Sauvignon Blanc Tasting Notes

Tasting Notes:

• Primary:  

• Cool Climate flavors found in Sauvignon Blanc grapes are citrus driven from grapefruit, lime and lemon. 
• Riper or more Moderate Climate grapes lean toward richer stone fruits including peach, apricot and nectarine and even peach blossoms. Tropical fruits such as passionfruit, pineapple, melon and lychee (which will also be highly evident in the wine’s aroma) complete the fruit basket. 
• “Green” flavors such as green pepper, asparagus, fresh grass or herbs make Sauvignon Blanc unique and distinct. 
• Mineral notes having the sensation of licking wet stones may also appear.

The uniquely distinct flavors of green pepper, herbs, grasses, and gooseberries in Sauvignon Blanc are created when the organic compound called “pyrazine” is present in the grape. 

Some Sauvignon Blanc wines which are considered in the top tier of quality have very unique and acrid flavors reminiscent of cat urine (yes, we are serious) which is considered an added bonus for enthusiasts of this style.  It is not a wine fault like being “corked”!

• Secondary: 

• Oak:  Secondary flavors of baking spice, vanilla, toast, and smoke can complement Sauvignon Blanc’s fruit forward nature adding complexity and warm notes. 
• Lees:  If the wine maker chooses to allow the fermented wine exposure to lees, creamy, yoghurt-like flavors will appear.

• Tertiary: 
  • Bottle aging Sauvignon Blanc builds on its complexity and can take on flavors from creamy citrus curds, custards, or buttery peach cobbler. 
  • Honey, baking spices and burnt sugar appear from oxygen exposure, or oxidation.