The beginner's guide to sauvignon blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is typically made in a ‘dry’ style, meaning there is little to no residual sugar left in the wine after production. However, due to their particular flavours, Sauvignon Blanc wines can taste sweeter than they are. Some styles of wine have juicy tropical fruit, peach and melon flavours, which could add to the illusion of sweetness. This style is commonly found in warmer regions, such as New Zealand’s Marlborough region, California and Catalonia in Spain.

Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are both popular white wines with distinct differences.

Sauvignon Blanc is known for its high acidity and vibrant flavours. It often features notes of lime, green apple, passion fruit and grassy or herbaceous undertones. It is typically light-bodied and refreshing, making it ideal for warm weather. A glass of this dry white wine is an excellent choice when enjoying fresh dishes like ceviche, asparagus risotto or a tangy goat’s cheese salad.

Chardonnay, however, is highly versatile and can vary significantly depending on winemaking techniques. Unoaked Chardonnay is crisp with green apple and citrus flavours, whereas oaked versions are fuller-bodied with creamy textures, featuring notes of vanilla, butter and tropical fruits. Chardonnay’s style can range from lean and mineral-driven to rich and opulent. Depending on their style, these wines can be paired with everything from roast chicken and creamy pasta dishes to fresh seafood and citrusy desserts.

Overall, Sauvignon Blanc is typically more aromatic and zesty, while Chardonnay can offer a wide range of flavour profiles and textures.

Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio are both popular white wines but differ in flavour and style.

Sauvignon Blanc is known for its vibrant acidity and pronounced flavours of citrus, green apple, and herbs, often with grassy or mineral notes. It’s typically more aromatic and zesty.

Pinot Grigio, on the other hand, is lighter and more subtle, with delicate flavours of pear, apple, and lemon. It tends to be crisp and refreshing, with a softer acidity than Sauvignon Blanc.

Both are versatile, but Sauvignon Blanc is generally more assertive, while Pinot Grigio is easy-drinking and approachable.

A typical 750ml bottle of Sauvignon Blanc wine contains approximately 600 calories, with a typical 150ml glass containing around 120 calories. These numbers are very similar to those of other popular white wines, such as Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio, which also range between 600 and 620 calories per bottle.

Calculating accurate figures can be tricky due to several factors, including alcohol content and residual sugar levels. Different production methods, grape ripeness and the style of the final wine can also influence the number of calories the wine contains. Always check the label for specific details, including more accurate figures for that particular wine.

Thanks to its typically dry style, bright flavours and crisp acidity, Sauvignon Blanc is a delicious and versatile wine that pairs well with various dishes. 

• Oysters – Sauvignon Blanc’s crisp acidity and citrus notes complement oysters’ fresh, briny flavour, enhancing their natural taste.
• Grilled fish – A plate of grilled sea bass, salmon or cod always benefits from a zesty, herby glass of this white. The wine’s more delicate flavours mirror those of the fish and add a refreshing finish.
• Goats cheese salad – Sauvignon Blanc’s zesty acidity cuts through the rich creaminess of goat’s cheese, while its greener notes of fresh herbs and grass match the flavour of the fresh greens.
• Asparagus – A notoriously tricky vegetable to pair with wine, asparagus’s green, vegetal notes are complemented by certain styles of Sauvignon Blanc.
• Green pesto – Do you love the herby garlic flavours of green pesto? They’re lifted by Sauvignon Blanc’s bright, zesty citrus notes. Enjoy some pesto tossed through pasta or dipped onto toasted bread.
• Roast chicken – This white wine’s acidity and bright citrus notes provide a refreshing contrast to the savoury, succulent flavours of roast chicken, especially when it’s roasted with citrus fruits inside and seasoned with thyme.
• Pork tenderloin – Grilled pork pairs well with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. The wine’s fruitiness complements the pork’s subtle, natural sweetness.
• Thai green curry – Sauvignon Blanc’s refreshing acidity and sweet tropical fruit notes balance Thai green curry’s heat, refreshing the palate between bites.
• Chicken or vegetable tikka – The wine’s citrus and herbal notes create a playful contrast with the typically rich spice flavours found in tikka dishes.

To enjoy your bottle of Sauvignon Blanc to the fullest, serve it at the right temperature and use a suitable glass.

• Serving temperature – Sauvignon Blanc should be served chilled to enhance its bright flavours and aromas and keep its acidity crisp. The ideal serving temperature is between 8-10°C. If served too warm, the wine could lose its refreshing acidity. But if served too cold, its zesty flavours and aromas could taste flat. Use a wine cooler or ice bucket filled with ice water to keep your Sauvignon Blanc chilled between pours.
• Decanting – Sauvignon Blanc doesn’t require decanting.
• Glassware – Use a white wine glass with taller sides and a narrow bowl. This shape helps concentrate Sauvignon Blanc’s aromas on your nose as you sip, enhancing its flavours. The narrower bowl and rim also help keep the wine cooler for longer.

Unopened, Sauvignon Blanc can last between 1 and 3 years when correctly stored in a cool, dark and dry place at a consistent temperature. Fuller-bodied styles may last a little longer, but it’s best to enjoy Sauvignon Blanc wines when young.

Once opened, Sauvignon Blanc can last 3-5 days before it loses its shine. To fully enjoy your chosen bottle’s vibrant profile, you may want to drink the wine within a day or two of opening. Reseal the bottle with a wine stopper or cork between glasses – this slows the oxidation process and helps to maintain the wine’s crisp character.