Present in most of Argentina’s wine-growing provinces, Sauvignon Blanc is a grape that stands out for its crispness, vibrancy, and unique flavour. While often associated with France and New Zealand, the country has quietly been cultivating this grape with remarkable success, offering its own distinct expression of this beloved varietal. The acidity and tropical fruit flavours of Argentine Sauvignon Blanc make it a versatile companion for a wide range of dishes ranging from fresh seafood such as ceviche and grilled shrimp to salads, pesto pasta, as well as goat cheese appetisers. Annually, wine lovers around the globe come together to celebrate International Sauvignon Day, which is dedicated to honouring and exploring the rich history of this beloved grape as well as indulging in its flavours, on the first Friday of May which this year fell on May 3, 2024.

The origins of International Sauvignon Blanc Day can be traced back to the growing popularity of this grape varietal and the desire to celebrate its unique qualities. It was first officially recognised in 2009, by St Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery in Napa Valley, California and, since then, has become an annual tradition embraced by wineries, wine enthusiasts, and Sauvignon Blanc lovers everywhere. This grape is known for its distinct aromas, which can range from citrusy notes of grapefruit and lime to tropical fruits like passionfruit, guava and mango. Its versatility makes it a favourite among wine drinkers who recognise it as a white wine full of freshness, liveliness and expressiveness. In the mouth, it is usually refreshing, with a well-balanced acidity that enhances its fruity character and can be found in a variety of styles that vary based on climate and winemaking techniques.

Sauvignon Blanc dates back to the Loire Valley in France, where it was first documented in the 18th century. Its name is derived from the French words “sauvage” (wild) and “blanc” (white), hinting at its origins as a wild grapevine. Over time, it spread to Bordeaux and other wine regions around the world. While Argentina is renowned for its Malbec, the country’s winemakers have also been experimenting with other grape varieties, including Sauvignon Blanc, where the cool climate regions of Mendoza, San Juan, and Patagonia offer ideal conditions like sunny days, cool nights, and well-drained soils that all contribute to its success.

Argentine Sauvignon Blanc showcases a unique flavour profile shaped by its terroir and winemaking techniques. Some expressions may exhibit herbaceous qualities, reminiscent of freshly cut grass or green bell pepper. Terroir plays a crucial role in shaping the character of Argentine Sauvignon Blanc, so in provinces like Mendoza, where the majority of Argentina’s wine is produced, vineyards are often situated at high altitudes, allowing for wide temperature variations between day and night. This diurnal shift preserves acidity in the grapes while promoting flavour development.

In the southern region of the country, like Patagonia, where cooler temperatures prevail, Sauvignon Blanc takes on a more elegant profile, with crisp acidity and delicate floral aromas. While in San Juan, where vineyards are planted at lower altitudes, the wines tend to be fuller-bodied with ripe fruit flavours and a rounder mouthfeel. Argentine winemakers employ various techniques to highlight the best qualities of Sauvignon Blanc and among the most common is the use of stainless steel tanks for fermentation. This technique is known to preserve the grape’s natural acidity and fruit flavours, resulting in bright, refreshing wines with some producers incorporating a small portion of oak (barrel) ageing to add complexity and texture to the final blend.

To commemorate the global celebration of this grape, Thursday Food introduces five of the year’s best labels from South America:

Taymente Sauvignon Blanc by Huarpe Wines is made from 100 per cent Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown at an altitude of 1,350 metres above sea level at Finca Las Divas in the Gualtallary area of Tupungato, Mendoza. The wine has greenish-yellow tones with silver highlights exhibiting an intense and fresh aroma, with noticeable rue and citrus flowers on the nose. On the palate, it offers a refreshing and mineral flavour, with good acidity and persistence in the mouth.

Taymente Sauvignon Blanc Tardío is a white blend that has 85 per cent Sauvignon Blanc and 15 per cent Rhein Riesling, also by Huarpe Wines from the vineyards in Gualtallary. This wine has an alcoholic volume of nine per cent and is ideal with desserts or as an apéritif. It is golden yellow (honey hues) in colour with aromas of tropical and citrus fruits.

Finca Perdriel Sauvignon Blanc is a 100 per cent varietal from Bodega Norton that is made from vines grown 950 metres above sea level in Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza. The wine is an intense greenish-yellow as well as being aromatically very complex, with great typicity, expressing pink grapefruit, and rue along with some toasted notes on the nose. In the mouth it has very good structure, is fresh and persistent in its finish.

Fond de Cave Reserva Sauvignon Blanc is a 100 per cent Sauvignon Blanc white wine by Trapiche Winery that is produced from their vineyards located in Tupungato, Mendoza. It has a pale yellow colour with greenish reflections exhibiting intense aromas of rue, fresh herbs, tropical fruits and notes of pink grapefruit. On the palate, it is voluminous with lots of freshness and persistence, ending in a flowy and velvety finish.

Familia Blanco Icono Sauvignon Blanc is made from 100 per cent varietal grapes grown at vineyards located 1,000 metres above sea level in Ugarteche, Luján de Cuyo by Familia Blanco Wines. This wine has a very classic European (French) profile, entering the mouth with power and filling the palate with flavour before ending with a long and complex finish. The characteristic acidity of the variety is balanced by the smoothness provided by its fermentation in barrels, making it a wine ideally suited for unique occasions.

Argentina’s Sauvignon Blanc may not be as widely recognised as its Malbec counterpart, but it offers a delightful alternative for wine lovers seeking crisp, refreshing whites with character and complexity to commemorate tomorrow’s International Sauvignon Blanc Day. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to the world of wine, there’s nothing more special than toasting to tradition, innovation, and the simple pleasures of life. Cheers to Sauvignon Blanc!