If there is one wine that epitomizes the essence of summer, it’s Sauvignon Blanc. Affectionately known as ‘Savvy B”, the crisp, vibrant varietal is a true staple in New Zealand and beyond. Its zesty acidity, tropical fruit flavours and herbaceous notes make it quite the quintessential choice for sunny days, beach picnics and backyard dinners.
Crisp acidity, light bodied and it’s fruity nature delivers on the ultimate summer wine to sip on. It’s bright, crisp acidity is like a splash of cool water on a hot day, making it irresistibly refreshing. Unlike heavier reds or oaky whites, Sauvignon Blanc’s light body and clean finish makes it extremely easy to sip on, even when the heats turned on.
Lets not forget about its flavour profile, with its classical notes of lime, passionfruit, green apple and freshly cut grass, every sip feels like a burst of Summer.
Sauvignon Blanc has a storied past that begins in France's Loire Valley and Bordeaux regions. The name derives from the French words “sauvage” (wild) and “blanc” (white, hinting at the grape’s origins as a wild-growing vine. While it continues to thrive in its native France, Sauvignon Blanc’s global rise to fame is largely credited right here, in New Zealand.
New Zealand’s Marlborough region put Sauvignon Blanc on the world map in the 1980s. The unique climate and soil of Marlborough produced wines with an intensity of flavour and aromatic purity that captivated the wine world. Today, New Zealand Sauvignon is celebrated for its vibrant tropical fruit flavours, zesty acidity and distinctive grassy notes - a style that has truly become a benchmark for the varietal.
In New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc isn’t just a wine- it’s a cultural icon. Its crisp, lively style captures the essence of kiwi summers, where long, sunny days are spent outdoors, surrounded by stunning landscapes whether you’re in the north or south island. Enjoying a chilled glass at a barbeque, on a picnic or having some mates over, Sauvignon Blanc embodied the relaxed and joyful spirit of Summer.
New Zealand’s diverse regions each bring their unique characteristics to Sauvignon Blanc, showcasing the country's ability to produce world-class wines. From exploring the varietal from different regions you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the varietals versatility and the incredible diversity of New Zealand’s wine landscape.
Marlborough:
The undisputed home of New Zealand Sauvignon, Marlborough produces a high volume of the country's wine. This region is renowned for its signature style; vibrant citrus and tropical fruit flavours with hints of fresh herbs. Iconic wineries like Cloudy Bay, Brancott Estate and Villa Maria have cemented Marlborough’s reputation globally.
Hawke's Bay:
Another popular Sauvignon Blanc producing region of New Zealand that is known for its warmer climate. Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc often exhibits riper stone-fruit and melon notes with softer acidity. Wineries such as Te Mata Estate and Trinity Hill are worth exploring for a different take on the varietal.
Nelson:
Adjacent to Marlborough, Nelson offers a boutique approach to the varietal. Its sunny days and cool nights create wines with a balance of ripe fruit and refreshing acidity, keep an eye out for producers like Seifired estate and Neudorf Vineyards to explore their take on the national beauty.
One of the many reasons Sauvignon Blanc is so beloved is its versatility with food. Its high acidity and vibrant flavours make it a natural companion to a wide array of summer dishes. Here are some classic pairings to try:
Seafood:
Sauvignon Blanc’s citrus notes complement the brininess of oysters, the sweetness of scallops and the delicate flavours of white fish, grilled prawns with a squeeze of lime - perfection!
Goat cheese:
The tangy creaminess of goat cheese is a match made in heaven for Sauvignon Blanc’s zesty character. Think goat cheese tarts of a fresh summer salad with goat cheese scattered throughout.
Asian dishes:
The wines vibrant acidity and herbaceous notes stand up well to the bold flavours of Thai, Vietnamese or Japanese cuisine, especially dishes with lime, chili and cilantro.
Grilled vegetables:
Think asparagus, zucchini or capsicum drizzled over with olive oil - a truly divine match for Sauvignons grassy undertones.
Salads:
You can’t go wrong with a fresh salad, think crisp garden salads to tropical fruit salads, the varietal pairs beautifully with those light, fresh flavours of Summer.
Looking for a creative way to sip on Sauvignon Blanc this summer? Take a look below.
Savvy B Spritz: Who said wine can’t be mixed? Mix your Sauvignon of choice with soda water, a splash of elderflower cordial and garnish of mist for a light and bubbly cocktail.
Frozen Sauvignon: Pour your Savvy into ice cube trays with a slice of lime or kiwifruit, pop into the freeze until chilled and pop one into your glass to slowly chill without diluting it.
Wine popsicles: Ever felt like a R18 popsicle? Blend Sauvignon with fresh fruit like pineapple or mango, freeze in molds and enjoy as a grown up summer treat.
Savvy B truly is summer in a glass. Its crisp acidity, vibrant flavours and versatility make it a perfect companion for warm-weather meals and celebrations.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to this iconic varietal, there’s no better time to open a bottle of your favourite Sav then during the sunny days of Summer. Chill your favourite bottle, gather your friends and toast to the sunny season ahead!