Much like many other big wine varietals like merlot and chardonnay, sauvignon blanc has ebbed and flowed in popularity over the years. But good news, winos: It's now on the rise again in the world of wine. And we are all about it.
A crisp white wine that is a bit divisive, people tend to either really love it or really hate it. Sauvignon blanc usually has a green, tart, herbaceous flavor and a nice minerality that pairs especially well with seafood. Often described as "zippy" or "grassy," some folks compare sipping sauvignon blanc to biting into a tart Granny Smith apple or a green bell pepper and, well, that might not be for everyone.
But it happens to be one of our favorite white wine varietals. With newer appellations emerging as producers are imparting regional nuances on the white wine grape, today's sauvignon blanc represents a new frontier of wine. Though the varietal originated in France, there are lots of interesting new geographic pockets where great sauvignon blanc is popping up. We have eyes on New Zealand, Chile, and Washington state, just to name a few.
Below, check out our favorite sauvignon blanc picks for summertime imbibing.
Do not ... I repeat ... do not knock boxed wine (or, in this case, bagged wine). This sauvignon blanc hails from Washington state's Columbia Valley and has the perfect balance of fruit and acid. It is one smooth sipper.
It's super refreshing, perfect for storing in the fridge thanks to its nifty pour spout, and a serious game-changer in the world of sustainable wines. Maivino's Sauv Blanc No. 4 gets my pick as Editor's Choice.
If you're looking for a bright and citrusy sauvignon blanc that smells like a freshly cut lemon, go for this lively pick from Napa-based winery Bread & Butter. There's some lychee and tropical fruit flavor in there as well, with a nice tart-sweet balance.
Drink this one with fresh berries, dessert, or anything with ricotta cheese. It's yummy.
Mouthwatering is the word that immediately comes to mind when describing Cloudy Bay's 2019 sauvignon blanc. A seriously delicious representation of New Zealand's unique landscape and climate, this wine is "immediately expressive in the glass," meaning that it is not here to play. It's intensely fruit-forward.
With lush fruity flavor, lots of juicy white peach and lime notes, and a dry, lip-smacking finish, Cloudy Bay is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This is the most expensive wine on this list, but it's worth the price tag.
If you're looking for a wallet-friendly pick that also happens to be insanely delicious (and organically farmed), we recommend Bonterra's 2018 sauvignon blanc.
With intense aromatics like no other we've tasted, this sauvignon blanc has lush notes of grapefruit, lime, kiwi, and fresh-cut grass.
Another solid pick from New Zealand's Marlborough region, Loveblock comes from now-ubiquitous winemaker Kim Crawford. This sauvignon blanc has the classic notes of peach, pear, and citrus, for sure, but the more interesting parts of this wine are its more subtle herbaceous notes.
Expect the unexpected here with notes of nettle, basil, and elderflower. Goodness gracious ... this one's herbaceous.
Fresh, crisp, and zesty, Cakebread's 2016 sauvignon blanc is a brilliant expression of the varietal. The addition of 3% semillon (another white wine varietal trending in its own right) adds depth and texture to its sauvignon blanc base, making this one an exceptionally well-balanced pick.
We love the minerality and balanced acidity here. We recommend pairing this one with seafood, particularly mussels in broth or any baked fish.
Another delicious sauvignon blanc with all of the classic flavors of tropical fruits, lime zest, and grapefruit, this pick from California's renowned Rutherford Ranch tastes especially yummy paired with hard cheeses, charcuterie, and toasted nuts.
Danielle St. PierreSenior Food & Drink EditorDanielle is the former food & drink editor for BestProducts.com, where she put her knowledge as a cocktail consultant and connoisseur to use; her work can also be spotted on Thrillist, Food & Wine, and Delish.
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