France (Loire Valley, Bordeaux)

The typical French style offers mild gooseberry and lemony fruit, grassy herbal notes, and often a flinty chalky minerality. Usually very dry and relatively lean, these are generally the most subtle and elegant examples.

New Zealand

This style is decidedly more fruity and intense with racy lime/grapefruit citrus notes, tropical fruit aromatics, and a zesty pungent personality.

Americas (especially California)

Traditional California Sauvignon Blanc was treated like Chardonnay, made in a softer, fruitier, less acidic style, often with hints of smoky oak (hence the name Fumé Blanc). This style was mimicked throughout the Americas. Today, however, many producers are following New Zealand’s lead and producing cleaner, more vibrant styles with plenty of lively acidity and no oak.