May 5 is International Sauvignon Blanc Wine Day!
Since 2009, the whole world celebrates this day on the first Friday of May. What is it, the most popular European grape variety, and where in Ukraine the pride of Ukrainian winemaking is grown and produced.
Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most famous and widespread grape varieties used for the production of white wine. It got its name from the French words “sauvage” and “blanc”, which are translated as “wild” and “white”, respectively. Appeared as a result of the natural crossing of Traminer and Chenin Blanc.
Sauvignon Blanc is considered one of the most demanding grape varieties, which grows best on clay and stony soils with good drainage. This variety of grapes withstands warm weather well, but can suffer from frosts and downpours.
History of the variety
The birthplace of Sauvignon Blanc is the Loire Valley and Bordeaux. The exact date of its appearance is unknown, but at the end of the 17th century, this variety was definitely already grown. This is evidenced by a document found in the monastery of St. Gallus (territory of present-day Switzerland). It mentions the Muscat Sylvaner variety, aka Sauvignon Blanc. By the way, it was in Bordeaux that the Cabernet Sauvignon variety appeared as a result of an accidental crossing of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc in the 18th century.
Northern Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Australia, southern Africa, Argentina, Chile and New Zealand – Sauvignon Blanc quickly became popular. Most often, this grape is used for the main table dry white wines. But some winemakers blend it with other varieties. This is how more complex bouquets are created.
The color of Sauvignon Blanc wine can vary depending on the region of cultivation, production technology and length of aging. More often, young wines are from light green to golden. The terroir has a great influence on the color. For example, wines from New Zealand and California are more green or golden, while wines from the Bordeaux and Santiago regions are pale yellowish with a greenish tint.
Aroma: fresh, herbal, fruity, citrus. Blackcurrant leaves, lime, green pepper, green apple and grapefruit are felt.
The taste, of course, also depends on the region, technology and aging. Sauvignon Blanc is very rarely aged in barrels. It is valued for its minerality, so aging is usually no more than 3 months. Predominant in taste: grapefruit, lemon, lime, gooseberry, quince, green banana, mint, lemongrass. Smoky notes, vanilla, toast, and sweet spice can be felt in some wines. Dessert Sauvignons include apricot, peach, ripe pear, caramel, honey, creme brulee, golden raisins, marmalade, vanilla, citrus peel, walnut.
The most popular region for growing Sauvignon Blanc grapes in Ukraine is the South, in particular Odesa and Mykolaiv regions. There are favorable climatic conditions for growing this variety. They are also grown in Transcarpathia and the Ukrainian Crimea!
Sauvignon Blanc is a classic. Quiet, mineral, playful white wine. Perfect with fruits, craft cheeses and warm dialogues.
