With the demise of Chardonnay over recent years and the ABC club (Anything But Chardonnay) in full attendance, another grape variety has shot to prominence; Sauvignon Blanc. Traditionally grown in the Loire valley of France where it has found fame in Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé, this crafty grape variety has stolen the limelight from the other side of the world.
The first Sauvignon Blanc plantings in New Zealand took place in the 1980's and its astronomical rise to fame spirralled from there. Kiwi Sauvignon is now one of the most popular wines on the market and people just can't seem to get enough of it.
I have begun to wonder whether Sauvignon Blanc will follow 90's Chardonnay and lose popularity through sheer over exposure. I am a big fan of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc certainly has a place due to its light body, crisp acidity and refreshing nature. It is perfect chilled for when you get in from work and need a cold glass of vino. It is a lovely lunchtime summer sipper when you need to quench that thirst. However, there are some super alternatives out there that are currently under the radar, and in my opinion, offer something a little more interesting.
First up is Gruner Veltliner. This is an Austrian grape variety that I have recently discovered. Grown all over Austria it is a great alternative to Sauvignon Blanc. It still has a racing acidity and a core of citrus fruit, but the overtones of peach, melon and a hint of spice make this a tantalisingly refreshing white wine. Light in body and a refreshing acidity means that this wine will pair with similar foods to Sauvignon Blanc, such as summer salads and light seafood dishes. This wine also pairs very well with Chinese cuisine.
Another grape variety to test out is Rousanne. This is a French varietal grown across the Rhône valley and Languedoc regions of France, as well as experimental vineyards in South Africa. It is slightly fuller bodied than Sauvignon Blanc and has a distinct nuttiness as well as stone fruit flavours and a rounded mouthfeel. The wine still has a lovely, crisp acidity, but the added body and depth of flavour make it a great match for light poultry dishes.
Although these grape varieties may not be at the forefront of many retailers, offerings are available from Waitrose, Sainsbury's and Majestic Wines. Next time you reach out for a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc just take a brief moment to consider trying something new. You never know what you might discover!
The first Sauvignon Blanc plantings in New Zealand took place in the 1980's and its astronomical rise to fame spirralled from there. Kiwi Sauvignon is now one of the most popular wines on the market and people just can't seem to get enough of it.
I have begun to wonder whether Sauvignon Blanc will follow 90's Chardonnay and lose popularity through sheer over exposure. I am a big fan of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc certainly has a place due to its light body, crisp acidity and refreshing nature. It is perfect chilled for when you get in from work and need a cold glass of vino. It is a lovely lunchtime summer sipper when you need to quench that thirst. However, there are some super alternatives out there that are currently under the radar, and in my opinion, offer something a little more interesting.
First up is Gruner Veltliner. This is an Austrian grape variety that I have recently discovered. Grown all over Austria it is a great alternative to Sauvignon Blanc. It still has a racing acidity and a core of citrus fruit, but the overtones of peach, melon and a hint of spice make this a tantalisingly refreshing white wine. Light in body and a refreshing acidity means that this wine will pair with similar foods to Sauvignon Blanc, such as summer salads and light seafood dishes. This wine also pairs very well with Chinese cuisine.
Another grape variety to test out is Rousanne. This is a French varietal grown across the Rhône valley and Languedoc regions of France, as well as experimental vineyards in South Africa. It is slightly fuller bodied than Sauvignon Blanc and has a distinct nuttiness as well as stone fruit flavours and a rounded mouthfeel. The wine still has a lovely, crisp acidity, but the added body and depth of flavour make it a great match for light poultry dishes.
Although these grape varieties may not be at the forefront of many retailers, offerings are available from Waitrose, Sainsbury's and Majestic Wines. Next time you reach out for a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc just take a brief moment to consider trying something new. You never know what you might discover!
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