Now is the Best Time to Try South American Sauvignon Blanc

Chardonnay still dominates the US white wine market, but it should fear Sauvignon Blanc.

During the spring of 2020, as the pandemic gripped the world, Sauvignon Blanc sales surged 38% in the US alone. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is among the most popular versions, with its racy, in-your-face aromatics.

In mid-2021, however, the New Zealand wine industry sounded an alarm: 2021 Sauvignon Blanc yields in Marlborough (the epicenter of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc) were down 30% due to frost and other issues.

This means that New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc will either get more expensive in the US or not appear at all on store shelves. The good news is that lovers of this style of Sauvignon Blanc have other options.

Look to South America for Sauvignon Blanc

New Zealand’s Marlborough wine region is sunny and cool, thanks to its proximity to the Pacific. This influences the style of its Sauvignon Blanc. In South America, Chile’s Casablanca Valley also faces the chilly Pacific, and offers a similar style of highly affordable Sauvignon Blanc.

Sauvignon Blanc from the Casablanca Valley is lively and crisp with grassy, tropical notes. Many wine professionals often mix up Casablanca and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc in blind tastings.

South American Sauvignon Blanc encompasses more than the “New Zealand” style. Warmer regions such as Chile’s Colchagua Valley and Uruguay’s Canelones region offer a rounder, more citrus-driven style of Sauvignon Blanc that is just as refreshing.

South American Sauvignon Blanc from GVI Wines

If you’re unfamiliar with South American Sauvignon Blanc, here three to consider from the GVI Wines portfolio.

2020 Albamar Sauvignon Blanc | Casablanca Valley, Chile

This bone-dry wine has a solid core of tart Meyer lemon and crisp green apple.

2020 Calcu Sauvignon Blanc / Semillon | Colchagua Valley, Chile

Refreshing and crisp, with hints of ripe pear, pineapple and tropical citrus, this Sauvignon Blanc / Semillon blend is produced with fruit from the foothills of the Andes Mountains. The addition of Semillon makes the wine richer and more complex.

2019 Marichal Sauvignon Blanc | Canelones, Uruguay

This wine opens expressively on the nose, with strong notes of citrus, melon and a hint of minerality.