Currently the UK’s top-selling white variety, Sauvignon Blanc has seen its sales increase in volume by 7% to 793 million hectoliters and in value by 8% to £637m in the 12 months to 20 June 2015 in the UK off-trade, according to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association’s (WSTA) 2015 Q4 report.
The average price of a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc meanwhile sits at £6.03, comfortably above the UK average of£5.46 (WSTA).
Capable of producing wines with unmatched vibrancy and freshness, Sauvignon Blanc is grown i abundance the world over, from its classic French heartland of the Loire Valley to New World regions of Chile, South Africa and New Zealand.
In cool to moderate regions Sauvignon Blanc results in high acid wines with classic herbaceous flavours reminiscent of green bell pepper, grass or nettles, alongside the aromatic fruitiness of passion fruit or elderflower.
In warm to hot climates, notes of peach and grapefruit are common, while successfully aged Sauvignons can develop vegetal aromas of asparagus and peas, despite the variety generally being consumed young.
The results of the second Drinks Business Global Sauvignon Blanc Masters are a testament to the increasing quality of Sauvignon Blanc being produced worldwide, with New World examples proving more than a match for the handful of entries from France.
Of the 157 wines entered from 11 different countries, including Greece, Italy, New Zealand, Romania and Australia, 139 received a medal.
Served blind and assessed without prejudice about their country of origin, the wines were arranged according to their price band as well as style, from low-priced to high, blended to 100% Sauvignon, and unoaked to oaked, to make the competition as fair as possible.
South African Winners:
100% Sauvignon Blanc - Unoaked (Under £10)
Silver
Riebeek Cellars Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2015
De Grendel Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Lutzville Vineyards Southern Point Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Bronze
Extra Special South African Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Rietvallei Wine Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Cimarosa South Africa Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Namaqua Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Namaqua Cape West Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Riebeek Cellars Partnership Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Helderberg Wijnmakerij 2014
Unoaked (£10 - £15)
Silver
Cederberg Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Bronze
Noble Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Unoaked (£15 - £20)
Silver
Beau Joubert Sauvignon Blanc 2015
100% Sauvignon Blanc - Oaked (£10 - £15)
Silver
Overhex Survivor Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Bronze
Reyneke Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Oaked (£15 - £20)
Gold
Reyneke Reserve White 2013
Silver
Cederberg Ghost Corner Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Sauvignon Blanc Blend (min 80%) - Unoaked (£15 - £20)
Silver
La Motte Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Sauvignon Blanc Blend (min 80%) - Oaked (Under £10)
Silver
Paul Cluver Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Read full article and results here.