Sauvignon Blanc Grape variety guide: history, French regions, taste & food pairing
Sauvignon Blanc is one of the world's most popular white grapes, beloved for its zesty acidity and vivid aromas. Its spiritual homes are the Loire Valley, with Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, and Bordeaux.
Learn more about Sauvignon Blanc
History & origins
Sauvignon Blanc originated in western France, probably the Loire or Bordeaux, and its name comes from "sauvage," wild, as it once grew like a wild vine. DNA shows it is an offspring of Savagnin, and in the 17th century it crossed naturally with Cabernet Franc to give birth to Cabernet Sauvignon. It later became a global star in New Zealand's Marlborough.
French regions & appellations
Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, Menetou-Salon, Quincy, Reuilly, Touraine and Cheverny in the Loire; Bordeaux Blanc, Entre-Deux-Mers, Graves, Pessac-Léognan and Sauternes in Bordeaux; Saint-Bris in Burgundy.
Taste profile
Light to medium body with high acidity, showing grapefruit, lime, gooseberry, passion fruit, cut grass, green bell pepper and a flinty, smoky minerality in the Loire.
Food pairing
Crottin de Chavignol and other goat cheeses, oysters, asparagus, ceviche, grilled fish, herb salads and Vietnamese dishes.
Where Sauvignon Blanc grows in France
Wine regions: Bordeaux, Cognac, Languedoc-Roussillon, Loire, Rhône, Sud-Ouest
Appellations: Bordeaux, Cheverny, Crémant de Bordeaux, Côteaux d'Enserune, Côteaux du Giennois, Côtes de Bourg, Côtes de Gascogne, Côtes de la Charité, Francs Côtes De Bordeaux, Gaillac, Graves, IGP Ardèche, IGP Atlantique, IGP Cité de Carcassonne, IGP Pays d'Hérault, IGP Pays d'Oc, IGP Terres du Midi, IGP Val de Loire, Menetou Salon, Monbazillac, Pessac-Leognan, Pineau des Charentes, Pouilly-Fumé, Quincy, Sancerre, Sauternes, Touraine Chenonceaux, Touraine, Vin de France