Cullen Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2014 Margaret River

Cullen Wines is a family-owned winery and situated in the Margaret River wine region.

Sauvignon Blanc Semillon wine from Cullen wines, pale straw in colour and filled with juicy fruit notes.

It contains 13.5 % alcohol and priced $30.39/bottle. To know more details about it, like tasting notes and food pairing notes visit here

Sauvignon Blanc - Grapes and Wines from Australia

Introduction

Sauvignon Blanc has its home in Bordeaux region of France. In early times, it was indigenous ‘wild’ grape variety in South West of France. The corresponding French term for ‘Wild’ is ‘sauvage’ from where the wine got its name.

‘Sancerre’ was the name of Sauvignon Blanc before it had hit the Paris bars and bistros in the twentieth century. This name had been derived from French wine appellation where it had first appeared. In the 1980s, saw the emergence of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc which captivated the attention of people for its reasonable prices and refreshing, crispy taste.

A trend of wine drinkers switching from Chardonnay to Sauvignon Blanc Wines is seen in recent years.

Viticulture

The grapes when exposed to high heat which in today’s world is common due to global warming, the grapes get over-ripped early which has forced farmers to harvest them sooner.

Regions

The vines can be found in Loire Valley and Bordeaux regions of France, Australia, South Africa, Chile, California, Central Europe and Italy.

Some of the well-known Australian Sauvignon have come from Tasmania, Adelaide Hills, New South Wales, and Victoria. Western Australia is popular with its refreshing Sauvignon/Semillon blends.

Climate and Flavors

Cooler climate grapes likely produce flavors of tropical fruit and floral notes. In a warmer climate, grapes may lose aromatic notes if over-ripped and may be left with tree fruit and grapefruit notes.

Food Pairing

Can be enjoyed with cheese or fish when the wine is chilled and well with Sushi which pairs with select few wines.

Other Names

Known by Blanc Fume in France, Muskat-Silvaner in Germany and Austria, Sauvignon jaune, seventy on blocks in certain regions.

Popular Wines

Some of the best Sauvignon Blanc Wines are Babcock Vineyards in Santa Barbara, Les Belles Dames, Cloudy Bay and Dog Point in Marlborough, Didier Dagueneau's Silex in Pouilly-Fumé, Henri Bourgeois' D'Antan in Sancerre, Henri Pellé in Menetou Salon, Araujo Eisele Vineyard in Napa Valley, Shaw + Smith in Adelaide Hills and PHI Lusitania Park in Yarra Valley.

Sauvignon Blanc Wines- Pride of New Zealand

The earlier post was on the Sauvignon Blanc grapes growing regions in Australia. Now, let us gain some information about the famous regions in New Zealand where this wine varietal is grown.

It is said that if it is Sauvignon Blanc, it has got to be the New Zealand one. Such is the reputation of this wine varietal that the name of the country has become synonymous with the wine variety. There are quite a few wine growing regions in this tiny country of two islands but some of them, where Sauvignon Blanc variety of wines is grown, are a lot more popular than the others. Marlborough wine region has a place of pride among all other Sauvignon Blanc wine regions of New Zealand.

The history of this wine in New Zealand dates back 30 years when this white wine variety was first grown. Marlborough region was its first home. The terrain and geography of this place was suited for the growth of wine grapes. Sandy soils over the underlying limestone shingles were one of the most preferred locations for growing this grape. From the very beginning this wine has been described variously by people. Some call it pungent and dry, some others call it herbaceous. The regional differences in the nature of soil further add to the differences in flavours of Sauvignon blanc wines. The diversity of vineyards is due to these geomorphological variations. Heavier soils impart a more herbaceous taste but these ripen late. However, the ones which are grown in stonier terrain ripen early.

Besides Marlborough, the other famous regions for growing Sauvignon Blanc wine grapes are Waipara River region, Gisborne and Hawkes Bay areas. The local influences of terrior are significant. These are also reflected in the taste of its wines. 

Sauvignon Blanc Wines in Australia

Europe is considered to be the point of origin of many different varietals of grapes. The region which is presently France, Italy, Germany, Spain and other adjoining areas are some of the richest growing lands of wine varietal grapes. Sauvignon Blanc is one of the varieties which originated in France regions of Bordeaux and Loire Valley. These grapes are of light green colour and are used in making white wines. Australian white wines made from these grapes are crispy and dry.

The characteristics of sauvignon blanc wines vary greatly with temperature. So, if it is grown in different geographical regions of Australia which have different temperatures, you will find a lot of variation in the style, aroma, colour and taste of the wines. These wines do not develop any special characteristics with aging and, therefore, most of these are bottled and consumed when young.

Sauvignon blanc wines are generally considered to be good substitutes for chardonnay wines. Due to their dry and crispy taste, these are blended with other wine varietals, chiefly Semillon, to provide more tastier wine options. The blended Semillon and Sauvignon wines are generally prepared in the Margaret River region of Australia. More exclusive Sauv Blanc wines are produced from grapes grown in Adelaide Hills and Padthaway wine regions of Australia.

Besides Australia, these grapes are also grown in New Zealand. The South Island of New Zealand is the prime growing region for these grapes.