A Wild Vine of Distinction: Honoring Sauvignon Blanc’s Storied Legacy

Sauvignon - "sauvage" (wild) and "vigne" (vine)

Each year on International Sauvignon Blanc Day, we pause to celebrate a varietal that has captivated palates across continents—shaped by tradition, redefined by innovation, and continually reimagined through the lens of terroir.

Sauvignon Blanc is most famously rooted in France. In the Loire Valley, it’s known for its racy acidity and grassy aroma, while in Bordeaux Blanc, it’s often blended with Sémillon to create wines of greater texture, depth, and aging potential. That Bordeaux style set the foundation for Sauvignon Blanc’s prestige and versatility by being more structured and nuanced.

Here in Napa Valley, the story took an innovative turn when Robert Mondavi introduced the concept of Fumé Blanc in the late 1960s. A stylistic and marketing reinvention, Fumé Blanc brought oak influence and a richer texture to the traditionally crisp white, elevating Sauvignon Blanc to a level of seriousness that reflected the emerging ambitions of Napa’s fine wine movement.

At Double Diamond, our own Sauvignon Blanc pays homage to both the classic Bordeaux and Mondavi style. Crafted from 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Sémillon, and aged for ten months in a combination of stainless steel and oak, our wine strikes a harmonious balance between freshness and finesse. The Sauvignon Blanc provides energy, lift, and vivid aromatics, while the Sémillon lends weight, roundness, and a subtle, honeyed complexity—resulting in a wine of elegance, structure, and depth.

Sauvignon Blanc has always been admired for its vibrant character and food-friendly nature. But it’s the varietal’s ability to adapt that has made it a global favorite. From the gravelly vineyards of Graves to the sun-soaked vineyards of Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc continues to express itself in exciting new ways.

At a time when palates are evolving and wine lovers are seeking wines of both refreshment and sophistication, Sauvignon Blanc is having a well-earned renaissance. We invite you to rediscover the varietal through the lens of our Napa Valley expression—a wine rooted in tradition, yet undeniably modern.