Home/ Discover Australian Wine / Sauvignon Blanc Home/ Discover Australian Wine Sauvignon Blanc Share on Facebook Share on Google Plus Share on Twitter Share via email Cool-climate classic white Although Sauvignon Blanc does not have as long a history in Australia as varieties like Shiraz or Riesling, it has found a very comfortable home in certain regions producing a range of styles. Sauvignon Blanc snapshot In 1970 there were only 20 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc in Australia. There are now 6,100 hectares planted in various regions across the country Sauvignon Blanc is a particularly important variety in Adelaide Hills and Margaret River Excellent wines are also produced in Tasmania, Orange and Yarra Valley In the vineyard Sauvignon Blanc is a relatively early ripening variety that does well in cool but sunny regions Can tend toward excess production of foliage so canopy management is critical Regions Sauvignon Blanc does best in cool but sunny regions – areas influenced by the cooling effects of ocean breezes or elevation Styles Typically light-bodied with fresh vibrant and distinctive flavours. Oaked and unoaked versions depending on the desired style Qualities Ranges from easy drinking and affordable through to medium priced, premium wines 6,100ha Total plantings (2015) Unknown First plantings In the winery Vinification techniques Stainless steel temperature control fermentations are common Blended with Semillon in some regions – notably Margaret River Barrel fermented and/or aged styles tend to be richer and more full-bodied Maturation The vast majority of Sauvignon Blanc is bottled shortly after fermentation Some styles see a few months of maturation in oak Major regional expressions Adelaide Hills Margaret River Adelaide Hills This region has established itself as the benchmark for Sauvignon Blanc in Australia Vibrant, aromatic and fresh with complexity and texture in the best examples Read more on Adelaide Hills Margaret River Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc is typically blended with Semillon Ranges from light, crisp and lemony and herbal through to fuller flavoured and more tropical with some barrel fermentation and or ageing Read more on Margaret River In the glass Style and character Light to medium bodied wines with vibrant aromatic fruit and juicy acidity. Pairs with Shellfish, fresh oysters, white fish dishes, chicken, pork, goat’s cheese, salads. Typical flavours Citrus Passionfruit Guava Grassiness Grapefruit Stay in touch with Wine Australia Please enter your given name Please enter a valid email address Submit Follow us on Facebook Google Plus Wechat Instagram YouTube LinkedIn @Wine_Australia @AussieWineNews @WineCanopy