Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most beloved white wines in the world, known for its vibrant acidity, crisp freshness, and diverse flavour profiles. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just beginning to explore the world of wine, understanding this popular varietal is helpful to deepen your appreciation of this wine. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the fascinating world of Sauvignon Blanc—from its origins in Bordeaux, France, to its journey to South Africa, and its growing prominence in regions like Durbanville and take a close look at the Sauvignon Blancs produced by D’Aria Winery. We’ll also explore what makes Sauvignon Blanc so unique, its varying taste profiles, and how it pairs beautifully with different dishes.
What is Sauvignon Blanc Wine?
Sauvignon Blanc is a highly popular white wine, celebrated for its distinctive herbal notes and vibrant acidity. It thrives in many regions across the globe, resulting in a diverse range of styles, from light and crisp to rich and full-bodied.
How Do You Pronounce Sauvignon Blanc?
Pronouncing this French name can be challenging. It’s pronounced as “soh-vee-nyon blahnk”.
Where Did This Varietal Originate?
Sauvignon Blanc is a green-skinned grape variety that traces its roots back to the Bordeaux region of France. The name combines the French words sauvage (wild) and blanc (white), hinting at its origins as a native grape of Southwest France. There’s speculation that the grape may share lineage with Savagnin, another white grape from Jura, France.
How Did It Make Its Way To South Africa?
Historical records suggest that white wine Sauvignon Blanc was first planted in South Africa at Groot Constantia around 1880. However, the oldest confirmed vineyard of this variety is in the Swartland region, established around 1965. During the early years of winemaking in South Africa, many vines suffered from diseases, including phylloxera, which unfortunately severely impacted their quality.

This unfortunate situation led to Sauv Blanc’s near disappearance from South Africa for about 80 years. It wasn’t until the 1970s that it re-emerged, gradually gaining popularity. By the early 21st century, domestic sales of Sauvignon Blanc more than doubled between 2009 and 2019, according to the South African Wine Industry Information and Systems (SAWIS).
Today, Sauvignon Blanc accounts for over 10,000 hectares of vineyard space, representing more than 10% of South Africa’s total vineyards. It ranks as the country’s third most planted white grape variety, following Colombar and Chenin Blanc, and contributes significantly to wine sales, with 2.4 million cases sold annually.
What Does This Varietal Taste Like?
The flavour profile of Sauvignon Blanc varies depending on where it’s grown, often featuring citrus, tropical fruits, and herbal notes. Methoxypyrazines, natural compounds in the grape, contribute earthy and grassy characteristics like bell pepper and asparagus.
There are four distinct groupings of flavours of Sauvignon Blanc:
1. Tropical And Yellow Fruit
Rich tropical aromas and flavours, including papaya, guava, banana, and pineapple, are complemented by notes of stone fruits such as apricot, peach, and nectarine, along with hints of citrus. Floral undertones like orange blossom and geranium add complexity. These characteristics are typically linked to warmer regions with significant day-to-night temperature variations.
2. Flinty And Mineral
This profile includes restrained, lean notes such as gunflint, river stones, steel, and a hint of smokiness, balanced by earthy undertones like mushroom, damp soil, and the aroma of rain on a dusty path. Typically associated with temperate climates where diurnal temperature variations are moderate.
3. Spicy And Herbaceous
Vibrant flavours and aromas featuring capsicum, paprika, fresh and canned asparagus, tinned peas, grass, nettles, English gooseberries, tomato vine, celery, and herbs. These profiles are commonly associated with cooler climates, where vineyards benefit from onshore breezes or elevated locations that shield them from intense heat.

4. Citrus And Green Melon
Crisp and vibrant, these flavours and aromas feature fresh citrus notes, hints of green melon, and grapefruit, complemented by spring blossoms and white flowers. The result is a refreshing, clean palate experience often linked to cooler climates, high-altitude vineyards, or those influenced by cool ocean breezes.
Is Sauvignon Blanc Sweet?
While traditionally dry, some Sauvignon Blanc wines affected by noble rot develop a luscious sweetness, with notes of apricot, nuts, and fig. South African vineyards are renowned for crafting late harvest, where the grapes are on the vines longer than usual and noble rot wines, where a beneficial form of fungus forms on the grapes, that showcase a unique balance of sweetness and acidity of the Sauvignon Blanc taste.
What Pairs Well with Sauvignon Blanc?
Thanks to its diverse flavour profile, Sauvignon Blanc wine complements light meats, soft cheeses, green salads, and many Asian-inspired dishes.
D’Aria Sauvignon Blanc
At D’Aria Winery we currently have four delectable Sauvignon Blanc wines on offer, and some of the best Sauvingon Blanc in South Africa is produced by us:
1. POP Song Sauvignon Blanc
This delightful brut Sauvignon Blanc sparkling wine boasts abundant aromas and flavours of guava, melon, lemongrass, and gooseberry. Perfect for any occasion, but especially suited for moments of celebration! It has won the silver medal in the 2024 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards.
Food Pairing Suggestion: An excellent match for summer salads and mild cheeses.

2. The Songbird Sauvignon Blanc
The aroma reveals an intricate blend of green pepper, asparagus, gooseberries, and tropical fruit. On the palate, the wine is both rich and refined, starting with vibrant notes of gooseberries and green pepper, followed by a finish of tropical fruit and grapefruit.
Food Pairing Suggestion: A great choice for creamy seafood, white meats, and pasta dishes.

3. Thembu Sauvignon Blanc
The wine features a pale, clear hue with a subtle touch of green. Its vibrant blend of citrus and tropical fruit flavours offers an intense experience, enhanced by a well-balanced structure that ends with a refreshing, mineral finish.
Food Pairing: Great with cured meats or your go-to eggplant dishes.
4. D’Aria Sauvignon Blanc
This dry Sauvignon Blanc showcases the distinct characteristics of cool-climate winemaking. It presents vibrant notes of guava, gooseberry, asparagus, and cherry blossom. The wine is light-bodied and elegantly crafted. Our Sauvingon Blanc impressively won a Double Gold medal in the 2024 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards.
Food Pairing Suggestion: A wonderful complement to light meats, poultry, or seafood, and a fantastic addition to cheese platters and salads.

Buy D’Aria Wines
All our wines are available from our online store, Makro, Norman Goodfellows and at various retailers countrywide. Our Thembu Sauvignon Blancs, though, are only available online in our online shop.
Visit D’Aria Winery
If you’re a wine lover looking for a memorable experience, D’Aria Winery in Durbanville is the perfect destination for a wine tasting adventure. Nestled in the heart of the scenic Durbanville wine route, D’Aria offers a stunning setting to explore our exceptional wines. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of wine, our expert staff will guide you through one of our delightful tasting sessions, showcasing the finest varieties from our vineyards.
D’Aria’s wines are crafted with care, offering a perfect balance of flavors that pair beautifully with both food and good company. From crisp whites to rich reds, there’s something to suit every palate. Our winery’s welcoming atmosphere, paired with breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains, makes it an unforgettable outing.
Contact D’Aria Winery
To stay updated on the latest Sauvingon Blanc offerings, special events, and wine releases, be sure to follow D’Aria Winery on our Instagram and Facebook pages. Our friendly team is available on 021 801 6772 for any questions or wine tasting bookings.