What Kind of Wine is Sauvignon Blanc?

Sauvignon Blanc refers both to the grapes and the wines made with them. The grape is originally from France, but it’s currently grown in wine-producing regions all around the world.

The name comes from the French word ‘sauvage’, which means “wild”. French producers have been growing this grape for over 500 years, but it's been growing in popularity thanks to the innovative wines being produced in New Zealand.  

This grape variety was brought to Oceania in the 1970s. Wine-makers quickly realised that the climate was perfect for ripening the grape, and it is now the most common variety grown there.

Although the grapes can be used for any style of wine, the most popular ones are aromatic and fresh dry white wines. Its flavours vary in intensity depending on where it’s grown, from France and Italy to New Zealand.  

Sauvignon Blanc is a white grape that makes refreshing dry wines. The colour tends to be a pale yellow that slowly shifts towards light green. This grape is grown in cooler climates, which helps to conserve the aromas, freshness and acidity associated with this beloved grape variety. 

Sauvignon Blanc is generally a medium-bodied wine which is flavourful on the palate and particularly light. As we mentioned before, it has high acidity levels with strong flavours and aromas.

Wherever it is grown, it will always have a unique aromatic blend. From grapefruit, lime and passion fruit to fresh herbs or jalapeño. In warmer climates where this grape is grown, it also takes on flavours of peach and honey. 

Sauvignon Blanc vines prefer sunny yet mild climates, allowing their buds to come into bloom late and their fruit to ripen early. This balance between early ripening and late flowering is the hallmark of these white wines. It is also a feature that oenologists control when it comes to producing this variety of wine.

Sauvignon Blanc grapes are fermented slowly in stainless-steel tanks at low temperatures. This helps to preserve the acidity while also bringing out the different flavours in the fruit. This method allows for the pyrazine chemical compounds in the Sauvignon Blanc to blossom, thus creating the herbal notes in this white wine. 

In total, the process of harvesting, fermenting, filtering and bottling can last around four months. 

Did you know that El Coto de Rioja is the leading producer of white wines in D.O.Ca Rioja? Or that it has one of the Top 3 best-selling white wines in Spain? Among them, we produce three white wines with Sauvignon Blanc grapes: 

• El Coto Blanco. This is the best-selling D.O.Ca Rioja wine in the world. The grapes come from our Finca Carbonera vineyard, which is the highest altitude vineyard in La Rioja. With Viura, Verdejo and Sauvignon varieties, this wine is very fresh on the palate. You'll notice aromas of white fruits and citric flourishes.  
• El Coto Selección de Viñedos Blanco. This wine also comes from Finca Carbonera. Its greenish yellow colour has a refreshing yet smooth lingering after-taste in the mouth. It has aromas of boxwood because it's grown in cooler areas, but also of tropical and citrus fruits. 
• Coto Mayor Blanco. Greenish yellow in colour, its citrus and tropical fruit flourishes stand out on the palate. Complex yet balanced, it is a perfect pairing for seafood and fish. You can only enjoy this wine in bars and restaurants.