Sauvignon Blanc originates for the Loire Valley in France. It is a vigorous and sturdy plant producing full heavy bunches of grapes with a green herbaceous colour about them.

It is tempermental however producing light thin crops some years and heavy overloaded crops other years.

It is however a most adaptable grape variety displaying different personalities depending on where it is grown.

In cool regions, Sauvignon Blanc wines can be light, sharp and grassy. However, if the region is too cool the wine can be excessively tart and pungent. In warmer regions the wine lacks varietal character and crispness.

In Australia, Sauvignon Blanc can be found in many regions including Central Victoria, the Yarra Valley, Adelaide Hills and Margaret River.

The wine from the Adelaide Hills can display herbaceousness, gooseberry, and some tropical fruit flavours. The wines from Margaret River, can be more tropical fruit driven, whilst still maintaining their crispness and zest.

Of course one of the best exponents of Sauvignon Blanc is the wine from the Marlborough Region of New Zealand. A cool climate region best suited to this variety. Their wines display a intensity of gooseberry fruit flavour.

Sauvignon Blanc is sometimes oaked, and this can give the wine added dimensions, including longevity. But it is Sauvignon Blanc’s combination with Semillon which gives it standing with some wine connoisseurs. The Blend has a character of its own which for my money is better then either variety on its own. The Semillon can contribute extra flavour intensity, filling out the palate.

The Bacchus Hill Sauvignon Blanc displays crisp kiwi/ unripened stonefruit characters, and a herbaceous, green bean and fresh asparagus aromas, which enhances its overall vigour and vitality.

The Bacchus Hill Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon displays an alluring bouquet of passionfruit, peach and citrus aromas which awaken your senses to the delights of its crisp, juicy palate of grapefruit, nectarine and subdued almond kernel finish. A wine of remarkable finesse.

Sauvignon Blanc and its blend, is a crisp, fresh, dry wine. It goes well with seafood and shellfish, asparagus and grilled vegetables.

It can be served with summery foods- salads and steamed, grilled or barbecued fish, stirfries, and noodle dishes.

Generally it combines well with dishes flavoured with garlic, ginger and coriander.