Grapevines Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc Plans

Origin

The center of France or the South west of France are the 2 possible origins of this vine variety.

Synonymy

There is no officially recognized synonym for this variety in France.In the European Union, Sauvignon B can officially be called by other names: Sauvignon blanc (Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Spain, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Czech Republic), Sauvignon gros (Romania), Sauvignon petit (Romania), Sovignion blanc (Bulgaria) and Zeleni sauvignon (Slovenia).

Regulations

In France, Sauvignon B is officially listed in the "Catalogue of vine varieties".

This vine variety is likewise listed in the Catalogues of other European Union member states: Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Spain, Greece, Italy, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia.

Use

Wine vine variety

Phenology

Bud burst: 7 days after Chasselas.

Grape maturity: period II, 2 and 1/2 weeks after Chasselas.

Suitability for cultivation and agronomic production

Sauvignon Blanc is a very vigorous vine variety under certain conditions and has tendency to produce herbaceous characters. This vigor, which can be very intense the first years, thus needs to be managed by planting in moderately fertile terroirs and by using weak root stock and also by using adapted pruning techniques. Along with careful trellising and adapted training systems, finding a favorable micro-climate for the grape clusters is necessary.

Sensitivity to diseases and pests

Sauvignon B is very susceptible to grey rot (compact clusters) and wood disease and sensitive to powdery mildew. It is however not very sensitive to downy mildew.

Technological potential

The grape clusters and berries are small in size. Sauvignon B can produce very elegant dry white wines: very fine, balanced and typical. Sauvignon B characteristic varietal aromas, which are especially present the first years, can encounter nuances (broom flower, blackcurrent, or boxwood) depending on the terroir, the year and growing conditions. After late harvests or with noble rot, this variety can be used to produce top liqueur wines.

Clonal selection in France

The 20 approved Sauvignon B clones carry the numbers 107, 108, 159, 160, 161, 240, 241, 242, 297, 316, 317, 376, 377, 378, 379, 530, 531, 619, 905 and 906. Three conservatories including a total of approximately 400 clones were set up in Bordeaux and in the Loire valley in 1993, 1994 and 2001.

Source: Plantgrape