General information
Sauvignon Blanc is one of the world's most beloved and versatile grape varieties. Originally from the Loire Valley in France, where it shines in wines like Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, Sauvignon Blanc has spread worldwide. Cooler regions like New Zealand, South Africa, and the Palatinate produce fresh, expressive wines. Suitable for still wines, dessert wines, and even barrel-aged styles, the grape is known for its aromatic intensity.

Grape
The bunches are small, compact, and sometimes shouldered. The round berries are small and turn golden yellow when fully ripe. The skin is relatively thick, which offers protection against mold but also requires careful cultivation.

Resistance

• Peronospora (downy mildew): +
• Oidium (powdery mildew): +
• Botrytis (gray mold): +/–

Wine
Sauvignon Blanc offers a wide range of wine styles. Harvested young, it produces a fresh wine with aromas of gooseberry, kiwi, grass, and elderflower. Harvested later and aged in oak, notes of passion fruit, lychee, and grapefruit emerge. In cooler climates, the acidity is pleasantly vibrant, with a mineral undertone.

Cultivation advice
Growth is vigorous. Choose airy, drier, and less fertile soil to avoid botrytis. The grape has a slight tendency to fail to flower, which in some locations can actually be beneficial for a loose cluster structure. Ensure good air circulation around the grapevine, especially in rainy summers.

Preparing the vine
Sauvignon Blanc requires balanced pruning, with sufficient light and air circulation in the foliage. It grows vigorously but can be easily controlled with adequate foliage management.

Ground preparation

• On calcareous soil: improve with lava grit
• On sandy soil: improve with bentonite and lava flour

Planting out
Soak your vine in a bucket of water for 24 hours. This allows it to soak up some water before planting.

Plant between May 1st and 15th. Use a soil auger or spade to dig a planting hole 10 cm in diameter and 30 cm deep. Insert the graft just above the ground, so that the vine protrudes 5 to 10 cm above the ground.

Planting distance

• In line: 1 meter
• Between rows: 1.5 to 1.8 meters