Sauvignon blanc
Origin
The center of France or the South west of France are the 2 possible origins of this variety. Based on published genetic analyses, Sauvignon would be closely related to Savagnin.
Synonymy
In the European Union, Sauvignon is officially called by other names: Sauvignon blanc (Austria, Germany, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Spain) and Zeleni sauvignon (Slovenia). These synonyms are officially recognized in France regarding plant propagation material.
Registration Information
In France, Sauvignon is officially listed in the “Catalogue of vine varieties” on the A list and is classified for wine grapes. This variety is also listed in the catalogues of other Member States of the European Union: Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Greece, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.
Cultivation and Vine Characteristics
Sauvignon is a very vigorous variety that tends to produce abundant vegetation. This vigor, which can be particularly intense in the first few years, must be managed by planting in moderately fertile terroirs, using low-vigor rootstocks, and employing appropriate pruning techniques. Along with careful trellising and adapted training systems, it is essential to find a favorable microclimate for the grape clusters. The grape clusters and berries are small.
Wine Characteristics
Sauvignon can produce very elegant dry white wines that are fine, balanced, and typical of the variety. Its varietal aromas, especially prominent in the wine’s early years, are quite specific and may include nuances such as broom flowers, blackcurrant, and boxwood, depending on the terroir, vintage, and growing conditions. After late harvests or with noble rot, this variety can also be used to produce exceptional liqueur wines.
Susceptibility to Diseases and Pests
Sauvignon is very susceptible to Botrytis (compact bunches) and wood diseases and sensitive to powdery mildew. It is however not very sensitive to downy mildew.
Clonal selection in France
The eighteen certified Sauvignon clones carry the numbers 107, 108, 159, 160, 161, 240, 241, 242, 297, 376, 377, 378, 379, 530, 531, 619, 905 and 906. Three conservatories with a total of approximately 400 clones were planted in the Bordeaux region and in the Loire valley in 1993, 1994 and 2001.
Available Clones
108
Clone appreciated for its growing characteristics and the quality of the wines obtained.
Available in: VineTech InternationalClone Characteristics
- Fertility: Medium to high
- Production Level: Medium
- Cluster Weight: Low to medium
- Vine Vigor: Medium to high
- Berry Size: Low to medium
- Botrytis Sensitivity: Medium
Wine Characteristics
- Sugar Potential: Medium
- Acidity: Medium
- Oenological Characteristics: Aromatic and typical wines of the grape variety.
159
More jagged leaves, and red wood.
Available in: VineTech Select, VineTech GrowerSelect, VineTech International, VineTech QuickVineClone Characteristics
- Fertility: Medium
- Production Level: Medium
- Cluster Weight: Medium
- Vine Vigor: Medium
- Berry Size: Medium
- Botrytis Sensitivity: High
Wine Characteristics
- Sugar Potential: Medium to high
- Acidity: High
- Oenological Characteristics: Aromatic but sometimes heavy wines.
242
Hard to control vigor.
Available in: VineTech Select, VineTech GrowerSelect, VineTech International, VineTech QuickVineClone Characteristics
- Fertility: Medium to high
- Production Level: Medium to high
- Cluster Weight: Medium
- Vine Vigor: High
- Berry Size: Medium
- Botrytis Sensitivity: Medium
Wine Characteristics
- Sugar Potential: Medium to high
- Acidity: Low to medium
- Oenological Characteristics: Balanced wines typical of the grape variety.
297
Less compact clusters.
Available in: VineTech Select, VineTech GrowerSelect, VineTech International, VineTech QuickVineClone Characteristics
- Fertility: Medium to high
- Production Level: Medium to high
- Cluster Weight: Medium
- Vine Vigor: Medium to high
- Berry Size: Medium
- Botrytis Sensitivity: Medium
Wine Characteristics
- Sugar Potential: Medium
- Acidity: Medium to high
- Oenological Characteristics: Typical wines of the grape variety.
376
Clone Characteristics
- Fertility: Medium
- Production Level: Medium
- Cluster Weight: Medium
- Vine Vigor: Medium
- Berry Size: Medium
- Botrytis Sensitivity: Medium
Wine Characteristics
- Sugar Potential: Medium
- Acidity: Medium to high
- Oenological Characteristics: Typical wines of the grape variety.
530
Earlier ripening clone, appreciated for its growing characteristics and the quality of wines obtained.
Available in: VineTech Select, VineTech GrowerSelect, VineTech QuickVineClone Characteristics
- Fertility: Low to medium
- Production Level: Low to medium
- Cluster Weight: Low to medium
- Vine Vigor: Low
- Berry Size: Medium
- Botrytis Sensitivity: High
Wine Characteristics
- Sugar Potential: High
- Acidity: Medium
- Oenological Characteristics: Aromatic and ample wines.
906
Slightly earlier ripening clone that is appreciated for its growing characteristics and the quality of the wines obtained.
Available in: VineTech Select, VineTech GrowerSelect, VineTech International, VineTech QuickVineClone Characteristics
- Fertility: Medium
- Production Level: Low to medium
- Cluster Weight: Low to medium
- Vine Vigor: Medium to high
- Berry Size: Low to medium
- Botrytis Sensitivity: Low to medium
Wine Characteristics
- Sugar Potential: Medium to high
- Acidity: Medium
- Oenological Characteristics: Very aromatic, round wines typical of the grape variety.
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