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How To Choose the Perfect Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon blanc is one of the most popular white wines available to buy; there are thousands of varieties which can make it challenging to choose the perfect bottle. Sauvignon Blanc has a fresh, acidic taste which is refreshing and easy to identify. The flavour comes from the green grapes used, and it can also offer grassy, tropical or juicy flavours notes. Choosing the perfect sauvignon blanc to match your menu or occasion can be achieved by following the advice in this article.

Quality Sauvignon Blanc

When choosing a wine to complement an occasion, quality is essential. Selecting a quality Sauvignon Blanc depends on various factors, including growing region, production method, and flavour profile. 

Growing region

Sauvignon Blanc is produced all over the world; for the best quality Sauvignon Blanc, you should source a wine produced in France, New Zealand, Australia or California. Each region will result in a wine with a slightly different taste based on the climate and production methods. France offers the classic subtle crisp flavour that Sauvignon Blanc is known for. Loire Valley, France, is world-renowned for Sauvignon Blanc; a bottle from Loire Valley will be of high quality and taste sublime. California adds more citrus flavours for a bolder and more tart flavour profile. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc provides more tropical notes from the Northern region and herbal flavours from the cooler southern part of Marlborough. Australia produces good quality Sauvignon Blanc from the Adelaide Hills in the south. The wine from here has passion fruit notes similar to the tropical flavours of Northern New Zealand. 

Production method

Sauvignon Blanc can be fermented in steel, concrete and barrel vessels. Each provides a different flavour profile to the end product. The most complex flavours are produced when the wine is fermented in wooden barrels, also known as oaking. Oaking a Sauvignon Blanc adds notes of vanilla and spice, softening the green fruit flavours. Although, a good Sauvignon Blanc still retains its crisp acidity even when oaked. Oaked Sauvignon Blanc will develop more complexity over time and improve as the bottle ages. For the best quality Sauvignon Blanc opt for an oaked variety.

Harvesting method

For the best quality Sauvignon Blanc, a hand-harvested wine should be chosen. Hand-harvested Sauvignon Blanc will limit the level of juices released before the wine is crafted. Machine harvested wine can, in some instances, crush the grapes leading to a loss of flavour and a bottle of inferior quality wine. 

Flavour profile

A good quality Sauvignon Blanc will have a more complex and refined flavour profile. Selecting a Sauvignon Blanc with more than just citrus notes will add complexity, flavour and quality to the taste. Look for wines with spices, vanilla or herbs within their flavour profile listing. 

What does Sauvignon Blanc wine pair with?

Sauvignon Blanc can be paired with a wide range of dishes and flavours; the crisp acidity of the wine brings out the vibrant flavours of many dishes. Lighter menu items typically pair best with Sauvignon Blanc; this includes chicken, asparagus, fish, salads, tofu vegetable dishes, and various cheese dishes. A classic pairing with Sauvignon Blanc is goat's cheese; the wine refreshes your palette for the next bite and doesn't overwhelm the subtle flavours of the cheese, add in some fruit for extra depth of flavour, a delicious starter.

Oaked Sauvignon Blanc will also work with creamy dishes such as pasta, risotto, or chicken with a buttery, creamy sauce. The added complexity and notes of vanilla and spice complement the creamy, buttery taste of these dishes. 

How to serve Sauvignon Blanc?

This crisp white wine should be served chilled. The bottle should be kept in a cool place away from sunlight and stored in a horizontal position. Before drinking, the Sauvignon Blanc should be placed in the fridge for a few hours to get it to the right temperature to enhance the flavours. It should be removed from the refrigerator around 20 minutes before opening the wine. After opening the bottle, an ice bucket should be provided to keep the wine cool whilst drinking. Sauvignon Blanc should always be drunk from white wine glasses by the stem to keep the wine at the correct temperature.

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