Sauvignon Blanc is 700 Years Old

The popularity of Sauvignon Blanc is super cool, so let's check out its history. It originated in the Loire Valley of France in the 1500's. The name "sauvignon" comes from two French words: "sauvage" which means wild, and "vigne" which means vine. Here's where things can get a bit confusing: one of its parents is an ancient grape called Savagnin, which is pretty close to Sauvignon. Anyway, that makes it related to other grapes such as Gruner Veltliner, Chenin Blanc, Silvaner, and Verdelho. Sancerre is located in the Loire Valley, so we can see how long Sauvignon Blanc has been growing there! Sauvignon Blanc spread to the Bordeaux region around the 18th century, and became famous as a "white Bordeaux" in blends with Semillon. Historically, many of these were sweet wines, with the most famous coming from Chateau d'Yquem. Charles Wetmore brought cuttings to California from this famous chateau in the 19th century. Drier styles of Sauvignon Blanc in California emerged in the 1960's and 7-'s, and plantings grew all around the state. Sauvignon Blanc was taken to New Zealand in 1970. Because of its unique island characteristics and soils, a distinct expression of this grape emerged and took the world by storm. South Africa, Chile, and Australia also grow lots of Sauvignon Blanc and express their own terroirs. There's something so special about the mix of ripe fruit, like grapefruit and nectarine, mixed with green elements like bell pepper and fresh cut grass. As Chardonnay fell from grace, Sauvignon Blanc was there to rescue white wine drinkers. We have several styles of this most noble grape at both Vintage and Buvette, so come on by! Cheers!