Two regions almost 20,000km apart have established worldwide reputations for their very individual style of sauvignon blanc. Those from Sancerre in France’s Loire Valley tend to be crisp and mineral with a pleasing austerity, while New Zealand’s Marlborough sauvignon is more aromatic with distinctive lime zest and bright fruit. Within each category there are some very high-quality wines. Elsewhere, a sauvignon from South Africa and Chile will often combine the brisk acidity of the Loire with the lifted aromas and ripe fruit of New Zealand.
But these are not the only regions to produce good sauvignon, and even within, there are those striving to make something a little bit different. This week I highlight four such wines. The Clos Tue-Boeuf is made by one of the leading low-intervention winemakers with low levels of sulphur. We don’t see much Austrian sauvignon here in Ireland; a pity because there are some amazing, if expensive, wines.
Each one is different and may be atypical, but all of the wines below have plenty of that vibrant and refreshing character that makes sauvignon blanc so popular in this country. I give food suggestions for each, but all would go nicely with light salads, creamy cheeses or seafood of any kind.
Laurent Miquel Sauvignon Blanc 2023 pays d’Oc
12%, €8.80 (down from €11)
Sauvignon from the south of France is a mixed bag, but this crisp and refreshing dry white is a fruit-filled genuine example. Drink on its own or with most seafood dishes.
From Dunnes Stores
Meltwater Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022
13%, €19.86
This is made using wild yeasts, giving an extra layer of intensity and concentration. Lightly aromatic with beautifully balanced lime zest and rich textured green fruits. Great value for money.
From WineSpark.com
Clos Tue-Boeuf, Vin Blanc 2022
13%, €23.95
Ripe and succulent with juicy stone fruits cut through with a lively mineral acidity. Lovely wine. By itself or with grilled oily fish, mild goat’s cheese or tomato salads.
From Bradleys, Cork; Lillith, D7; Martin’s, D3; Redmonds, D6; 64 wine, Glasthule; Stone Valley Coffee, Clonakilty; Lecaveau.ie
Kalk & Kriede Sauvignon Blanc, South Styria, Austria Tement Biodynamic
12.5%, €34
Scented and racy with captivating invigorating yellow fruits, ripe lemon zest and a lip-smacking dry finish. Try it with sea bass or grilled chicken dishes.
From 64wine, Glasthule; Barnhill Stores, Dalkey
