In the 1990s, dna fingerprinting revealed that chardonnay is the child of pinot noir and gouais blanc, a workhorse white grape from roman times that made lesser wines. This list of grape varieties includes cultivated grapes, whether used for wine, or eating as a table grape, fresh or dried raisin, currant, sultana the term grape variety refers to cultivars rather than actual botanical varieties according to the international code of nomenclature for cultivated plants, because they are propagated by cuttings and may have unstable reproductive properties. But in the following article, the one man who can be credited first and foremost with introducing sauvignon to new zealand, explains how it came about the following article was written for nz winegrower by ross spence back in 2001, but is still highly relevant today. The sauvignon blanc grape originated in the same region as americas two most popular red grapes, cabernet sauvignon and merlot, the bordeaux region of france. Sauvignon blanc, often blended with the fatter and complementary semillon. Sauvignon blanc grape vines buy wine grape vines willis. Ancient grape dna tells the prolific history of wine. Freisa turns out to be a cross of nebbiolo with an unknown grape. For the first edition of the back labels grape guidebook, were focusing on the white wine variety that won most of us over early on in our wine drinking career. From there, sauvignon blanc spread to the region around bordeaux where it spontaneously crossed with cabernet franc, creating cabernet sauvignon.
In this sense, there is information on the history of wine in almost any history book. Its exact origin remained a mystery until the grapes dna was analysed at uc davis, california at the end of the 1990s. Sauvignon grape definition of sauvignon grape by the. Cabernet sauvignon when ripe, and produced from low yields delivers a complex array of scents, aromas and textures. The first plantings of sauvignon blanc in marlborough happened in 1975.
Unofficially known as the green goddess of viticulture, sauvignon blanc is the backbone of some of. Not to be confused with the betterknown sauvignon blanc, savagnin blanc is a white wine produced today in eastern france and parts of germany. Cabernet sauvignon originates from the bordeaux wine region of france. Cabernet sauvignon, and not just in the name and region of origin. Sauvignon blanc is a whitewine grape originally from western france, but now grown all. Just how sauvignon blanc came to be such a winner here in new zealand is open to a lot of interpretation.
Terroirs of burgundy with robin garr sample the glory of burgundy in a tour designed for valueseeking wine lovers. The science of flavor and the search for the origins of wine begos. International sauvignon blanc day is may 3, 2019, and lake county has plenty to celebrate. Despite some common generalizations, which could be fairly justified given that marlborough is responsible for 90% of new zealands sauvignon blanc production, the wines from this region are actually anything. That makes sauvignon blanc a sibling of gruner veltliner, chenin blanc, silvaner, and verdelho, among several other grapes that originated in central france. As a book of reference i think it will go down in history as definitive but i would wait. Cabernet sauvignon wine grapes flavor character history food. Sauvignon blanc is responsible for some of the worlds most distinctive dry white wines with a wide range of aromatics. Its long been used to make worldclass wines from bordeaux and the loire valley. The main standout from the table is how sauvignon blanc, new zealands current calling card on the international stage, is missing.
Our blend of each side of the vineyard was 57% east and 43% west side. Understanding the history of wine through ancient texts. Sauvignon blanc is an international white grape variety that originates in france. Sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio and chardonnay are all different white grapes used in the production of white wines. Sauvignon blanc is one of the most widely planted varietals in the region and recognition for this grape continues to grow. The vineyards of the loire valley date back to the roman era, where the grapes that grew wild were first cultivated.
The science of sauvignon blanc it seems a while ago now, but back in july 2010 i visited new zealand with the sole purpose of interviewing researchers who have been working on all aspects of the science of sauvignon blanc. Sauvignon grape small blueblack grape of medoc region of france highly prized in winemaking medoc red bordeaux wine from the medoc district of. Sauvignon is also the grape of burgundys most unusual appellation, stbris. Therefore today, new zealand is a real innovator for sauvignon blanc. Out of all the white wine grapes used for the production of bordeaux wine, only 2% are devoted to sauvignon gris. Sunstone winery products 2019 sauvignon blanc, reserve. Selected grapes have a family tree associated with their entry. The chardonnay vine buds out relatively early, and has slightly rounded leaves similar in appearance to pinot noir. An icon and leading region of new zealands distinctive style of sauvignon blanc, marlborough has a unique terroir, making it ideal for high quality grape production of many varieties. Sauvignon blanc is a greenskinned grape variety that originates from the bordeaux region of france. In a vintage like 2012, the cabernet sauvignon grape is also needed to bring to bring freshness to the final blend. An overview of sauvignon blanc w tasting notes and history. Sauvignon blanc dates back to 18th century france where it first gained recognition in the loire valley and in the bordeaux wine vineyards as well. Anunmistakable white wine thats loved for its green herbal flavors and racy acidity.
About sauvignon blanc wine taste, regions and food. The original semillon sauvignon blanc blends came from the bordeaux region. International sauvignon blanc day may 3, 2019 lake county. Made popular in paris nightclubs in the 1950s, sauvignon blanc isnt just the other chardonnay, its one of the most popular white wines in america. In this lively book, sullivan dispels the false legend that has obscured zinfandels history for almost a century, reveals the latest scientific findings about the grapes european roots, shares his thoughts on the quality of the wines now being produced, and looks to the future of this remarkable grape. Understanding the history of wine through ancient texts and. The name sauvignon is from the french word sauvage meaning wild. It is thought that the grape is related to an older variety, sauvignon blanc, which is used in jura, and even carmenere interestingly, while sauvignon blanc is a white wine, the crossing with cabernet franc created the noble grape, cabernet.
Sep 12, 2018 the first sauvignon blanc grapes were planted in marlborough in 1975 by a daring winemaker named frank yukich, and plantings have steadily increased over the last four decades. Feb 18, 2019 well, it is definitely the country with the oldest history of sauvignon blanc, it can be found in documents dating to the 16th century. It originated in the loire valley of france and is a parent grape of cabernet sauvignon the other is cabernet franc. Sauvignon blanc wine grapes flavor character history wine. Ampelographers are certain that in the 1700s it crossed with cabernet franc to breed the cabernet sauvignon grape. The variety originated in the burgundy wine region of eastern france, but is now grown wherever wine is produced, from england to new zealand. Australia, chile, france bordeaux, loire, new zealand, south africa. The sauvignon blanc grape originated in the loire valley where its synonym fiers was mentioned as early as the 1500s. Researchers think it is an interesting mutation of sauvignon blanc. Sauvignon blanc is a white wine that owes much of its popularity to winemakers in bordeaux and the loire valley in france. In fact, sauvignon blanc is now the worlds 8th most widely planted grape.
Learn about sauvignon blanc white wine wine 101 vinepair. While the variety may be most readily associated with the loire valley and more recently marlborough, new zealand, it is more likely to have originated from. Sauvignon blanc is likely a mutation of that wild grape cultivated by the romans. Sauvignon blanc bathroom as the sunlight pours in over the english countrystyle garden and through the large windows, reverberations of blue and purple from the stained glass dance across the room and truly bring the space to life, accenting the polished hardwood and sandy tones in its wake. Sauvignon blanc is at least 500 years old and is the child grape. The grape most likely gets its name from the french words sauvage wild and blanc white due to its early origins as an indigenous grape in south west france.
The name sauvignon blanc means wild white and the grape is related to traminer with. It was later confirmed that the sauvignon blanc vine was the clone that had been imported by frank berry smith the department of agriculture viticulturist at the time. Semillon is also blended with sauvignon blanc to make dry table wine. This is quite a book, and i hope it is read widely throughout the wine world. Jun 14, 20 sauvignon blanc is a white wine that owes much of its popularity to winemakers in bordeaux and the loire valley in france. A highly popular grape thats at home in cool regions, sauvignon blanc produces wines with instantly recognisable notes of grass, gooseberry, apple, pear and lime, sometimes with herb aromas, too. Sauvignon blanc styles, regions, food pairings the. Gourmand world cookbook awards, hall of fame for best wine book 2012. Sauvignon blanc pronounced sovinyawn blahunk is a white wine grape that likely originated in the loire valley or bordeaux.
It is thought that the grape is related to an older variety, sauvignon blanc, which is used in jura, and even carmenere interestingly, while sauvignon blanc is a white wine, the crossing with cabernet franc created the noble grape. Sauvignon derives from the french word sauvage, wild. The name sauvignon blanc means wild white and the grape is related to traminer with origins in the south of france. The sauvignon blanc grape vines yield small, well formed, compact clusters of small, oval to round greenish grapes adorn this vigorous growing vine. It took the grape much, much longer to reach new zealand but.
Looking at cabernet sauvignon we learn that chenin blanc is a sister of sauvignon blanc and, hence, an aunt of cabernet sauvignon. Cabernet sauvignon wine grapes flavor character history. Delaire graff estate is situated in stellenbosch in the heart of south africas most historic and prestigious wine region. Grapes for our 2019 sauvignon blanc reserve were harvested from refugio ranch, both east and westside. Sauvignon grape synonyms, sauvignon grape pronunciation, sauvignon grape translation, english dictionary definition of sauvignon grape. Yet in recent decades, sauvignon blanc has become an everyday favorite thanks to the new world winemakers of new zealand with its distinctive, vivid aromas and zesty acidity, sauvignon blanc is easy to peg in a blind tasting of. It produces a wide range of wine styles from dry aromatic wines to desert wines in france, to ripe fruit characteristics in california, and now the leading cultivar in new zealand where it is known for its grassy, herbaceous characteristics.
After much searching, with an ampleography book in one hand and notebook in the other, i found one sauvignon blanc vine and a semillon vine alongside it. Sauvignon blanc grows nearly everywhere and is produced in a variety of methods resulting in a wide that range from lean to bountiful. About sauvignon blanc wine taste, regions and food pairing. Ampelographers are certain that in the 1700s it crossed with cabernet franc to breed the. Sauvignon blanc is a whitewine grape from western france, now successfully grown in emerging and established wine regions all over the world. The name sauvignon is derived from two french words. The classic grape for summer, sauvignon blanc is light in body yet full in flavor. Whitehaven sauvignon blanc, marlborough tasting notes. Yet in recent decades, sauvignon blanc has become an everyday favorite thanks to the new world winemakers of new zealand. Begos discovers wines that go far beyond the bottles of chardonnay and.
Jun 10, 2019 not to be confused with the betterknown sauvignon blanc, savagnin blanc is a white wine produced today in eastern france and parts of germany. Sauvignon blanc is also grown in the entredeuxmers where it is increasingly important in improving bordeaux blanc as well as in graves and pessacleognan where, with semillon in varying proportions, it results in substantial dry, oakaged white wines. Chardonnay in sonoma county despite its good reputation in france, chardonnay was slow to be adopted by sonoma county wineries and grape growers. The history of winemaking in new zealand is relatively short, having been hampered by conservative attitudes towards winemaking and alcohol. Find out more statistics and information about sauvignon blanc in new zealand on map, regions, grape varieties, and history of new zealand wine. A complete guide to 1, 368 vine varieties, including. Skokie, illinois 60076 click here for directions phone. Today, new zealand makes less than onetenth of the wine of its nearest neighbor, australia, but. Sauvignon blanc named uks favourite wine telegraph. The grape came close to being extinct following the phylloxera epidemic. A popular and unmistakable white thats loved for its green herbal flavors and sky high acidity.
Sauvignon blanc is planted in many of the worlds wine regions, producing a crisp, dry. Outside of the old world, sauvignon blanc has found its second home in new zealand, particularly marlborough, whose vibrant, pungent wines helped put this country on the winemaking map in the 1980s. While the grape may be more readily associated with the loire valley for its pivotal role in sancerre and pouillyfume, it is more likely to have originated from bordeaux, where it is typically blended with semillon. Learn about sauvignon gris grapes flavor character history. Sauvignon blanc and semillon grapes around september. Despite some common generalizations, which could be fairly justified given that marlborough is responsible for 90% of new zealands sauvignon blanc production. The first sauvignon blanc grapes were planted in marlborough in 1975 by a daring winemaker named frank yukich, and plantings have steadily increased over the last four decades. The strong distinct flavor is used to make quality white table wines or for blending. Well, it is definitely the country with the oldest history of sauvignon blanc, it can be found in documents dating to the 16th century. In this lively book, sullivan dispels the false legend that has obscured zinfandels history for almost a century, reveals the latest scientific findings about the grape s european roots, shares his thoughts on the quality of the wines now being produced, and looks to the future of this remarkable grape. Sauvignon blanc, often blended with the fatter and complementary semillon, is one of the two dominant white grapes of southwest france. The soil, minerals, sun, climate are slightly different, and both add a great acidity and fruit balance. International sauvignon blanc day may 3, 2019 lake. Sauvignon blanc is a vigorous wild growing plant, and the shape of its leaves are similar to those.
Janet fletcher, in collaboration with wine institute, recently published wine country table. The grape most likely gets its name from the french words sauvage wild and blanc white due to its early origins as an indigenous grape in. Sauvignon blanc styles, regions, food pairings the nibble. Feb 27, 2015 sauvignon blanc named uks favourite wine a new survey of 400,000 people found the grape comes top in every british town, city and county except berkshire. Sauvignon blanc grows nearly everywhere and offers many styles.
In the 1980s, new zealand finally began capitalizing on its maritime climate, which is ideal for producing highquality wines. Wine grapes book by jancis robinson, julia harding, and jose. Sauvignon blancs moment had arrived, however, with plantings going from 3,300ha in 1990 to 4,771ha in 1997 and reaching 9,321ha by the end of 20 9. Frances loire valley used to wear the sauvignon crown, but today its the new world, and new zealand in particular, that provides many peoples introduction to the grape. Sauvignon blanc named uks favourite wine a new survey of 400,000 people found the grape comes top in every british town, city and county except berkshire. It is also found in the cooler, often maritimeinfluenced, regions of australia, south africa and chile. The sauvignon blanc taste is very different from other white wines, like chardonnay, because of its green and herbaceous flavors. Who is king of sauvignon blanc, france or new zealand. Sauvignon blanc is a whitewine grape originally from western france, but now grown all over the world. Guide to sauvignon blanc wine grapes, flavor, character, wine food pairings, history for use in french white wine. Sauvignon blanc is now so popular, the grape has its own holiday, international sauvignon blanc day is celebrated depending on your calendar every april 24 and, or may 17. The name comes from the french word sauvage which means wild as it likely evolved from wild grapes.
Chardonnay was the fifth most widely planted grape in the world as of 2010, and in 2015 was the top white wine grape planted in sonoma county, occupying more than 15,600 vineyard acres in sonoma county. The book highlights several wineries including lake. Cabernet sauvignon is also the most planted grape in china, which continues adding more hectares of the grape all the time. While the grape may be more readily associated with the loire valley for its pivotal role in sancerre and pouilly. Thomas duroux chateau palmer here at chateau palmer, the cabernet sauvignon grape is the main element we use to build the finesse in our wines.
1344 1104 742 1249 1202 1224 399 1543 1194 1018 145 866 1284 517 622 371 610 336 1555 820 1433 1540 533 499 1255 725 1546 721 634 105 312 829 532 399 68 1316 941