06 Jul, 2020
Today, it is one of the most popular and widely-planted grapes in the world producing an equally popular aromatic, refreshing, crisp and citrusy white wine. It stands out so much that it has its own International Sauvignon Blanc Day on May 1.
Where is Sauvignon Blanc from?
Although originating in the Loire Valley and Bordeaux in France, Sauvignon Blanc is also grown and produced in countries such as Italy and Spain and more recently New Zealand and the USA.
The conditions in California are perfect to make great ‘Sav Blanc’ wine, and that’s where our Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc comes from.
The Sauvignon Blanc Grapes
The Sauvignon Blanc grape is found in temperate climates including Bordeaux, California and New Zealand. The vines of Sauvignon Blanc develop late buds and it ripens early.
The warm weather, Pacific Ocean breeze and natural mountainscapes mean that California has the perfect grape-growing conditions for Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc.
Temperatures influence the taste of these grapes, with cooler temperatures causing more acidity and leaving herbaceous, citrusy flavours and warmer ones result in riper, tropical fruit flavours.
Sauvignon Blanc Serving Temperature
Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc should be served chilled and requires between 30 and 40 minutes in the fridge ahead of serving. For unoaked wine, the serving temperature is 8°C and for oaked this is 11°C.
Is Sauvignon Blanc sweet or dry?
Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc is a dry white wine. However due to the warmer Californian temperatures, the wine has a hint of tropical fruits too. This gives the wine a richer and more lively texture.
Sauvignon Blanc Taste
Fruit tones dominate the taste of Sauvignon Blanc. These include peach, pear and nectarine. Also look (and smell!) out for grapefruit, gooseberry and even fresh cut grass in the rich array of aromas and flavours to discover in each glass.
Sauvignon Blanc tastes do vary depending on where they are grown. Those in cooler climates will be more tart with a taste of green apple and lime. While wine from warmer climates like California are riper and more tropical.
Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc has, in common with those from New Zealand, a fruitier style than those from France.
Sauvignon Blanc Food Pairings
A glass of chilled Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc goes perfectly with fresh seafood, particularly shellfish, and especially oysters. It’s also perfect to pair with white meat such as chicken and goes well with vegetables and salads. It’s also ideal for a wine and cheese night or a serving of sushi and poke.
If your meal includes green herbs then reach straight from the Dark Horse Sav Blanc because the herbaceous notes make for a wonderful accompaniment. This includes any dishes featuring mint, basil, parsley and rosemary.
An award-winning wine
The 2018 vintage of Dark Horse 2018 Sauvignon Blanc was awarded 90 points by Wine Enthusiast Magazine in March 2020. Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc benefits from an early harvest that ensures the fresh green notes and acidity.
Specific blending techniques with hints of other grapes including Gewürztraminer, another aromatic grape variety, improve the taste of Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc, enhance the aromas and give it a clean finish. Ageing in stainless steel highlights the wines aromas and flavours to give it that balance of acidity and fruit. This process is better at keeping that vibrant crispness that you’ll enjoy in a glass of this wine when compared to oak ageing.