Photo by VIVC - Vitis International Variety Catalogue
Description
Sauvignon Blanc comes from France, either the Centre (Loire) or the South-West, and is closely related to Savagnin. It is also a parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. Its bunches are small and tight, with small berries. It makes fine, elegant, crisp dry whites whose aromas range from broom flowers and blackcurrant leaf to boxwood, depending on site and vintage. Late-harvested or botrytised grapes also make great sweet wines.
Characteristics
White wine grape; small, compact bunches; small berries; crisp, aromatic dry wine; mid-season ripening (September); late budbreak; very vigorous, especially when young; very susceptible to grey rot and trunk diseases; sensitive to powdery mildew; little affected by downy mildew
Growing Tips
Sauvignon Blanc is very vigorous, especially in its first years, so plant it in moderately fertile soil and plan regular shoot thinning and tying in. Its compact bunches are very susceptible to grey rot, so open the fruit zone to air and sun. It is also sensitive to powdery mildew and trunk diseases, but downy mildew is less of a problem.