About Sauvignon Blanc

The Father of Cabernet Sauvignon

A sensational discovery was made in 1996 at the University of California (UC Davis):

About 600 years ago a new vine was born in a French love affair.

With a little help from the wind, and/or perhaps some insects, a spontaneous crossing happened between Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc and the baby Cabernet Sauvignon was born.

Sauvignon Blanc Vinification

Sweet Blend. The mold Botrytis Cinerea is required for the production of sweet wines, such as Sauternes and Barsac, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.

Alias. In 1960`s Robert Mondavi coined the new name Fumé Blanc but did not register it as his own trademark. Fumé (french for smocky) refers to barrel aging and to Pouilly-Fumé. Today Fumé Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc are synonyms in US law and not always oaked.

Confusion. Pouilly-Fumé is a french white wine, from Loire, made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc. It should not be confused with Pouilly-Fuissé , a chardonnay wine from the south of Burgundy (Mâcon).

AOC Sancerre is an appellation in Loire Valley. White Sancerre is 100% Sauvignon Blanc. While red Sancerre is 100% Pinot Noir.

Steel Tank

To retain the characteristic fruity, grassy and citrusy aromas is Sauvignon Blanc fermented in Stainless Steel Tanks (not in oak).