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What to look for in a great Sauvignon Blanc wine
The great thing about Sauvignon Blanc is that, although it can vary in style, it always has a set of distinctive characteristics. It’s originally from France’s Loire Valley – where it is found in the region’s flagship white Sancerre. But these days it is equally associated with New Zealand – especially Marlborough – home to such hallowed names as Cloudy Bay and Hunter’s Wines.
Sancerre sets the template for classic ‘Old World’ Sauvignon Blanc. Key characteristics to look out for are herbal aromas, restrained yet intense citrus and tropical fruit, and a steely backbone of minerality. Marlborough sets the template for the more modern style. Look out for leap-from-the-glass aromas and an explosion of tropical fruit flavours – balanced by a freshness that sets you up perfectly for the next sip.
Many Sauvignon Blanc wines sit somewhere between these two stylistic extremes – such as the vibrant whites of South Africa’s breezy coastal Cape region, or the beautifully balanced Sauvignon Blancs of Australia’s elevated, cool-climate Adelaide Hills.
So, with all that in mind – let’s look at some actual Sauvignon Blanc wines that deliver the absolute best in flavour and value – at every price point.
The best Sauvignon Blanc for under £10
Wolf Point Sauvignon Blanc, Chile
Chile is always a good bet for reliable quality and great value. It is blessed
with ideal conditions for growing grapes – producing wines with wonderful
purity of fruit. With its lively lemon and tropical fruit notes, Wolf Point is
a perfect introduction to the Sauvignon Blanc grape.
Mount Richmond Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough
Marlborough Sauvignon for less than a tenner? Yes, you read that right. Even
more impressively. Mount Richmond is from one of the region’s founding
families, who planted grapes there some 50 years ago. Made exclusively for us,
it’s bursting with ripe fruit flavours and zesty freshness.
The best Sauvignon Blanc for under £15
Abbesse Sauvignon Blanc, Vin de France
Abbesse is the perfect introduction to the classic French style of Sauvignon
Blanc. It’s made by the Bougrier family, who have close contacts with growers
throughout the Loire. By combining grapes from different regions, they achieve
the perfect balance of ripe fruit and crisp minerality.
Mussel Pot Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough
Mussel Pot is our No.1 bestselling New Zealand Sauvignon, and for good reason.
The grapes were grown by ‘Big John’ – who also supplies some of Marlborough’s
most celebrated wineries. A guaranteed crowd pleaser with exuberant aromas,
zesty citrus and mouthfuls of gooseberry zing.
The best Sauvignon Blanc for under £30
La Damnée de Prieure, Sancerre
The famous hill of Sancerre is home to France’s top expressions of Sauvignon
Blanc. They don’t put the grape on the label – you’re supposed to know!
Made with grapes from steep sloping vineyards, this fine example offers a
beautiful balance of stone fruit and steely freshness.
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough
If you’re serious about Sauvignon Blanc, you’ll want to taste Cloudy Bay – an iconic
white with such terrific purity and intensity that it’s become benchmark for
quality among Marlborough wineries. Wonderfully refreshing, with sliced-apple,
gooseberry and lime flavours.
The best Sauvignon Blanc for under £50
Château Couhins Sauvignon Blanc, Pessac-Léognan AOC Grand Cru
Classé
Outside the Loire, Bordeaux crafts some of France’s top Sauvignon Blanc wines.
This fine example comes from Pessac Léognan, where well-drained gravelly soils
produce whites of exceptional intensity. Bright and fresh, it offers citrus,
stone fruit, and a clean, mineral finish.
Domaine des Buissonnes Pierre à Feu, Sancerre
Domaine des Buissonnes is a classic Sauvignon from prized hillside vineyards in
the heart of Sancerre. The cuvée Pierre à Feu takes its name from the
appellation’s famous flint soils, which lend the wine its signature smoky,
mineral edge. Sauvignon doesn’t get much better than this!
