How is Sauvignon Blanc wine made?
Sauvignon Blanc is usually made by pressing white grapes, letting the juice settle, fermenting it cool in stainless steel tanks and bottling it young to keep the fresh fruit and acidity. Some producers use oak or concrete instead, or let the wine rest on its lees for extra body. Exact steps and temperatures vary by winery.
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How is Sauvignon Blanc made?
The basic steps are the same as for most white wines. Winemakers choose the style at each step, which is why bottles differ. The outline below is typical, not one winery’s rule.
- Harvest. Picking time affects style. The green, herbal character of the grape comes from compounds called methoxypyrazines, so growers choose when to pick for the style they want.
- Crush and press. Grapes are crushed or pressed, and the skins are removed quickly because white wine is fermented without them.
- Settle. The juice rests so solids drop out, and clear juice goes to a tank.
- Ferment. Yeast turns sugar into alcohol, usually in temperature-controlled stainless steel. Several winery notes describe cool fermentation to protect aromas; exact temperatures and times differ from winery to winery.
- Age. Many wines rest on the yeast sediment, called lees, for some months to add texture.
- Bottle. Most Sauvignon Blanc is bottled young, soon after, to keep it fresh.
Stainless steel or oak?
A winery article says stainless steel tanks are neutral and sealed, so wine keeps its freshness, fruit character and natural acidity, and it recommends them for crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc. Oak can add vanilla, spice, caramel or toast, and oak-fermented wines are described as richer, fuller and creamier. Some wines are fermented partly in oak, concrete or both.
| Vessel | Typical effect |
|---|---|
| Stainless steel | Crisp, clean, fruity |
| Neutral oak | Rounder texture, little oak taste |
| New oak | Vanilla, toast; fuller body |
| Concrete | Texture without oak flavor, some producers say |
Malolactic fermentation
Many producers block this second step, which would soften the acid, to keep Sauvignon Blanc’s freshness. Some do allow it for a fuller style.
What to look for on the label
- Phrases like stainless steel, no oak, or sur lie hint at the style.
- Fume Blanc is a name sometimes used for oaked Sauvignon Blanc.
Details change by winery, so check the tech sheet on the maker’s site.
People also ask
Is Sauvignon Blanc aged in oak?
Usually not; most are fermented and aged in stainless steel to stay crisp. Some producers use oak or concrete for a rounder style.
Why is Sauvignon Blanc fermented cold?
Winery notes say cool temperatures help retain aromas and fresh fruit flavors.
What does sur lie mean?
Aged on the lees, the yeast sediment left after fermentation, which adds body and texture.
Sources
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