Sauvignon Blanc is probably the easiest grape to spot in a blind tasting.
The characteristic notes of gooseberry, green pepper and freshly cut grass jump out of the glass. It’s also currently one of the most popular styles in the wine world being dry, approachable and very food friendly. But you do have to choose your bottle carefully. Due to its popularity, most countries produce Sauvignon Blanc but it thrives in a cool climate. In warmer environments, the wine can taste clumsy whilst lacking the acidity and freshness that are the hallmarks of the grape. If you’re picking a Chilean, go for Leyda Valley which is a cooler area and better suited to the grape.
Most Sauvignons don’t spend any time in oak, but if you blend in some Semillon, a bit of cask aging can be a wonderful thing. This technique also opens up the food matching possibilities, and you should really try a white Bordeaux with mouclade (mussels in a light curry sauce).
Chateau Rampeau Bordeaux Blanc 2018 (Waitrose, 10.49). This is a lovely, affordable bottle that works perfectly with mouclade or piri piri prawns.
Generally the grape is not usually a keeper so it doesn’t overly benefit from being laid down for a year or two. On the bright side, this means that you can immediately enjoy the bottle that you bought today.
If you pick a Sancerre, (a really good Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire) you should match the wine to any dish that involves goat’s cheese. If you’re leaning towards a Sauvignon from Marlborough in New Zealand, go for a Thai green curry or just about any seafood dish and you won’t go wrong.
Sancerre Brochard Blanc 2016 (Inverarity One to One, 14.99). I know I’ve mentioned this wine in previous columns, but you genuinely won’t find a better example of the style for the money.
Clocktower Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 (M&S, 12.00). This is a stone cold classic example of the style from Marlborough, and great value at just twelve quid. Cheers!
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