Loire Touraine Sauvignon Blanc

My wine is a Touraine Sauvignon Blanc, not aged in oak, with grassy and herbal notes.

More about the Wine

Origin in France: Sauvignon Blanc is believed to have originated in the Bordeaux region of France. The grape’s name, “Sauvignon,” is derived from the French word “sauvage,” meaning “wild,” possibly because it was thought of as a wild grapevine.

Sauvignon Blanc has been cultivated in Bordeaux, France, for centuries and is one of the primary grapes used in Bordeaux white wine blends. It found a second home in France’s Loire Valley, where it particularly showcased characteristic minerality, citrus, and floral aromas. Two signature appellations in the Loire are Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé.

Sauvignon Blanc’s popularity spread beyond France and began to be planted in other wine regions around the world. In the 19th and 20th centuries, it made its way to New Zealand, California, South Africa, and other countries, adapting to various terroirs and climates. Sauvignon Blanc’s adaptability to different climates and winemaking styles has made it versatile producing a wide range of styles from bone-dry to sweet dessert wines.

Sauvignon Blanc made its debut in the United States during the 19th century when it was planted in California, primarily in the Napa Valley and Sonoma County regions. In the 1960s and 1970s, winemakers in California began to craft Sauvignon Blanc wines that deviated from the traditional French styles. American Sauvignon Blancs often feature more pronounced fruitiness, and sometimes underwent oak aging distinguishing them from their European counterparts. By the 1980s, Sauvignon Blanc had firmly established itself as a popular varietal in California, known for its crisp, refreshing character with flavours ranging from citrus and tropical fruits to grassy and herbal notes.

More detailed tasting notes

Body: Touraine Sauvignon Blanc is light to medium bodied wine, known as having bright and zesty acidity (a hallmark of the style). It is a dry and crisp wine with low-moderate alcohol.

Grape Flavours:

• Citrus: pronounced citrus notes with flavours of zesty lemon, lime, and sometimes grapefruit.
• Herbs: Sauvignon Blanc is known for its herbal qualities: green grass, green bell pepper, and fresh-cut green foliage
• Fruit: tart gooseberry

Flavouring:

• Malolactic Conversion: Many Touraine Sauvignon Blancs undergo some malolactic conversion. This softens the wine’s acidity and adds a creamy texture, but this is only with restraint to maintain the wine’s crispness and freshness.
• Touraine Sauvignon Blancs are rarely aged over lees and hardly ever in oak.

Aging: Touraine Sauvignon Blanc is typically consumed while it is young and fresh to enjoy its vibrant fruit and herbaceous notes. Extended aging is not common.