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Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is one of the bouquet grape varieties with a particularly wide range of aromas. It was first mentioned in documents in 1710 in the southwest of France and is one of the best-known white grape varieties in the world.

  • 1.923

    Hektar bestockte Rebfläche in Deutschland 2022

Cultivation

In Germany, Sauvignon Blanc was first approved for cultivation in Württemberg in 1999, followed by the wine-growing regions of Rhineland-Palatinate in 2001. Since then, its cultivation area has grown strongly and has tripled in the last ten years. With now around 1,923 hectares nationwide in 2022, it has gained a firm place in the supply lists of many wineries. It can be assumed that cultivation will continue to increase in the coming years, as the variety is also climatically very well suited for cultivation in Germany. With a share of 770 hectares or 40 percent of the vineyard area planted with Sauvignon Blanc nationwide, the Palatinate makes a particularly strong mark with Sauvignon Blanc. With around 618 hectares, a further third is cultivated in Rheinhessen.

Significance

Sauvignon Blanc is one of the bouquet grape varieties with a particularly wide range of aromas. It was first mentioned in documents in 1710 in the southwest of France and is one of the best-known white grape varieties worldwide.

Vinification and taste

In Germany, Sauvignon Blanc was first approved for cultivation in Württemberg in 1999, followed by the wine-growing regions of Rhineland-Palatinate in 2001. Since then, its cultivation area has grown strongly and has tripled in the last ten years. With now around 1,923 hectares nationwide in 2022, it has gained a firm place in the supply lists of many wineries. It can be assumed that cultivation will continue to increase in the coming years, as the variety is also climatically very well suited for cultivation in Germany. With a share of 770 hectares or 40 percent of the vineyard area planted with Sauvignon Blanc nationwide, the Palatinate makes a particularly strong mark with Sauvignon Blanc. With around 618 hectares, a further third is cultivated in Rheinhessen.

The stylistic spectrum of Sauvignon Blanc in this region ranges from extremely fruity with pronounced aromas reminiscent of passion fruit, grapefruit or elderberry to the rather tart type with scents of freshly cut grass, gooseberries or peppers.

Fumè variant in the premium segment
Very exciting and promising for the future is the increasing ageing of Sauvignon Blancs in 500-litre tonneau barrels. These more complex wines are often marketed as "Fumé" variants in the premium segment and are excellent menu companions, for example with asparagus or fish dishes.

At a glance

  •     Worldwide widespread white grape variety
  •     relatively demanding variety, prefers good and deep soils
  •     Only reaches full ripeness in warm locations
  •     Aroma: notes of gooseberry, blackcurrant, pepper, citrus fruits

For which varietal off-flavor is Sauvignon Blanc known?

A typical off-flavor for Sauvignon Blanc as well as for Scheurebe is cat urine! In lower concentrations, the responsible substance causes gooseberry and cassis aromas, in higher concentrations, however, it can turn into the unpleasantly biting.

Wineries Wineries in the area

  • Varietal Domina rich, full-bodied, tannic, medium acidity

    Domina

  • Varietal Scheurebe The accentuated bouquet is reminiscent of cassis, peach or ripe pear.

    Scheurebe

  • Varietal Bacchus The variety, which with its flowery muscat tone is reminiscent of the Scheurebe, boomed especially in the 1970s to 80s.

    Bacchus