Some grapes are easier to recognize than others. Sauvignon Blanc is easy but not the easiest. That distinction goes to Muscat and Gewürztraminer. But still, in a blind tasting you have a fair chance of identifying the Sauvignon Blanc. However, Sauvignon Blanc, like most other grapes, is influenced by their environment, be it the soil, the climate or the winegrower.
In a small area like the Pouilly Fumé appellation in the Upper Loire there are a number of different soil types. You have different kinds of limestone present in different proportions, you have flint stone, you have clay etc. All this is reflected in the wine and although sometimes, to be honest, the differences are very subtle, in a well-made, good quality wine you feel them if you make an effort.
Henri d’Assay used to work at his family’s property in Pouilly Fumé, Château Tracy. So, he knows Sauvignon blanc by heart. His new mission in life is to show people how this grape performs in other places, in other terroirs. In other places in the Loire Valley and outside of the Loire. It is an interesting project.
Read more on this in Britt’s article on Forbes: Sauvignon Blanc And The Importance Of Soil: Sauvignon Blanc Expert Henri D’Assay Explains.
Here’s the introduction:
Limestone, flint stone, sand or clay. Does it really matter? Yes, says Sauvignon Blanc specialist Henri d’Assay from the Loire Valley. Even such an easy recognizable grape as Sauvignon Blanc is influenced by its terroir, the soil not least.
Henri d’Assay knows Sauvignon Blanc inside and out. His family has run well-known Château Tracy in the Pouilly-Fumé appellation in the Upper Loire for many years. He himself was the director for 20 years. So, when he and his wife Corinne decided to start their own small négociant business, it seemed natural to concentrate on that grape.
It seems like a good strategy. Sauvignon Blanc is today a celebrity grape with clear-cut aromas that you can easily recognize. But don’t be mistaken, the grape has greater complexity and variety than most people think.
Read more on this in Britt’s article on Forbes: Sauvignon Blanc And The Importance Of Soil: Sauvignon Blanc Expert Henri D’Assay Explains.
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You can explore and experience the excellence of Sauvignon Blanc wines on BKWine’s wine tour to New Zealand, and the more luscious warm climate versions on the wine tour to South Africa, or even the BKWine tour to Chile and Argentina, or the more classic version of Sauvignon Blanc on the wine tour to Bordeaux.
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