Sauvignon Blanc Guide

Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most popular white wines in the world, and it’s easy to see why - it’s refreshing, made from grapes that can be grown in a range of climates and offers a wide range of fruity and herbaceous notes, so there is one to suit every taste!

Translating to ‘wild grape’, Sauvignon Blancs are easy to identify thanks to their trademark acidity, making them taste very different from other popular white wines such as Chardonnay. Chances are, if you are reading this guide then you are probably already a Sauvignon Blanc fan, but you might have some questions about this fabulous wine which we will seek to answer below.

Is Sauvignon Blanc dry or sweet?

Generally speaking, Sauvignon Blanc is usually made as a dry, still white wine. This means that all of the grape’s sugar is converted to alcohol during fermentation without any residual sugar left behind to make the wine sweet. However, a few winemakers (mostly in New Zealand and California) do sometimes leave a gram or two of sugar in their Sauvignon Blanc to give a richer taste..

What does Sauvignon Blanc pair with?

Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with a variety of foods thanks to its fresh flavours and high acidity. The herbaceous notes found in some Sauvignon Blancs makes them well suited to pairing with a variety of herbs, and they also pair well with white meats and fish. Sauvignon Blanc is also a popular choice to enjoy with cheeses such as goats cheese.

However, as the style of Sauvignon Blanc can vary widely between regions, there is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach to pairing Sauvignon Blanc. Below are some suggestions of how different types of Sauvignon Blanc pair with different types of food:

Citrusy Sauvignon Blancs, such as those from the Chilean region tend to pair very well with fish - from fish and chips, to prawns, sardines and most things in between!
Lighter mineral-soaked styles such as Loire Valley Sancerre make a nice accompaniment to fresh cheeses, oysters, shellfish and other barely seasoned fresh fish such as trout and crab. For those who enjoy Japanese food, we also recommend enjoying these wines with sushi and dim sum.
For more herbaceous varieties, like Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand, we recommend pairing with vegetables, herbs and salads for a really refreshing meal. These wines particularly complement the flavours of asparagus, peas, parsley and green beans

What region has the best Sauvignon Blanc?

The region that is ‘best’ at producing Sauvignon Blanc depends entirely on what sort of Sauvignon Blanc you prefer! As we have already mentioned, the fact that Sauvignon Blanc grapes can be grown in a variety of climates means that you find Sauvignon Blancs from all over the world. But which regions suit which tastes? Let's have a look below:

Loirre Valley, in France, produces a Sauvignon Blanc with a smoky and mineral-like quality, which many consider to be the best in the world. Regions that produce good Sauvignon Blancs include Sancerre, Pouilly Fumé, Menetou-Salon, Cheverny, and Touraine, with Sancerre Sauvignon Blancs being the most famous
Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand are easily identified by their passionfruit-like aromas. New Zealand is the second largest producer of Sauvignon Blanc behind France, and it is the most commonly grown grape variety in New Zealand. Marlborough is the largest region, explaining why most of the New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs you find come from here.
South Africa, particularly the Cape region, produces great value Sauvignon Blancs that combine herbaceous minerality with green fruit flavours. South African Sauvignon tends to have a green tint to it.
California is famous for its Sauvignon Blanc, and wines produced here tend to have a fruity taste, particularly peach, lemon and nectarine. Particular regions within California that are known for their high-quality Sauvignon Blancs include Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Clear Lake.

How many calories are in Sauvignon Blanc?

As Sauvignon Blanc is a dry wine there is usually no or little residual sugar left in the wine, meaning that it tends to be lower in sugar and calories, than it’s sweeter counterparts. However, alcohol itself contains calories, meaning that your glass of Sauvignon will still have a few calories.

On average, there are about 119 calories per 150ml glass of Sauvignon Blanc, which equates to around 600 calories per 750ml bottle. This is less than typically found in Chardonnay (123 calories per 150ml) and Pinot Grigio (122 calories per 150ml), but more than you would expect to find in sparkling wines such as Champagne, which contains around 105 calories per 150ml.

Sauvignon Blanc available at Drink Well.

If you are looking for lower calories Sauvignon Blancs, you have come to the right place! Here at Drink Well, we are committed to sourcing the best lower calorie Sauvignon Blancs available from across the world. Below are some of our current favourites that you can purchase from the Drink Well website.

Painted Wolf - The Den Sauvignon Blanc

Originating from South Africa, this is a bright 12.5% ABV Sauvignon Blanc with notes of gooseberry, fresh cut grass and figs. A delicious and refreshing wine with just 90 calories per 125ml glass and 0.25g of sugar, this wine is suitable for vegans and is 100% gluten free. Great to share with friends and family, these wines are named after den, the heart of all African wild dog communities. You can purchase Painted Wolf - The Den from the Drink Well website for £11.99 per bottle.

Southern Lights - Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

An offering from New Zealand, this wine has a balanced richness of fruit and floral notes through the palate, with intense depth of flavour and a crisp finish. Omaka Springs Estates is the sole producer of estate wines and olive oil in the Omaka Valley. In the valley, there are mineral-rich natural springs that meander through the vineyards, feeding the soils, and ultimately imparting a distinct, signature nuance of minerality in all their wines. Best of all, this 12%ABV wine contains just 81 calories per 125ml, as well as being vegan friendly and gluten free. Southern Lights represents great value for money at just £9.99 per bottle on the Drink Well website.

Crumsa Terres Rares Sauvignon Blanc

This crisp Sauvignon comes from the rolling hills of the Cotes du Tarn in the south west of France. The wine undergoes a cool fermentation and some lees ageing in the cellar, creating a fresh, juicy white wine with vibrant citrus notes and hints of kiwi and gooseberry. We recommend pairing it with a pesto pasta or fish and chips. One of the most exciting things about this wine is that it contains zero grams of sugar, and just 89 calories per 125ml. You can pick up a bottle from the Drink Well website for £10.99.

Tierra del Rey, Sauvignon Blanc

Drink Well are excited to offer this 13%ABV Chilean Sauvignon Blanc, containing just 83 calories per 125ml. Pale lemon in colour, this Sauvignon Blanc combines high notes of fresh grapefruit and lime, followed by gooseberry and melon. Herbaceous flavours marry exquisitely with fresh tingling acidity, creating a crisp lively finish. At just £8.99 when purchased from the Drink Well website, we think you will find this one hard to resist!

And if you're finding it hard to decide, why not order the curated Sauvignon Blanc case and find your favourites!

Discovery Sauvignon Blanc Case
£69.99

Nutrition details (per 125ml)

ABV11.5%
Calories80
Sugars0g
Carbohydrates0g

Each bottle saves you (vs standard average*):

Calories
198.0

*Statistics based from Drinkaware 2023 and Alcohol Health Alliance 2022

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Sauvignon Blanc Guide