Are you stuck in a Sauvignon Blanc rut?

For many people who enjoy a chilled, refreshing glass of white wine, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is frequently the number one choice. Its dry, aromatic style with high acidity and combination of herbaceous and bright fruit flavours such as melon, gooseberry and passionfruit, make it a pleasantly easy-drinking wine. Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region of New Zealand is a particularly popular option, its fresh and vibrant aromas making it a real crowd-pleaser. However, if you find yourself habitually choosing the same wine, maybe it’s time to try something new. You just might be missing out on something amazing…

Not everyone is aware that Sancerre is also made from Sauvignon Blanc and the wines produced there are similar in style to those from the Marlborough region. Sancerre is an appellation in the Loire Valley in Northern France and has a slightly cooler climate than Marlborough, meaning that the wines produced there have more green apple and mineral characteristics. Sancerre wines are an excellent choice if you are looking for a refreshing wine and they pair wonderfully with a goat’s cheese salad.

Albariño is a Spanish grape variety that is becoming increasingly popular around the world. Grown in the Rias Baixas region of North-West Spain, it is a wonderful example of a refreshing wine with high acidity and flavours of citrus and grapefruit. Due to the region’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, these wines will also display some salinity. Albariño is also frequently grown in coastal areas of Portugal, but here it will be called Alvarinho.

Assyrtiko another great alternative to Sauvignon Blanc. A Greek grape, originally from Santorini, it has a high acidity and displays bright, fresh citrus flavours such as lemon zest and lime. Perfect with seafood or feta cheese.

My personal favourite from this group of high acidity, bright, refreshing styles of white wines is Grüner Veltliner. As Austria’s principal grape variety, it displays tart apple and grapefruit flavours and has a unique note of spicy white pepper which I love.

I hope I have inspired you to try some of these mouth-watering Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc alternatives.