Sauvignon Blanc Guide

Zesty, aromatic and refreshing: the white wine built for warm days and fresh food.

Quick answer
Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, dry white with citrus, green apple, passion fruit and fresh-cut grass notes. Serve it at 45-50°F with goat cheese, seafood, salads and herby dishes.

What does Sauvignon Blanc taste like?

It's high in acidity with flavors that range from lime, grapefruit and gooseberry to tropical passion fruit, plus a signature herbal, grassy or green-pepper edge. Most are unoaked and best drunk young.

Where does it grow best?

  • Marlborough, New Zealand: intensely aromatic and tropical. See our Marlborough guide.
  • Loire Valley, France: Sancerre and Pouilly-FumĂ©, more mineral and restrained.
  • Bordeaux, France: often blended with SĂ©millon.
  • California: sometimes oaked and labeled FumĂ© Blanc.

How to serve it

Serve well chilled, 45-50°F, in a smaller white wine glass that keeps it cool and focuses the aromas.

Best food pairings

  • Goat cheese and feta
  • Oysters, shrimp and grilled fish
  • Green salads, asparagus and pesto
  • Thai and Vietnamese dishes with fresh herbs

Sauvignon Blancs to try

Read our Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc review and our seafood pairing guide.

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Sauvignon Blanc FAQ

Is Sauvignon Blanc sweet?

No. It's almost always dry; its ripe tropical aromas can make it seem fruity, but there's little sugar.

Sauvignon Blanc vs. Pinot Grigio: what's the difference?

Both are crisp and dry, but Sauvignon Blanc is more aromatic and herbal, while Pinot Grigio is lighter and more neutral.

How long does Sauvignon Blanc last after opening?

About 3-5 days re-corked in the fridge. See how long wine lasts.