For many years, wine experts believed that Sauvignon Blanc originated in Bordeaux - at least that's what the Bordeaux people would have us believe - but recent genetic evidence points to the Loire Valley as the variety's birthplace. The grape takes its name from the French word sauvage, which translates to "wild", and combines it with the French word blanc for "white", so in effect what we have here is a wine made from a "wild white grape" . This nomenclature probably resulted from the fact that the vine appears rather neglected when left without adequate "care" and we (along with many of our sommelier colleagues) think that it also indicates the characteristic odors of "cat pee" or "cat litter". ", which are sometimes quite wild and wild! This aroma is generally caused by natural compounds called "pyrazines" and can also arise from "thiols", which are a byproduct of fermentation.
You can also expect (more pleasant) aromas of grapefruit, lime, lemon, melon, green apple, freshly cut green herbs, freshly cut grass and exotic fruit flavors depending on where the grapes grow. It is quite common to find some "cat" smells in New Zealand, French or even South African Sauvignon Blancs, but they are often tempered by aromas of lemongrass and green herbs. Many people love the aromas of Sauvignon Blanc, and if the scent doesn't make you uncomfortable (it shouldn't), you'll be rewarded with wines that exhibit extraordinary freshness, boldness of acidity, and exciting fruit flavors.
Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with summer foods such as salads and seafood including scallops, sushi, mussels and shrimp. It also goes great with cheeses made from sheep's milk such as French chèvre or Greek feta. You can also pair it with green salads dressed with acidulous vinaigrette or tomato Caprese salad.
Here is our Arswine selection:
Austria: Sieme Eichberg company Adam Lieleg
New Zealand : Saint Claire azienda Saint Claire estate
France: La Grande Chatelaine azienda Josep Maillot
South Africa: Villiera Bush company Villiera wines
Spain: Diez Siglos Sauvignon azienda Diez Siglos
Among the best Italian Sauvignons our ARS WINE selection has awarded the Sauvignon Alturis
Imagine a sensorial journey through the vineyards of the hills of Friuli Venezia Giulia. The fresh and fruity aromas of Alturis Sauvignon Blanc delicately envelop you, evoking notes of currant, grapefruit and white peach. At the first sip, its lively freshness dances on the palate, with a pleasant acidity that blends harmoniously with a persistent and mineral finish, giving you an unforgettable experience