Page 246 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SUMMER 2024 LIMA

nization serving the global wine industry from The French Connection
its headquarters in Dijon, France, notes that:
“This variety owes its success largely to France is the birthplace of Sauvignon
the varietal aromas of thiol compounds Blanc and the number one producer. The
(blackcurrant, exotic fruit, boxwood); the ex‐ grape has thrived for centuries in the Loire
pression of these aromas varies depending Valley, in Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, Reuilly,
on the terroir, vintage, and growing condi‐ Menetou-Salon, Quincy, and Touraine. The
tions of the grapes. Thanks to its unique wines can have hints of lime, grapefruit, flint,
flavours, it is often vinified to produce dry and smoke in the aromas (the influence of
white wines that are consumed young. Sauvi‐ growing on diverse soils like Kimmeridgian
gnon Blanc can also be used to produce high- limestone and flint). In good vintages, the
quality dessert wines…Very much an interna‐ wines have mid-high acidity levels, deep
tional variety, it is grown in all major wine- gooseberry and lime on the palate, and a
producing countries of the world.”

On Terroir, the OIV approved this defini‐
tion:

“Vitivinicultural terroir is a concept which
refers to an area in which collective knowl‐
edge of the interactions between the identi‐
fiable physical and biological environment
and applied vitivinicultural practices devel‐
ops, providing distinctive characteristics for
the products originating from this area. Ter‐
roir includes specific soil, topography, cli‐
mate, landscape characteristics, and
biodiversity features.”
Beyond the scientific, scholarly, and geek-
level discussions, be assured you can find an
amazing array of quality Sauvignon Blanc
wines at reasonable prices that match well
with Spring and Summer fare and fun and
can be described in one word – tasty. As
noted, the styles vary, from Loire and Bor‐
deaux in France to Chile, New Zealand, South
Africa, and the U.S. Here is a short road map
for your tasting pleasures.

246 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2024