Sauvignon Blanc Climate Influences

Cool Climate: Sauvignon Blanc from cooler climates retain higher levels of vegetable (think green pepper, asparagus) or grassy flavors (fresh cut grass, lemongrass).  Fruit flavors will also gain complexity pairing citrusy grapefruit, lemon and lime with stone fruits and tropical fruits such as passionfruit, pineapple and melon.  Tart gooseberry flavors can also shine and enhance cool climate flavors with sharp acidity and light to medium-body. 

Moderate Climate: Primary flavors of Sauvignon Blanc from more moderate climates has little citrus remaining and shifts more toward tropical to include pineapple and honeydew melon paired with ripe peach and nectarine.  As with most white wines with stronger stone fruit or tropical fruits flavors, moderate climate Sauvignon Blanc may taste sweeter while in fact they are quite dry.  Riper fruit flavors may also lead wine makers to expose the fermented wine to the lees before bottling.  These wines will have a distinct aroma and creamier flavor which cannot be achieved without this exposure.  The grape’s naturally high acidity remains while the warmer climate drives higher sugar levels at harvest translating to elevated alcohol and medium to full body.