The white grape variety Sauvignon Blanc is believed to originate in Bordeaux, where it is used most notably to produce the dessert wine Sauternes. However it is better known as the super aromatic, refreshingly acidic, minerally wine from Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé in the Loire valley. The aroma of Sauvignon Blanc is sometimes described as ‘cat’s pee’ (we’d say gooseberry or flowering currant!). Increasingly popular in recent years, Sauvignon Blanc has found a new home in the Marlborough region of New Zealand, where its most famous incarnation is Cloudy Bay. Chile and South Africa also produce some very good wines from this variety. |