Photo by Shushan Yan
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
By Cheryl Lemoine
SAUVIGNON BLANC , THE “ SAUVAGE ” GRAPE
If you ’ re a fan of crisp , dry white wines , chances are that you ’ ve sipped a glass or two of Sauvignon Blanc . “ Sauvignon Blanc is my go-to white wine , especially during the summertime ,” says Nicole Dorignac , co-owner of Dorginac ’ s Food Center . “ The wines tend to be light and refreshing with lively acidity , which makes them perfect for porch sipping , picnics and pool parties ,” she adds .
Today , this noble grape is one of the most consumed varietals in the United States , but that was not always the case . In the 1960s , it was Robert Mondavi who led the charge in changing the perception of Sauvignon Blanc ( at that time , American-made Sauvignon Blanc was sweet and not very enjoyable ) and helped to popularize Sauvignon Blanc when he coined the name Fumé Blanc . Mondavi was passionate about French varietals , so he drew inspiration from the Loire Valley in France , where Sauvignon Blanc wines where dry and crisp with firm acidity . The name Fumé Blanc ( fumé means “ smoky ” in French , a quality that Mondavi found in the varietal ) came from Pouilly-Fumé , a revered 100 % Sauvignon Blanc wine made in the Loire Valley .
Like many grape varietals , the exact origin is not truly known . Sauvignon Blanc appears to be indigenous to either Bordeaux in southwest France or in the Loire Valley in central France . It is commonly believed that the grape ’ s name is derived from the term sauvage , the French word for “ wild ” because it grew like weeds , and blanc meaning “ white .” The varietal was cultivated in the Sancerre region of the Loire Valley , where it truly found its place in the wine world . To be labeled as Sancerre , the wine must be 100 % Sauvignon Blanc and come from that particular appellation . While there are red and rosé wines produced in Sancerre , it is the flinty , crisp white wine that reigns supreme . Fun fact : Sauvignon Blanc was crossed with Cabernet Franc to create the noble Cabernet Sauvignon grape !
Today , Sauvignon Blanc is planted worldwide , most notably in New Zealand , the United States , Chile and Australia , as well as Bordeaux and Loire Valley . And , like other terroirdriven varietals , distinct differences can be found from region to region , as the grape truly reflects the area from which it comes . “ Sauvignon Blanc characteristics definitely vary depending upon where they are made . The majority are similar stylistically — light to medium bodied , dry and crisp , with lively acidity — but those from New Zealand tend to be more herbaceous , with green bell pepper or freshly cut grass qualities combined with aromas and flavors of grapefruit and tropical fruits ,” explains Nicole . “ Those from the Loire Valley are typically earthier with flinty , stonelike , minerally , smoky expressions and notes of green apple and citrus fruits ,” she adds . Sauvignon Blanc made in California tend to be a bit riper , fuller-bodied and fruit-forward ,
44 Life Unleashed