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Wines

Sauvignon Blanc

Wine style and varietal guide

  • 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
Citrus(high)Grapefruit(medium)Herbal(medium)

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

What do these dimensions mean?

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.

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)

About this drink

Sauvignon Blanc is associated with Loire and Bordeaux traditions, then became globally famous through fresh, aromatic examples from places such as New Zealand. Its history helps explain why the style often signals acidity, herbs, citrus and seafood-friendly freshness.

Similar styles

Try Sauvignon Blanc if you like crisp whites

Sauvignon Blanc is a good fit if you want a white wine with freshness, acidity and herbal or citrus notes. It often suits seafood, salads and lighter dishes.

How to compare

How to compare Sauvignon Blanc

Compare this wine by body, acidity, sweetness and finish. Similar grape or style names can feel very different once structure and food pairing change.

Skip if

Skip Sauvignon Blanc if...

Skip Sauvignon Blanc if its body, acidity or sweetness does not match the dish. Wine style choice works best when structure fits the food weight.

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.
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.

Last updated

Wine style information is approximate and varies by producer, region, vintage and serving size.