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

Green fruit and vegetation (gooseberry, elderflower, green bell pepper and asparagus); high acidity, medium-bodied, dry

Front 3

Ideal climate for Sauvignon Blanc?

Back 3

Cool, in order to show its herbaceous-aromatic character

Front 4

Does Sauvignon Blanc tolerate moderate climes?

Back 4

Yes, but lack intense pungent aromatic complexity of wines from premium, cool-climate sites

Front 5

Is Sauvignon Blanc typically aged in oak or in bottle?

Back 5

Bottle. Usual style refreshing and fruity, so doesn't benefit from bottle age and 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, high acidity makes 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

Typical flavors of Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Central Vineyards?

Back 8

Dry, high acidity, medium body, moderate / pronounced vegetal flavours; 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 - aromatic fruit character, refreshing acidity.

Sémillon adds body, sustains fruit character, allowing complexity to develop in bottle.

Front 11

Describe white Bordeaux blends.

Back 11

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

Front 12

Premium region for Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand? Describe typical style.

Back 12

Marlborough, South Island:

dry, high acidity, no oak, medium-bodied, intense, pungent, clean flavours of passion fruit, gooseberry, green pepper, blackcurrant leaf.

Front 13

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

Front 15

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 flavours (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

Most important blends are dry white Bordeaux and Sauternes.

Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon blends also made in Australia, USA and Chile.

Front 20

Premium regions in South Africa?

Back 20

1. Constantina

2. Elgin - intense fresh SB