Wines
Sauvignon Blanc
Wine style and varietal guide
Reviewed by the WhatDrink Editorial TeamSuggest a correction
- White
- White • Dry
- 10–13% ABV
- Light body
- Dry sweetness
- medium-high acidity
Is this for me?
Choose this if…
- ✓You prefer dry, crisp wines without residual sweetness.
- ✓You prefer smooth, approachable wines with soft tannins.
- ✓You prefer lighter, more elegant wines.
Skip if…
- ✗You prefer sweeter or off-dry wines.
- ✗You want a structured, grippy red wine.
- ✗You want something rich, full-bodied or powerful.
At a Glance
10–13%ABV
DrySweetness
medium-highAcidity
LowTannin
LightBody
10°CServe
Nutrition values are style-level estimates. Actual values vary by producer and serving size. How we calculate this →
On this page
What is Sauvignon Blanc?
A dry white wine with high acidity and flavors of gooseberry, grass, and passionfruit.
Taste profile
Dry sweetnessmedium-high acidityLow tanninsLight bodyCitrusGrapefruitHerbal
Sensory profile
BodyLight – Full
DrynessSweet – Bone dry
TanninSoft – Grippy
AcidityFlat – Crisp
FruitinessEarthy – Fruity
BoldnessDelicate – Bold
Beginner-friendlyAcquired taste – Easy intro
- Style: White
- ABV range: 10–13%
- Light body
- Dry sweetness
Grape & region
- Grape varieties
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Region(s)
- Loire, Bordeaux, Marlborough, California
- Country
- France / International
- Sweetness
- Low
Principal wine regions
A principal grape in Bordeaux, California, Loire and more — explore the regions known for it.
How it’s made
- Method
- Dry aromatic white wine fermentation; usually still.
Food pairings
When to serve
DinnerSavoury foodWhite
Dietary
How Sauvignon Blanc fits common dietary preferences (general guidance — always check the specific producer).
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-Free
Also known as
SB (ambiguous_short_name)Sauv Blanc (common_short_name)Sav Blanc (common_short_name)
Frequently asked questions
- What is Sauvignon Blanc?
- A dry white wine with high acidity and flavors of gooseberry, grass, and passionfruit.
- What does Sauvignon Blanc taste like?
- Sauvignon Blanc is often described as Citrus, Grapefruit, Herbal. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and vintage.
- What foods pair with Sauvignon Blanc?
- Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with Cheese, Cheese Board, Salads, Vegetarian Food. Food pairing suggestions are based on complementary flavour profiles.
- How strong is Sauvignon Blanc?
- Sauvignon Blanc typically has an ABV of 10–13%. Strength varies by producer and vintage.
- When should I drink Sauvignon Blanc?
- Sauvignon Blanc works well as an aperitif, with a meal, or as a standalone sipping wine. The ideal occasion depends on the body and sweetness level — lighter styles suit casual dining while fuller-bodied wines complement heartier dishes.
- What wines are similar to Sauvignon Blanc?
- If you enjoy Sauvignon Blanc, explore other wine styles with a similar body and flavour profile using the sensory bars as a guide. Wines with matching acidity and tannin scores will feel closest in character.
- Does Sauvignon Blanc improve with age?
- Cellaring potential for Sauvignon Blanc depends on the producer, vintage and storage conditions. Most everyday expressions are best enjoyed within 3–5 years of release. Premium examples may benefit from longer ageing — check producer notes for guidance.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Tannin/Bitterness (soft to grippy), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent), Boldness (delicate to bold) and Beginner-Friendly (acquired taste to easy intro). Each scale helps you compare wine styles at a glance.
- How do I use the sensory profile to find wines I like?
- If you enjoy light, crisp wines look for Light Body with Crisp Acidity. For bold, rich wines choose Full Body with Grippy Tannin. Compare Sauvignon Blanc with similar wine styles to find your next favourite.
Last updated
Wine style information is approximate and varies by producer, region, vintage and serving size.