Sauvignon Blanc is Hot

SALES of Sauvignon Blanc are hot, that is, you should always serve it cold.  :)

Sauv Blanc trails Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir in popularity in the U.S. But Sauvignon Blanc is the one gaining the most in sales (with Pinot Gris second). It seems some consumers are turning to reasonably priced crisp whites.

With Sauvignon Blanc you can
still find a good deal in Napa

White wines in general are seeing a sales uptick. This has led to some of the largest producers to look farther away in California for fruit. For instance, the 2021 Ferrari Corona Sauvignon Blanc was still labeled with the Sonoma County appellation. With 2022 it went to North Coast; likely they are getting more fruit from Lake County now. North Coast is an appellation of several counties, including Sonoma and Napa.

It's the higher end Sauv Blanc that's seeing the most growth percentage-wise, though these wines are a relatively small piece of the total market. Over $25 Sauv Blanc has seen the largest increase, next is the $15 to $25 wines. And now luxury Sauvignon Blanc is a thing in Napa and Sonoma as there are numerous $75 and up SBs available. Not sure if anyone is buying.

Of the top ten most popular wines, Sauvignon Blanc is the only one showing growth in sales value and volume.

This wine isn't just a California thing, of course, as it's a very popular import from France and New Zealand. Styles can be tropical fruits from warmer growing climates to grapefruit or grassy from cooler areas. The bright acidity makes the wine refreshing and helps it pair with foods. 

Some top Sauvignon Blancs from Sonoma County that you may find in your local store are from Dry Creek Vineyards, Hanna, Matanzas Creek, and Quivira. A couple other excellent SBs that might be difficult to find other than direct from the winery are from Merry Edwards and Rochioli. David Stare, the founder of Dry Creek Vyds, is the father of Sauv Blanc in Sonoma County. Today, there is a lot of it growing in Dry Creek Valley and other places in the county.

Dave Stare in the '70s when he was being told,
"You want to plant zinfandel and petite sirah
around here, boy, not sauvignon blanc."
image from Dry Creek Vineyards