International Sauvignon Blanc Day 2025 – Friday 2nd May
Yes there is a day for everything – including wine made from Sauvignon Blanc! If you haven’t heard, every year on the first Friday in May every year is International Sauvignon Blanc Day
Which means the next International Sauv Blanc Day is on Friday 2nd of May 20245
I love celebrating international wine days as they are a great way to support the wine industry, alongside having an excuse to crack open a bottle of wine.
#SauvBlancDay was started by New Zealand naturally in 2010 – it is what they are known best for around the world after all. And I have to admit, I am partial to a good New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Being a Kiwi myself has nothing to do with it either 😉
To help celebrate International Sauvignon Blanc Day, let’s get sipping and learn about this Savy grape:
How do you pronounce Sauvignon Blanc?
Phonetically they say Sauvignon Blanc is pronounced like: sow·vuh·nyon blongk
I would highly recommend heading over to Google and listening to their little widget – you can even use it to practice and get feedback!
Other names for Sauvignon Blanc
You sometimes may come across Sauvignon Blanc called by other names, here is a few of them:
- Sauvignon
- Fumé Blanc
- Muskat-Silvaner (produced in Austria)
- Feigentraube (produced in Germany)
- Sauvignon Jaune
- Blanc Fume
- Sav Blanc
I am sure there are more out there, so leave a comment at the bottom of this post if you know some.
Where did Sauvignon Blanc originate?
This is a tricky one, as I have read a few versions of where it may have originated. I believe the general consensus is France however there are a few regions who claim to be the first home of Sauvignon Blanc.
It was on the Wine Folly website that I read that it’s thought to have originated from the Loire Valley in France as it was here that it was first mentioned by writer François Rabelais in the year 1534 where it was called Fiers.
However, various resources have also said that its believed to have originated in the Bordeaux region of France.
What does the name Sauvignon Blanc mean?
The name “Sauvignon” is thought to come from the French words “sauvage” (wild) and “vignon” (vine), which refers to the grapevine’s tendency to grow wild.
And of course “Blanc” is French for the colour white.
What food is Sauvignon Blanc good with?
Sauvignon Blanc is a versatile wine that can be paired with a variety of foods, depending on the style of wine and the dish being served.
Here are some general guidelines for pairing Sauvignon Blanc with food:
- Seafood: Sauvignon Blanc is a classic pairing for seafood dishes, especially those that are light and delicate. Think oysters, shrimp, scallops, and grilled fish.
- Salad: The bright acidity of Sauvignon Blanc can cut through the richness of a salad dressing, making it a good choice for green salads or salads with tangy vinaigrettes.
- Vegetables: Sauvignon Blanc can also be paired with vegetable dishes, particularly those with green or herbal notes. Try it with asparagus, green beans, peas, or a vegetable stir-fry.
- Cheese: Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with fresh, tangy cheeses like goat cheese, feta, or ricotta. If you are having a Sancerre from the Loire Valley for example, it is a match made in heaven for goats cheese.
- Spicy food: The crisp acidity of Sauvignon Blanc can also help balance the heat of spicy foods, making it a good match for Thai or Mexican dishes.
Overall, Sauvignon Blanc’s bright acidity and herbal, citrusy flavours make it a great choice for lighter dishes and those with green or herbal notes.
Sauvignon Blanc’s I’d recommend
I try a lot of wine. I love it! And I do try a fair few Sauvignon Blancs. So here’s a few of the delicious ones I have tried lately:
3drops 2022 Sauvignon Blanc
It’s wonderfully crisp and clean, just how I like my Sauv Blancs.
It’s a touch herbaceous with deliciously juicy notes of fresh lychee, gooseberry and a lick of passionfruit. It has lots of acidity but is well balanced and 100% smashable.
It had me craving a seafood platter and summer weather.
3drops is a wine and olive oil producer from WA’s Great Southern region led by the wonderful Joanne Bradbury aka @joanne3drops. Who kindly sent me this sample bottle (thank you!).
The Great Southern is in fact the largest wine region in Australia spanning 100kms from north to south and 200kms from east to west. Because it’s right down the bottom of WA it’s a lot cooler which is why varieties like Sauvignon Blanc thrive.
Taylors One small Step Sauvignon Blanc (Flat Wine Bottle)
If you haven’t come across these flat wine bottles – they are pretty darn practical not to mention fairly eco-friendly too. I was pleasantly surprised to taste that the wine inside was pretty decent for the price too!
I kindly received this as a media sample. It is a Sauvignon Blanc made from South Australian fruit. Look it’s a $17 bottle. It’s approachable, easy drinking and rather ‘not in your face’ for a Sauv Blanc. I like it! There’s herbaceous, citrus, green apple and a lick of gooseberries.
Giesen Uncharted Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
You can take the girl out if NZ, but you can’t stop her love for Kiwi wine 😉
I love love love this new release from our friends at Giesen. The ‘Uncharted’ Sauvignon Blanc not only has a stunning label but it’s insanely delicious.
It comes from the Awatere Valley in Marlborough, New Zealand and is aged on lees for three months with a small percentage aged in 1000L German Fuder barrels to give a hint of oak.
In the glass it’s a pretty lemon yellow with hints of preserved lime, pineapple cheesecake and a hint of beeswax on the nose. On the mouth it’s lovely and smooth in texture with some herbs, green apple and refreshing citrus. Even for the non Sauvy drinkers out there, give this one a go, you may enjoy this uncharted journey.
Thank you for this media sample Giesen!
All opinions are based on my own taste buds. Wine is subjective & always evolving, so make sure you drink what you enjoy!