm, sunny finish."
Decanter.com
7th October, 2025
Pair with: Lemon Chicken Skewers with herby couscous
£29.95
per bottle
