Sauvignon

All varietals and blends featuring the popular international grape Sauvignon Blanc (known in Italy simply as Sauvignon).

GRAPE GEEK: Sauvignon can trace its roots back to the south-west area of France. It takes its name from the French word sauvage, meaning wild. Outside of Europe it is sometimes called Fume Blanc. It’s believed that an 18th century grape breeder crossed Savagnin (which has ties to the ancient Traminer variety) with Cabernet Franc, resulting in the Sauvignon we know today. Sauvignon was then crossed with Cabernet Franc to produce Cabernet Sauvignon. This vine history is a reminder of how connected these varieties are genetically and perhaps offers some insight into why these famous grapes have been responsible for some of the world’s finest wines. Sauvignon is an early ripening grape, suiting a cooler climate to avoid over-ripening by harvest time. This makes it an ideal choice for the sunny, breezy mountain climate of Italy’s northern regions. In the case of Sauvignon grapes, the decisions made in the cellar by the winemakers can greatly impact the resulting wine, especially the amount of contact that the must has with the skins. Generally, if vitners reduce contact time with the skins the resulting Sauvignon well be better suited to ageing. The use of oak barrels or stainless steel tanks is another important choice, since the oak can create a more rounded wine while stainless steel fermentation tends to produce more intense flavours and aromas. Look for hints of citrus in young or ripe Sauvignon wines. Apple or peach notes are also typical for Sauvignon, especially the older wines. Italian Sauvignons have good minerality. Sauvignon is usually made into a dry wine, but it can also be used for excellent sweet wines.