By Clodagh Dowson
If Spring was a grape variety, it would be Sauvignon Blanc thanks to its herbaceous aromas, citrusy flavours and refreshing finish. In fact, May 3rd is international Sauvignon Blanc day!
Fresh, aromatic, inoffensive… Sauvignon Blanc is arguably the most popular white grape variety in the world right now thanks to its zesty, fragrant profile. However, Sauvignon Blanc isn’t always fresh, acidic and dry, and the grape is used to produce sparkling and dessert wines as well as the light bodied whites it has become synonymous for. For example, in Bordeaux, the grape is often blended with Semillon to produce some of the world’s best sweet wines, such as Sauternes and Barsac.
The Loire Valley has traditionally been the home of Sauvignon Blanc however New World wine regions such as Marlborough, New Zealand have also become a popular destination for the grape in more recent decades as it can grow pretty much everywhere - check out the Rimapere Sauvignon Blanc in our wine shop for a gorgeously aromatic example of this. Sauvignon Blancs from New World wine regions tend to have riper flavours reminiscent of tropical fruit, such as passionfruit, white peach and mango, which balance perfectly with the traditional green and herbaceous notes.
Sauvignon Blanc is best accompanied by light dishes containing Spring flavours – think cucumber dill salad, asparagus risotto and light meats in herb driven sauces. Wines produced from this grape variety also work beautifully with soft cheeses, since the acidity matches the tanginess of the cheese whilst cutting through the creamy texture, as well as the aromatic spices found in Thai and Vietnamese cuisines.
Waddesdon Rothschild Collection Sauvignon Blanc | Waddesdon Manor
Harvested at night to preserve the integrity of the grape skin and help retain natural purity of aroma. This fabulous Sauvignon Blanc has abundant varietal character with an alluring and classical nose of citrus peel, gun flint, chalk minerality mingled with white flowers and a herbaceous lift. Crisp and elegant with personality and verve. This Sauvignon does what so many don’t at this price point; it delivers flavour and typicity with a good intensity of fruit. Great stuff.
Rimapere Sauvignon Blanc | Waddesdon Manor
Rimapere delivers pronounced aromatics of lemon peel, sage, ripe lemon, passion fruit, grapefruit, pine needles and steely minerality. The palate despite being vibrant and fresh, has a rich texture. There is wonderful purity and complexity and a long intense finish. Rimapere is a very defined Sauvignon with tremendous concentration – its a million miles from those dilute New Zealand Sauvignon’s that flood the shelves of UK supermarkets.
Le Merle Blanc de Château Clarke | Waddesdon Manor
One of our favourites! Le Merle Blanc kicks off with a touch of citrus peel and jasmine then leads to lemongrass and slightly richer creamier notes from the judicious oak interaction. The palate is clean and expressive with freshness and tension balanced by richness of fruit and a delicate toasty savoury note. This is very clever winemaking that brings together all the qualities you expect in a fine dry white wine. No need to cellar, serve this summer with shellfish and sunshine.
