Lise’s Tastings Sessions — Episode 3: Sauvignon and Oak, a Journey Through Three Expressions

For this new episode of Lise’s Tastings, we’re taking a journey through wine — something of a first for us. On the menu: three Sauvignon wines from different terroirs and different countries, united by one common thread — oak.

Sauvignon is an aromatic grape variety renowned for its fresh, vibrant character. It often reveals notes of citrus, exotic fruits, and boxwood. Widely grown in the Loire Valley — particularly in Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé — as well as in Bordeaux, it produces light, expressive wines with beautiful tension. Appreciated for its liveliness and crisp profile, Sauvignon has become one of the emblematic grape varieties of these regions.

While Sauvignon is deeply rooted in France, especially in the Loire Valley where it proudly flourishes, another country has offered it a remarkable field of expression: New Zealand, where it has developed a singular aromatic identity.

Tasting is feeling

First Glass: Pessac-Léognan — 2021 — Château La Louvière
A pale golden hue with brilliant clarity, evoking freshness from the very first glance. On the nose, toasted and lightly grilled notes emerge before gradually giving way, with aeration, to aromas of citrus and boxwood. The palate opens progressively, slowly revealing a beautiful liveliness. Rich and generous, it offers notes of yellow peach and citrus — a wine with real texture and substance. Oak ageing brings a subtle tension that enhances the wine’s overall elegance. The long, velvety finish leaves a beautifully balanced impression.
Vinification / Ageing: Fermentation in oak barrels and 600-liter demi-muids. Aged on fine lees with regular bâtonnage for 10 months.
Food Pairings: Marinated shrimp, grilled salmon with Béarnaise sauce, bouchées à la reine.

Second Glass: Clos Henri — 2019 — Marlborough — New Zealand
The colour differs from the first glass: a slightly deeper golden hue, still bright, with silvery highlights. The expressive first nose reveals notes of pear, fresh fruit, and delicate white flowers. With further aeration, aromas of vanilla and citrus nuances emerge on the second nose. The wine gains in concentration, revealing hints of evolution, notably touches of honey.
On the palate, the attack is lively, almost razor-sharp, with fresh lemon notes. The mid-palate develops a creamy texture, the result of lees ageing. Oak remains discreet, bringing subtle vanilla notes already perceived on the second nose.
Vinification / Ageing: Fermentation in stainless steel tanks and ageing on lees. Matured entirely in oak barrels, including 10–20% new oak.
Food Pairings: Enjoyed on its own as an aperitif. Pairs beautifully with goat cheese and fig tartlets.

Third Glass: Menetou-Salon — 2022 — Domaine Pellé — Organic since 2021
The colour, deeper than the previous wines, displays a slight haze. The first nose is intensely floral, marked by notes of white blossoms such as honeysuckle. The second nose confirms this refined and delicate bouquet: oak integrates subtly alongside pear, white flowers, and an elegant minerality.
On the palate, the attack is broad and textured, with remarkable depth. Oak supports the wine without ever dominating it. The wine is structured, driven by minerality and tension. White fruit notes unfold gracefully, accompanied by an elegant saline touch. The overall impression is harmonious and beautifully balanced. The finish is fresh and lemony, lingering with a delicate hint of spice that suggests excellent ageing potential.
Vinification / Ageing: Sauvignon Blanc sourced from three plots. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks and oak. Aged in large oak casks, oak barrels, and amphorae.
Food Pairings: Enjoyed on its own as an aperitif, alongside sole meunière or grilled sole, or with Guémené andouille sausage.

The Role of Oak

In each of these wines, oak plays its role with precision.
It brings texture, depth, and length, without ever overshadowing the identity of Sauvignon.

At times discreet, at times structuring, it reveals another facet of the grape variety — broader, more complex, and more gastronomic.

And Now?

After this tasting, one question remains: which expression of Sauvignon do you prefer?

“Wine is meant to be enjoyed with pleasure… and always in moderation.”