{"id":3032,"date":"2017-05-04T12:03:44","date_gmt":"2017-05-04T17:03:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/?p=3032"},"modified":"2017-07-02T11:10:19","modified_gmt":"2017-07-02T16:10:19","slug":"exploring-many-faces-sauvignon-blanc-international-sauvignon-blanc-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/2017\/05\/exploring-many-faces-sauvignon-blanc-international-sauvignon-blanc-day\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring the Many Faces of Sauvignon Blanc on International Sauvignon Blanc Day"},"content":{"rendered":"
Cheers to International Sauvignon Blanc Day, which for the last 8 years has been celebrated the first Friday in May. Or is it April 24? Actually I’ve seen both days touted as Sauvignon Blanc Day, but since the May date has been around for almost a decade, social media guru Rick Bakas says this is the date, and the entire country of New Zealand has over two weeks of celebrations leading up to this designated day, I’m going with this one. But I mean, heck it’s not a bad deal to drink Sauv Blancs both days or even for the 2 weeks between the days. Either way, you’re #winning.<\/p>\n
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Like so many other international varieties, Sauvignon Blanc hails from France, particularly the Loire Valley and Bordeaux. Additionally, it is a variety that very much responds to its terroir, producing various styles depending on where it is grown. And depending on where it\u2019s from and winemaker preferences, the wine may see no oak, light oak, significant oak, or may even be made into a dessert wine. However, one common characteristic of the regions in which the grape is grown is that it is typically produced in cool climates. So here\u2019s a primer on some of the many faces of Sauvignon Blanc.<\/p>\n
The Loire Valley\u2019s Sancerre and Pouilly-Fum\u00e9 are considered the gold standard for many when it comes to Sauvignon Blanc. These wines really do show an elegance that other versions rarely can produce. When buying these wines, you will not see \u2018Sauvignon Blanc\u2019 on the label, but rather will see the regions of Sancerre & Pouilly-Fum\u00e9 on the bottle.<\/p>\n
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Sancerre and Pouilly-Fum\u00e9 are known for their chalky, stone soils which give the wines a mineral, almost steely or wet stone characteristic. These wines tend to be dry and high in acidity. We\u2019re talking razor sharp acidity here. Additionally, wines from Pouilly-Fum\u00e9 often are a bit smoky.<\/p>\n
While the wines of the Loire are known for their bracing acidity, Sauvignon Blanc from Bordeaux tends to see some oak aging (but usually more subtle than New World versions) resulting in wines that are a bit fuller bodied and richer. In Bordeaux, Sauvignon Blanc is often blended with S\u00e9millon which takes the edge off the acidity in the wine. So you’re left with a wonderful balance of acidity and creaminess. When looking for a Bordeaux Blanc, wines from Pessac-L\u00e9ognan and Graves are always a sure bet.<\/p>\n