Sauvignon Blanc Day is an annual event celebrated on the first Friday of May each year, dedicated to this popular white wine grape variety. The day is all about celebrating this exuberant wine varietal and enjoying a glass or bottle with friends and family. This article is packed with savvy facts to get you Sauvignon Blanc Day ready!
Check out my Beginner’s Guide to New Zealand Wine, Rosé Wine Guide, and Pinot Noir Pairing Guide for more easy wine tips.
What is Sauvignon Blanc Day?
The celebration of Sauvignon Blanc Day began in 2010, and it has grown in popularity over the years. Many wineries and wine shops offer tastings and special events on this day, and social media is abuzz with posts and hashtags dedicated to the grape. The hashtags are #sauvignonblancday #sauvblanc
On Sauvignon Blanc Day, wine lovers can explore the different styles of Sauvignon Blanc from around the world, learn about the grape’s history and characteristics, and experiment with food pairings. Whether you prefer a crisp and zesty New Zealand Sav or a more complex and oak-aged French version, there’s a wine out there for everyone to enjoy.
Popular Hashtags
- #SauvignonBlancDay
- #SauvBlancDay
- #SauvignonBlanc
- #SauvBlanc
- #WineLover
- #WineTasting
- #WineTime
- #WhiteWine
- #Cheers
- #Wineoclock
- #Winelife
- #Winestagram
10 Savvy Facts
Find out more about your favorite white wine with these savvy facts:
- Pronunciation: soh·vin·yon blan
- Origin: France
- Translation: sauvage (“wild”) and blanc (“white”)
- Also known as Sav or Fumé Blanc which a smoky style from oak aging that originated in California.
- Style: Light-bodied, dry white wine
- Plantings: Sauvignon Blanc was the 8th most planted wine grape variety in the world in 2020, with a total area of 117,000 hectares (289,168 acres) worldwide according to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV).
- Popular regions: In addition to the Loire Valley and Bordeaux, Marlborough in New Zealand is also known for producing some of the best Sauvignon Blanc wines. Other countries that are recognized for their production include Chile, South Africa, and California in the USA. Sauvignon Blanc is an early ripening grape, making it well-suited to cooler climates and shorter growing seasons.
- Flavors: Crisp acidity and herbaceous flavors, and notes of citrus and tropical fruit.
- Serving temperature: The ideal serving temperature is between 45-55°F (7-13°C).
- Fun quote: Here’s a fun Sauvignon Blanc quote by English wine critic, Jancis Robinson: “Sauvignon Blanc is the personality kid in class – instantly recognizable, outgoing, and irresistible to attention seekers.”
5 Top Food Pairings
- Seafood: Sav is known for its crisp and acidic character, which makes it a great pairing for seafood dishes. Try pairing it with grilled shrimp, oysters, or greenlip mussel pasta with lemon and herbs.
- Salads: The wine’s herbaceous and grassy notes make it a natural pairing for fresh salads. Consider pairing it with a goat cheese salad, a simple insalata mista, or a tomato and cucumber salad with feta cheese.
- Light dishes: Sauvignon Blanc is a versatile wine that can pair well with a variety of light dishes, such as oven-baked chicken, sushi rolls, and vegetable stir-fry.
- Spicy foods: The crisp acidity of this wine can help to balance out the heat of spicy dishes. Try pairing it with Thai curry or Indian chicken tikka masala.
- Cheese: Sauv Blanc pairs well with a variety of cheeses, particularly those that are light and tangy. Consider pairing it with goat cheese, feta, or a creamy brie. Check out this recipe for burrata bruschetta.
FAQ
Sauvignon Blanc is a very dry white wine. It has hardly any residual sugar in comparison to other white wines which also means it has fewer carbs and calories. But don’t worry, this skinny wine doesn’t lack flavor. In fact, it packs a punch with lemon, lime, and zesty zings that make your tastebud pucker with delight.
Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio are both white wines, but they have distinct differences in flavor, aroma, and characteristics. Sauvignon Blanc is a highly aromatic wine known for its higher acidity and tartness, with herbaceous and tropical notes. Pinot Grigio is a softer, more approachable white wine with soft fruit flavors and some subtle spice.
Chardonnay is a full-bodied white wine that is often characterized by its creamy texture and richness. It is commonly aged in oak barrels, which can impart flavors of vanilla, butter, and toast to the wine. In contrast Sauvignon Blanc tends to be light-bodied, brighter, and more acidic and herbaceous in flavor.
Sauvignon Blanc is generally not considered a wine that is suitable for aging for a long time, as it is a white wine that is known for its fresh and fruity character. Most Sauvignon Blanc wines are meant to be consumed within a year or two after bottling, while some premium bottlings may be able to age for a few more years.