Remember the first time the intense aroma of Sauvignon Blanc smacked you in the face? Have you been chasing that in other wines? Then these Sauvignon Blanc substitutes are for you!
On the hunt for herbal dry white wines? Try these
What Makes a Great Sauvignon Blanc Substitute?
When it comes to finding an alternative to Sauvignon Blanc, you have to think about what people love about it in the first place.
Two things in particular stick out:
- Acidity: Acid is the key to what makes Sauvignon Blanc such an easy wine to fall in love with. It makes those flavors of melon, gooseberry, and passionfruit taste brighter, and causes your mouth to water.
- Herbal Flavors: Despite the puckering acidity in Sauvignon Blanc, it still retains many peppery, grassy notes that add a lot of savory complexity. This green quality is what sets it apart from many aromatic wines.
We looked for grape varieties with these specific qualities to make up this list of Sauvignon Blanc substitutes. They should help you branch out a bit, while also enjoying those aromas and flavors you’ve fallen in love with!
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Verdejo
Found almost entirely in a northwestern region called Rueda, this uncommon white grape is native to Spain.
Why It Works: Verdejo has that zippy lime and grapefruit tone found in some Sauvignon Blanc, but can also have floral aromatics of citrus blossom. While a fresh cut grass note is there, you can sometimes pick up fennel too.
What To Pair It With: Verdejo loves to pair with dishes you would squeeze a citrus wedge over: think tacos or seafood. But if it’s aged in oak, it can handle many cream-based dishes as well.
What To Look For: The rules for the Rueda DO appellation state that only 50% of the wine has to be Verdejo. It’s often blended with Viura, making a softer style. Find the wines that say Rueda and Verdejo on the label to ensure you’re getting that citrus flavor you’re craving.
Albariño
Another great Spanish grape, this one is a little more common, and known in Portugal by the name Alvarinho.
Why It Works: This variety gives you riper flavors of peaches, oranges, and melon, while ensuring you get that revitalizing blitz of tartness.
What To Pair It With: The regions of Spain and Portugal that Albariño is grown in are both near the sea. And was we all know: what grows together, goes together. Try it with scallop ceviche for a real acid trip.
What To Look For Vinho Verde, much like Rueda, can be a…
