Its origins and worldwide development

Sauvignon, originally from Bordeaux, is one of the world's most widely cultivated grape varieties. It is considered one of the great white grape varieties for the production of highly aromatic dry whites and magnificent sweet wines. Vinified on its own, it has made a name for itself in the Loire Valley, in the Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé and Quincy appellations. It is also found as a single grape variety in Burgundy, in the Auxerrois region, under the Saint-Bris AOC. Blended with Semillon and/or Muscadelle, it is used in the production of great Bordeaux sweet wines such as Sauternes, Monbazillac and Bergerac. In the latter appellation, it can also be vinified as a dry white wine, either on its own or blended with other grape varieties. It is also found further south in the Provence and Languedoc regions. In Europe, it can be found in the following countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Italy, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. But also in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, Cyprus, Israel, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Its viticultural characteristics

Sauvignon Blanc's bunches are small to medium-sized, truncated, compact and sometimes winged. The berries are small, ovoid or slightly elliptical in shape, with a thick, golden-yellow skin when fully ripe. The pulp is melting and has a special flavor somewhat reminiscent of Muscat. It is very vigorous and tends to get carried away in vegetation. It is important to control this vigor by planting it in soils of low or medium fertility, using weak rootstocks and pruning appropriately, which can be quite generous in the first few years. By using careful trellising and a suitable training system, we must also seek to obtain a favorable micro-climate for the bunches. The bunches are highly susceptible to grey rot - because they are compact - and to powdery mildew, as well as to wood diseases. On the other hand, it is not very susceptible to mildew.

Its aromas and the type of wine produced

Sauvignon Blanc produces very elegant, fine, well-balanced and distinctive dry white wines. The varietal aromas of this grape variety are characterized by nuances of boxwood, crushed blackcurrant buds, broom, flowers and lemony white fruit, depending on terroir, vintage, growing conditions and vinification. On the other hand, when Sauvignon blanc is harvested under-ripe, it gives off wild aromas of "matousé" - cat's pee - that are quite unpleasant. When harvested late or in the presence of noble rot, this grape variety can also be used to make great sweet wines. Its fresh aromas balance those of warmer varieties such as Semillon.