Lively, fruity and aromatic
No one knows whether the Garonne River and the Bordeaux region witnessed its birth before the Loire.
In Bordeaux, Sauvignon is particularly flavourful, round and lively. It presents an aromatic balance with notes of citrus fruit, exotic fruit or blackcurrant blossom, boxwood, or white flowers.
Low yields result in profound, potent and complex wines, as in Pessac-Léognan, with a rounder aromatic range, with notes of melon, nectarine or peach.
Generally, Sauvignon is aged in barrels, resulting in powerful and complex white wines. It is also blended with Sémillon in the famous sweet wines from Sauternes and Loupiac.
Not too hot, not too cold
It certainly loves the sun, but not too much heat, which can ruin its aromatic potential. Consequently, Bordeaux has the ideal climate: hot, but not too hot, in the summer.
Not very particular about the soil it grows on, Sauvignon nonetheless prefers somewhat deeper soils; this is why it is found in the Entre-deux-Mers region, between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. Here it demonstrates a balance of vivacity and fruitiness, endowed with aromatic richness. It is also found in the Graves area, in lighter, more sandy soils, where its complexity assures a longer ageing potential.
Perfect balance
Vigorous but moderately fertile, the pollination of its flowers is more difficult than for other grape varieties. It is also particularly sensitive to rot, which is an advantage for the production of sweet wines from Sauternes.
In Bordeaux, Sauvignon is enjoying a new life, thanks to scientific research by the Bordeaux Faculty of Oenology. It is now possible to conciliate aromatic potential with good acidity.
