Let’s Raise a Glass – It’s Sauvignon Blanc Day!
Posted by Erin McCall on 6th May 2022
It’s Friday. The beginning of the weekend. You can finally kick off your working shoes off and relax.
And it’s Sauvignon Blanc Day. Could there be anything better?!
But what is it? What does Sauvignon Blanc taste like? Is it sparkling? Can you cook with it? Where does Sauvignon Blanc come from?
Have no fear, ClickNDrink are here to tell you all about the world of this crisp, tangy white wine and we pick some of our favourites for you to stock up on.
The History of Sauvignon Blanc
It’s thought to have originated in the Bordeaux region of France and is a green-skinned grape variety.
The grape itself is thought to get its name from the French words ‘sauvage’ meaning wild and ‘blanc’ meaning white and today it’s grown all over the world including France, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the USA.
In the 19th century, Sauvignon Blanc grapes were crossed with Cabernet grapes to form the Carbernet Sauvignon grape, now one of the world’s most widely recognised red wine grape varieties and of the world’s best loved reds.
A perfect pairing for food, Sauvignon Blanc goes well with cheese and fish, and is one of only a few that pairs well with sushi.
Considered one of the UK’s most popular white wines, Sauvignon Blanc is often referred to as ‘grassy’ and it’s known for its high levels of acidity and low levels of sugar.
Quick Fact: Sauvignon Blanc was one of the first types of wine to be bottled using a screwcap for mass production.
What Does it Taste Like?
Some of the aromas (on the nose) you may get from a Sauvignon Blanc include herbs, freshly cut grass, nettles, lime, gooseberry, white peach, and passionfruit. Meanwhile the flavours (on the palate) you could get from this white wine can range from freshly cut grass and herbs to lime, honey dew melon, passionfruit, or guava.
Is Sauvignon Blanc Still or Sparkling?
Sauvignon Blanc is primarily made as a dry, still, white wine though newer additions to the market include sparkling varieties.
Is Sauvignon Blanc Good with Food – and Can you Cook with it?
It’s common knowledge that a low-quality wine can completely ruin a dish, right?
Due to the acidity of a Sauvignon Blanc, it’s actually one of the best white wines to cook with – specifically for poultry, seafood or anything rich and creamy. Plus, it’s great for adding another layer when cooking vegetables.
So, why do a lot of recipes ask for a dry, crisp white wine when cooking?
Well, sweet whites run the risk of caramelizing during cooking which can add unwanted sweetness to your dish whilst rich, oaky white, on the other hand, can become bitter.
Ideally, you want to choose one that’s between 10% ABV and 13% - anything higher and it will take too long to reduce.
And What Foods Should I be Pairing my Sauvignon Blanc with?
- Risotto
- Pasta or pasta salad
- Lighter, flaky, white fish such as halibut and trout
- Oysters
- Fresh crab
- Grilled fish such as sea bass
- Roasted vegetables
- Cheese – Brie, Swiss, Goats Cheese, Gouda, Feta, Gruyere – you name it, it goes with it!
- Japanese dishes; steamed and fried dim sum, smoked salmon, sushi, sashimi
- Greek and Mexican food with lots of fresh-tasting vegetables such as tomatoes, avocadoes, green onions, olives
- South-East Asian flavours such as lime, chilli and coriander
- Caesar salad
But which wines are best for drinking, we hear you ask?!
We’ve rounded up a few of our faves for you to get stocked in for Sauvignon Blanc Day… or just for Fridays, y’know.
Growers Gate Sauvignon Blanc White Wine
£9.99
Growers Gate was established in 2010 by a collection of like-minded grape growers in South Australia and close to a decade later, these relationships continue to thrive. The brand celebrates the vital role of growers in wine making.
They believe that quality wine starts in the vineyard where vines are nurtured through a deep understanding and respect for the land. Authentic and true, Growers Gate wines are the honest reflection of the growers’ work.
This wine is a 2021 South Australian Sauvignon Blanc, at 12.8% ABV. Fresh vibrant passionfruit aromatics lead to a palate of tropical lychee and pink grapefruit flavours. The crisp clean finish provides a delightful purity to this classic.
We love this because: it feels like summer in a glass – we can’t wait to be drinking this in the garden on a sunny evening in summer.
Healy and Gray Estate Reserve Sauvignon Blanc White Wine
£9.99
Healy and Gray Sauvignon Blanc is a lively wine of clear, lemon green colouring. On the palate it displays plenty of green and citrus fruit.
It includes citrus notes and fruits such as green apples, peach and pears, harmoniously combined with wild flowers.
It’s a fresh and fruity wine with crisp acidity and a long finish.
We love this because: it pairs perfectly with food such as seafood and light summer salads.
Constellations Sauvignon Blanc White Wine
£9.99
The driest desert in the world has crystal-clear skies over 300 cloud-free days a year and almost no light pollution which is why some of the most advanced telescopes and observatories call this arid land home.
But stargazing isn't just for the experts - the optimal conditions in Chile mean even regular travellers can gaze in awe at the dazzling night skies, which is from where Constellations drew its inspiration.
Apart from the stunning bottle, the Constellations Sauvignon Blanc is a luminous wine, pale greenish-yellow in colour, with aromas reminiscent of tropical fruits and refreshing herbal notes. Its flavour is fresh with bright acidity. It is pleasantly persistent providing an interesting balance between aromas and tastes.
We love this because: it’s an easy-drinking wine, perfect for those who are new to wine or fussy about flavour. Super user-friendly to offer your mate who doesn’t usually go for wine!
Nice Sauvignon Blanc Canned Wine
£30.99 for 12 cans (187ml per can)
Wine in a CAN?!?!
Yep. You heard us.
The Nice Sauvignon Blanc is a dry and crisp French white, it comes from the Côtes de Gascogne region of France. It’s dry, crisp and has includes hints of white peach. Plus, it’s a single serve measure and 100% recyclable.
We love it because: it’s perfect for picnics in the park, taking to your mate’s barbecue, or summer days on the beach – no bottle opener or glasses required.
Which is your favourite wine – and how are you celebrating this commemorative day?