Wset Level 2 - Sauvignon Blanc

Front 1

What are usual expectations from Sauvignon Blanc?

Back 1

aromatic, clear, crisp, refreshing

Front 2

Describe a typical Sauvignon Blanc.

Back 2

strong aromas of green fruit and vegetation (gooseberry, elderflower, green bell pepper and asparagus); usually high in acidity, medium-bodied and almost always dry

Front 3

What is the Ideal climate for Sauvignon Blanc?

Back 3

cool climate, in order to show its herbaceous-aromatic character

Front 4

Does Sauvignon Blanc tolerate moderate climes?

Back 4

yes, but wines from moderate regions tend to lack the intense pungent aromatic complexity of wines from premium, cool-climate sites

Front 5

Is Sauvignon Blanc typically aged in oak or in botlle?

Back 5

no, the usual style is refreshing and fruity, so it doesn't benefit from bottle age and is generally unoaked. Those aged in oak generally come from moderate regions, and oak adds flavors of toast and spice.

Front 6

Is Sauvignon Blanc suitable for sweet wines?

Back 6

yes, its levels of acidity makes it also suitable for sweet wines, particularly in Sauternes

Front 7

What are the classic Sauvignon Blanc regions in France?

Back 7

villages of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, in the Loire Valley

Front 8

What are typical flavors of Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Central Vineyards?

Back 8

dry white wines with high acidity, medium body, and moderate or pronounced vegetal flavors;
green fruit and herbaceous notes (gooseberry, grass, blackcurrant leaf, nettle) often with a hint of smokiness

Front 9

Most premium Bordeaux white wines are a blend of ____ and _____.

Back 9

a blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, often with Sémillon dominating.

Front 10

Why blend Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc?

Back 10

Sauvignon adds aromatic fruit character and refreshing acidity.
Sémillon adds body and sustains the fruit character, allowing complexity to develop in the bottle.

Front 11

Describe the flavors of white Bordeaux blends.

Back 11

dry wines, with medium or high acidity, medium or full-bodied, sometimes with oaky flavors.

Front 12

What is the premium region for Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand? Describe the typical style.

Back 12

Marlborough, South Island:
dry, with high acidity, no oak, medium-bodied, and intense, pungent, clean flavors of passion fruit, gooseberry, green pepper, blackcurrant leaf.

Front 13

What is the premium region for Sauvignon Blanc in Australia? Describe the typical style.

Back 13

Adelaide Hills, SA;
intensely fruity and clean in style

Front 14

Describe Sauvignon Blanc in California.

Back 14

most parts of California are too warm for the herbaceous characteristics of Sauvignon to be retained. However, some interesting wines are made in Napa Valley, often labeled Fumé Blanc.

Front 15

What are the typical flavors of Fumé Blanc from California?

Back 15

medium-bodied, high in acidity with some herbaceous character (grass, asparagus) usually shining through the spicy oaky flavors (toast, liquorice, vanilla).

Front 16

What is the premium region for Sauvignon Blanc in South America? Describe the typical style.

Back 16

Casablanca and San Antonio, Chile;
herbaceous, fruit-led

Front 17

What are the two styles of high quality Sauvignon Blanc produced in South Africa?

Back 17

1. pungent and fruit driven, but not terribly complex
2. intense and herbaceous but oaked to make less pungent, gaining toasty complexity

Front 18

What are some bulk-production regions for inexpensive Sauvignon Blanc?

Back 18

France (outside of premium Loire appellations), including basic white Bordeaux AC, Val de Loire and Pays d'Oc;
Also, Chile, California and South Africa

Front 19

Sauvignon Blanc in blends?

Back 19

The most important blends are dry white Bordeaux and Sauternes.
Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon blends also made in Australia, USA and Chile.