The Best Sauvignon Blanc Pairings, According To a Winemaker
It’s summertime, and to wine lovers, that means one thing: time to break out the chilled white wine! If you’ve noticed more Sauvignon Blanc on your wine store shelves and in your friends’ refrigerators than in the past, it won’t surprise you that this wine is surging in popularity right now. If you're lost on which white wine of the moment to bring to a party, a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc is a great bet!
According to the IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, Sauvignon Blanc has grown by 24 percent in the U.S. market in the past two years– more than any other wine variety. Adam Rogers, North American Research Director of IWSR, explains: “Sauvignon Blanc has a distinctly different style compared to Chardonnay, and consumers gravitate to the crisp, refreshing, light-bodied, and flavor-rich characteristics.”
This grape variety has never been more popular. Let’s take a deep dive into its history, and the best ways to enjoy it. I recently sat down with Geyser Peak Winery winemaker Jessica Saghafi to learn all of her best tips for wine pairings– but before we get to the pairings, here’s a little more background on this zesty white wine. Pour yourself a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and get ready to learn all about this perfect wine for summertime sipping!
Sauvignon Blanc: What You Need To Know
Sauvignon Blanc (pronounced, ‘soh-vin-YAHN blahnk’) gets its name from the French word ‘sauvage,’ meaning ‘wild white’, because it was an indigenous grape that grew wildly like a weed throughout southwest France. Today, it’s one of the most popular white grape varieties in the world, planted on more than 275,000 acres globally.
Historical records suggest that Sauvignon Blanc was first mentioned in the 18th century in Bordeaux, where it was primarily used as a blending grape in white Bordeaux wines. But it wasn't until the 20th century that Sauvignon Blanc gained recognition as a standalone variety. It became famous in citrusy, silky Bordeaux Blanc blends (where it’s paired with Semillon), but styles vary widely according to where it’s grown. The expressions from Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé in France’s Loire Valley are herbaceous and mineral.
In the 1960s, Sauvignon Blanc had a big moment when New Zealand became a major player in producing the grape. The Marlborough region, with its cool weather and special soil, turned out to be a perfect match for Sauvignon Blanc. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc quickly became a worldwide sensation and set a new standard for this type of wine. The conditions there make the wines taste zesty and snappy, with hints of grapefruit, passion fruit, key lime, and lemongrass.
In recent years, Sauvignon Blanc has gained popularity in regions like California, the warmer climates of South America, South Africa, and Australia, where winemakers have embraced its versatility and crafted wines that showcase their unique terroir.
Personally, I believe one of the most exciting places for Sauvignon Blanc today is California. The California sunshine creates more friendly, round, ripe, and fleshy styles. I was thrilled to explore pairings through a producer who I believe is creating one of the most delicious bottlings in the United States today: Geyser Peak Winery!
Geyser Peak Winery: Making Benchmark California Sauvignon Blanc
Geyser Peak Winery has a remarkable and extensive heritage. Established in 1880, it became California's 29th bonded winery. Its name was inspired by its close proximity to The Geysers, renowned as the largest geothermal field globally, offering a breathtaking vista of Geyser Peak Mountain.
With a history spanning over 140 years, the brand has undergone various chapters, initially founded locally and later managed by corporate entities. Today, Geyser Peak Winery has proudly returned to its origins as a family-owned and operated enterprise. It sources its grapes from renowned winegrowing regions across California.
I recently had the pleasure of working with Geyser Peak winemaker Jessica Saghafi on some fresh, simple, and delicious pairings– Jess’ perspective on pairing is incredibly accessible and achievable; even if you aren’t the most accomplished home chef!
A Winemaker’s Unconventional Journey
Jessica has chosen an unconventional path to become a winemaker, and her story might just light a fire under those of you dreaming of doing the same thing! In May 2020, she made a move to Napa with the intention of enrolling in an online Master's program in Forensic Science at Arizona State University. Excited to explore the opportunities in the region, she applied for part-time positions at various wineries. To her delight, Jessica secured a position at Silverado Vineyards in June 2021.
Starting off in the tasting room, Jessica quickly left a lasting impression on both guests and the leadership team with her knowledge and enthusiasm. Within a few months, her outstanding performance opened doors for her to work in the winery's laboratory in addition to her existing role.
During her time as a lab assistant and harvest intern at Silverado, Jessica's passion for the wine industry grew significantly. She found great joy in merging her laboratory and cellar experiences with her interactions in the tasting room, seamlessly incorporating scientific knowledge and historical context into discussions about the wines.
Motivated by her newfound love for wine, Jessica embarked on a new career path. In 2022, she joined Geyser Peak as an assistant winemaker, embracing the opportunity to contribute her skills and creativity to the winemaking process.
Jessica explains that much of the fruit for her Geyser Peak Winery Sauvignon Blanc wines was sourced from Sonoma County. “You get a lot of fresh cut grass and really light citrusy tones, and what we wanted to do is to make it easily palatable for any kind of wine drinker– not to stick to one specific style. So, a way to play with the chemistry of the grapes is to source grapes from a warmer climate, to express more of those tropical fruits. You get that apricot, white peach, and different kinds of stone fruits, without overpowering the acidity– so it's also very versatile.” (To find the wine at a store near you, click here).
Three Simple Pairings for Sauvignon Blanc
I asked Jessica to suggest some easy pairings for her Geyser Peak Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2021– and did she ever deliver!
Explaining her pairing philosophy, she says, “It's understandable that wine can be intimidating, and you may think you need caviar or expensive ingredients… but really at the end of the day, if you have something like a nice big bag of potato chips, it doesn't have to be so elaborate! Ultimately, however you like to enjoy the wine, that glass can really elevate and accompany your everyday dishes."
Sauvignon Blanc Pairing #1: Goat Cheese
In the spirit of keeping it simple, Jessica’s first suggested Sauvignon Blanc pairing is an easy cheese board, starring one of the classic pairings for Sauvignon Blanc: goat cheese. The high acidity of Sauvignon Blanc wine is a perfect pairing with creamy cheeses (as well as entrees with creamy sauces- it balances out richness in the most perfect way.)
Jessica recommends that you mix it up and provide several different types of goat cheese to really appreciate the range and versatility of this pairing. “You can start with one that has a blend of herbs, and then lovely goat cheese with lavender and fennel! Then, add a very interesting hard goat cheese so you experience that balance of the different characteristics of the cheese.” Serve with honey for drizzling, sliced green apple for crunch, green grapes, and some toasted sourdough bread.
Here are some of the best California goat cheeses to pair with Sauvignon Blanc:
Laura Chenel Original Goat Cheese Log: Famous for its rich-tasting, bright citrusy tang, this one is a classic.
Cypress Grove Meyer Lemon & Honey Chevre Cheese: floral Meyer lemon, slightly sweetened with delicate alfalfa honey, mixed into fresh chèvre — tangy with a balanced sweetness and the brightness of California sunshine
Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog: this masterpiece paved the way for soft-ripened goat cheese in America. Each handcrafted wheel features a distinctive ribbon of edible vegetable ash.
Laura Chenel Creamy Goat Brie: After 9-14 days of aging, this Creamy Brie develops a thin, bloomy rind and a velvety texture that quickly becomes oozy.
Central Coast Creamery Seascape: this semi-firm cheese is a great ‘starter’ goat cheese because it’s made with a combination of goat’s and also cow’s milk. It’s very mild with a slight tang; and sure to convert goat cheese skeptics!
Sauvignon Blanc Pairing #2: A Fresh Salad
Green salads are not always easy to pair with wine– but Sauvignon Blanc can have grassy notes and green flavors of fresh herbs and green bell peppers, which makes it a harmonious pairing with green vegetables; and its high acidity can stand up to the brightness of a zesty vinaigrette dressing with orange or lemon flavor.
To make this pairing, simply layer butter lettuce leaves on a large platter. Add sliced cherry tomatoes, black olives, and jammy boiled eggs. If desired, add sliced avocado for an added dose of California flair– and top with a simple citrus vinaigrette, freshly ground black pepper, and flaky salt.
This is a vibrant and colorful salad that’s perfect to wow your guests at a summer dinner party, but easy enough to quickly prep and pack for a picnic and enjoy with a great wine!
Sauvignon Blanc Pairing #3: Asparagus and Gruyere Frittata
Frittata is an Italian dish that revolves around eggs, and shares similarities with both omelets and crustless quiches. It’s a savory mixture of beaten eggs combined with various ingredients like meats, cheeses, or vegetables, adding richness and depth to the dish. It’s also a great way to use up leftover veggies or cheeses (and is one of the vegetarian dishes that is such a satisfying meal, you don't miss the meat!). Frittatas are often enjoyed as a brunch or lunch dish, and Sauvignon Blanc's refreshing nature and light-bodied character make it a great match with daytime meals. The wine's crispness and liveliness can add a refreshing element to the meal, and the frittata can be served warm or at room temperature.
Why pair a frittata with Sauvignon Blanc? First of all, since Sauvignon Blanc is known for its vibrant, bright acidity, it balances the richness of a frittata. The acidity helps cleanse the palate and refreshes your taste buds with each sip, so the wine pairs perfectly for the creamy, egg-based texture of a frittata.
I highly suggest adding in some fresh green herbs to your frittata: Sauvignon Blanc often exhibits herbal and citrus aromas and flavors. These characteristics can harmonize with the fresh herbs and zesty ingredients commonly found in frittatas, such as basil, chives, and lemon zest. This is an herbaceous white wine whose citrus notes can mirror and enhance the flavors in the dish, creating a delightful synergy.
Jessica recommended an asparagus and Gruyere frittata as an excellent pairing for Geyser Peak Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2021: “Sauvignon Blanc perfectly pairs with asparagus– the acidity will cut right through that very distinct asparagus flavor, but the wine is so light and fresh that you’ll still being able to taste everything all in one bite. It's the easiest best simple meal!” Other spring and summer vegetables like ramps, snap peas, fennel, and artichokes would also be a nice addition to this delicious recipe.
Asparagus and Gruyere Frittata
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- ¼ cup Gruyere cheese
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 1 Tsp fresh oregano or marjoram, coarsely chopped
- 1 Tsp chives, finely chopped
- Salt, Freshly ground black pepper
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Clean asparagus: snap the woody ends, and cut them so they are neat.
- Whisk eggs, cheese and herbs.
- Heat up 1 Tsp olive oil in a cast-iron or pan of your choice. Cook asparagus until slightly charred. Season with salt and pepper, set aside.
- Add 1 or 2 Tsp to same pan, fry garlic until fragrant. Add eggs, arrange asparagus in a layer on top.
- Add a lid, cook on medium-low heat, undisturbed, until eggs are fully cooked.
- Eat with crusty bread and Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc!
Thanks to Geyser Peak Winery for sponsoring this post! To find their wines at a store near you, visit: https://geyserpeakwinery.com/wine-retailer-locator/.
