Fresh & Citrusy
Sauvignon Blanc is a unique white, known for its distinctive herbaceous citrussy character, and fine effervescence. The variety comes from the Loire Valley but is cultivated pretty much globally now. It is also versatile and can be present in many styles from light to heavily oaked.
The best Sauvignon Blanc examples originate in France, New Zealand, Chile, Australia, and the US. But, the variety is also grown in Moldova, Spain, South Africa, Argentina, Austria, Hungary, and Greece. The first mention of Sauvignon Blanc seems to be attributed to French writer François Rabelais from 1534.
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(4.1 / 5) From Vibrant to Heavily Oaked
Sauvignon Blanc wines are mineral-driven, with intense citrus and herbaceous notes of grapefruit, asparagus, grass, and green bell pepper. However, when grown in regions with hot climates, they shift toward notes of tropical and stone fruits, exhibiting flavors of pineapples, guavas, peaches, and apricots. When made in a Fume-style, they present sensations of cloves, charred wood, and vanilla spice.
Sauvignon Blanc wines are mostly mineral-driven and earthy. When grown in hot climates, however, the focus changes to notes of stone fruits and tropical. Pineapples, guavas, apricots, and peaches are some of the most common characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc produced in warm countries.
Finding the top-rated Sauvignon Blanc under $10 is not easy. And if you are not a Sauvignon devotee, willing to spend a lot for quality wine, then discovering the best affordable Sauvignon Blanc wines is a seriously tough challenge. But, do not get discouraged, as we tasted the most popular and highly-rated Sauvignons on the market. Here is the first best value Sauvignon Blanc under $10:
Best Sauvignon Blanc Wines Under $10
Best Overall
- Name — Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Brancott Estate
- Country/Region — New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
- Type — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Grapefruit, Lime, Gooseberry, Lemon, Grass
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Passion Fruit, Blood Orange, Asparagus, Straw, Flint, Stones, Campfire
- Alcohol Content — 14.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Sardines, Mackerel, Prawns, Roast Chicken, Passion Fruit Tart
Tasting Notes
Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc is a vibrant wine with a pale straw color with green highlights near the rim. On the nose, aromas of citrus and gooseberry dominate, while in the mouth, flavors of blood orange and passion fruit blend with subtle mineral touches. A seriously great Sauvignon Blanc under $10.
Fragrances of pink grapefruit, lime, and gooseberry define the bouquet, granting wine enthusiasts an aromatic experience. On the palate, tastes of passion fruit, blood orange, asparagus, and wet straw combine with notes of flint, stones, and a gentle hint of a campfire for a beautifully balanced, quite complicated mouth. The tight, fresh acidity stimulates and leaves your mouth with watering sensations.
Pioneers of Sauvignon Blanc Winemaking
Founded in 1977, the Brancott Winery is an old Marlborough winery. It produces a few of the world’s first grape tipping tanks, remaining true to its pioneering culture. In fact, it has embraced innovation as it was also one of the first wineries to plant Sauvignon Blanc grapevines in Marlborough. Today, the Brancott Winery leads the Sauvignon Blanc wine industry in New Zealand with its innovative winemaking technologies and dedication to excellence and quality wine production.
Best Value
- Name — La Perrière La Petite Perrière Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — La Perrière
- Country/Region — France
- Type — French Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Honeysuckle, Acacia, Elderflower, Pear, Apple, Gooseberry, Flint, Stones
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Peach, Apricot, Nectarine, Pineapple, Lychee, Cherry, Mango
- Alcohol Content — 12.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Seafood, Pasta With Spring Vegetables, Pan-fried Salmon, Vegetable Soups
Tasting Notes
A radiant Sauvignon Blanc brimming with green fruit brightness. The bouquet is delicate with a harmonious expression of white flowers, acacia, and pears, framed by a subtle minerality. The palate has pleasant freshness, packed with fruit-forward tastes of stone fruits and tropicals.
Vibrant aromas of honeysuckles, acacia, and elderflowers join scents of pears, apples, and gooseberry to complete the elegant nose, as hints of flint and stones contribute depth. The mid-palate is refreshing and smooth, filled with flavors of peaches, apricots, nectarines, and pineapples. At the same time, dynamic notes of lychee, cherry, and mango combine, driving into the short but, at the very least, pleasant aftertaste.
Producing Wine in the Heart of the Loire
La Perrière is based in Loire Valley, that glorious river that encapsulates the French national identity and lifestyle. With about 900 acres of vines planted across six estates and appellations, and cooperations with renowned vine-growers, La Perrière produces a wide range of fine wines from the Loire.
Best From California
- Name — Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Joel Gott
- Country/Region — United States, California
- Type — Californian Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Mango, Peach, Orange Peel, Grapefruit, Lime
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Apple, Pear, Grapefruit, Pineapple, Vanilla Spice
- Alcohol Content — 13.9%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Thai, Sea Bass, Crab Cake, Ricotta Salad
Tasting Notes
That is an aromatic Sauvignon Blanc, packed with scents of ripe mangoes and peaches. On the palate, bright fruit flavors dominate, followed by refreshing acidity and a balanced finish. Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc begins with bold aromas of mangoes, peaches, orange peel, grapefruits, and limes.
Next, in the mouth, fruit-forward tastes of apple, pear, citrus, and pineapple blend with gentle undertones of vanilla spice and cloves to deliver the mouthwatering palate. The crisp and refreshing acidity stimulates as it drives into a long, balanced finish. Overall, this is a very well-structured, expressive Sauvignon Blanc.
Producing Expressive but Approachable Wines
John Gott is a fourth-generation vintner, born into a family of California winemakers. He established Joel Gott Wines in 1996, choosing the best fruit from growing regions in California, Oregon, and Washington to create complex and elegant wines. He strives to produce expressive and food-friendly wines at approachable prices.
Best From Washington
- Name — Chateau Ste. Michelle Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Chateau Ste. Michelle
- Country/Region — United States, Washington, Columbia Valley
- Type — Washington State Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Grapefruit, Lemon Peel, Blood Orange, Kiwi, Honey, Gooseberry, Stones
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Melon, Pineapple, Cherry, Thyme, Rosemary, Lemongrass, Almond
- Alcohol Content — 13%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Haddock, Oysters, Greek Pasta Salad, Asparagus Risotto
Tasting Notes
Produced via stainless steel fermentation, this Sauvignon Blanc is crispy, offering a vibrant, fruit character of herbs and tropicals. Perfect for sipping on a warm summer day when the sun is high.
The moment the wine is uncorked, bright aromas of grapefruits, lemon peel, blood orange, and kiwi emerge on the nose, interlaced with nuances of honey, gooseberries, and wet stones. Next, on the palate, the fruit-forward sensations continue. Flavors of melons, pineapples, and cherries combine harmoniously with tastes of thyme, rosemary, and lemongrass, as they drive into the nutty, delicious aftertaste.
State-of-the-Art Winemaking
Chateau Ste. Michelle is one of the premium wineries in the world with two state-of-the-art wineries on its premises, one for white and another for red wine production. They strive to respect the varietal characters of each location yet craft wines that offer a pleasant, food-friendly experience. The head winemaker is Katie Nelson, who “after nearly 30 years of experience,” she’s inspired to be “bold and take chances.”
Best From Australia
- Name — 19 Crimes Sauvignon Block
- Winery — 19 Crimes
- Country/Region — Australia, South Eastern Australia
- Type — Australian Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Passion Fruit, Lime, Grapefruit, Pineapple, Guava, Honeysuckle
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Apple, Gooseberry, Green Bell Pepper, Peach, Apricot, Nectarine, Butterscotch
- Alcohol Content — 12%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Grouper, Fried Chicken, Tofu, Caprese Salad, Yogurt
Tasting Notes
Light, with a distinctive character, this Sauvignon Blanc is approachable and packed with aromas of passion fruit, grapefruit, pineapple, and guava. The palate is crisp and vibrant, an apotheosis of green and stone fruit flavors. Criminally easy to enjoy, this wine is aptly named and one of the top Sauvignon Blanc under $10. This Sauvignon is approachable, and the palate is bright and crispy because the green and stone fruit flavors dominate.
Showing dynamic fragrances of passion fruits, limes, grapefruits, and pineapples, this Sauvignon has a powerful bouquet, offering wine fans the scent of Australia’s terroir. Further, floral aromas of honeysuckles commence a dance with pears and apples as they weave their way to the bold palate. There, the flavors of gooseberries, green bell peppers, and grapefruit, join peach, apricot, and nectarine, to produce the smooth palate. The finish is lengthy and pleasant, packed with notes of butterscotch and cloves.
A Story Filled With Crime
The winery has an intriguing story, as it has taken its name from the British rogues who were sentenced to imprisonment in Australia in the late 18th Century. Thus, the 19 Crimes winery was born, adopting its unusual name.
Best From New Zealand
- Name — Sherwood Stratum Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Sherwood
- Country/Region — New Zealand, South Island, Canterbury, Waipara
- Type — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Pear, Aroma, Grass, Nectarine, Grapefruit, Melon
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Passion Fruit, Pineapple, Guava, Bergamot, Quince, Mango
- Alcohol Content — 12%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Crab, Sea Bass, Sashimi, Smoked Salmon, Mexican
Tasting Notes
Fresh with pronounced aromas of apples, pears, and grass and a palate of passion fruits, guavas, and bergamot flavors, Sherwood Stratum Sauvignon Blanc is delightful. A good Sauvignon Blanc under $10.
A perfect wine for a gift basket, this Sauvignon begins with elegant fragrances of pears, aromas, and grass, as well as scents of nectarine, citrus, and melon. In the mouth, the acidity is pronounced and welcoming. Juicy tastes of passion fruit, pineapple, guava, bergamot, and a hint of quince contribute jamminess to the wine. As to the finish, it shows notes of mango and slight oiliness.
Jill Sherwood
Established in 1986, when Dayne and Jill Sherwood planted their first grapevines on their West Melton property, Sherwood Estate rose from a small winery with a restaurant to one of the top producers in Canterbury and New Zealand.
Best From France
- Name — Les Deux Moulins Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Les Deux Moulins
- Country/Region — France, Loire Valley
- Type — French Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Pear, Apple, Melon, White Peach, Pineapple
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Grapefruit, Lemon, Nectarine, Gooseberry, Honeysuckle, Raspberry, Slate
- Alcohol Content — 11.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Seafood, Chargrilled Calamari, Fish And Chips, Veal, Oven-baked Chicken
Tasting Notes
Les Deux Moulins Sauvignon Blanc comes from vines located between Anjou and Tours in the Loire Valley, rooted in schist and gravel soils. Vinified in stainless steel to preserve freshness, acidity, and natural character, the wine offers citrus-driven aromas and flavors and a crisp, long finish. Les Deux Moulins Sauvignon Blanc could be the best inexpensive Sauvignon Blanc, indeed!
The wine begins with a beautiful lemon-green color and rich, fragrant notes of pears, apples, melons, and white peaches on the nose. A bit sweet to start, it opens into a fruit-forward palate with a medium mouthfeel. Expect to experience flavors of grapefruits, lemons, pineapples, and gooseberries, accompanied by hints of honeysuckle, raspberries, and slate. A great sipper when watching a movie, this Sauvignon concludes the tasting profile with a crispy aftertaste.
Guaranteed Quality and Rich Taste
Produced from traditional grapes of the Loire Valley, Les Deux Moulins white cuvée is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc and the red from 100% Pinot Noir. Deux Moulins is the wine label of the Paris Wine Company, whose founder Joshua Adler uses his knowledge of French wine regions and connections with grape growers and producers to create custom bottlings. Each year, the Paris Wine Company tastes and selects only the best cuvées for the Deux Moulins label.
Best From Argentina
- Name — Salentein Portillo Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Salentein
- Country/Region — Argentina, Mendoza, Uco Valley
- Type — Argentinian Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Grapefruit, Orange, Lemon, Gooseberry, Apple, Peach, Wet Stone
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Tangerine, Lime, Pear, Cherry, Vanilla Spice, Honey
- Alcohol Content — 13.6%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Lobster, Red Snapper, Catfish, Seafood, Brussel Sprouts, Pan-seared Salmon
Tasting Notes
Fresh grapefruit and orange blossom aromas combine with a touch of minerality to produce a clean nose. Meanwhile, the zingy palate is mouthwatering, as flavors of tangerines and lime combine harmoniously for delicious sensations.
Fragrances of grapefruits, oranges, and lemon form the citrus-driven nose, supported by nuances of gooseberries, apples, peaches, and a hint of wet stones. At the same time, the bright palate is framed by flavors of tangerines, limes, and pears. A certain oakiness is present in the mouth, as well, with touches of cherries, vanilla spice, and honey, driving into a moderate, enjoyable finish. Definitely an excellent, fruit-forward Sauvignon and one of the best budget Sauvignon Blanc wines!
Cultivating at the Foot of the Snow-Covered Andes
Grown in the Uno Valley of Argentina’s Mendoza region at the foot of the Andes, Portillo has a diverse portfolio of wines grown at some of the highest elevations in the world. Their wines attain such a perfect balance between flavor concentration and acidity due to the diurnal range. Hot, sunny days are followed by cool nights, and the vineyards are irrigated by the melted glacier water from the Andes. Consequently, easy-to-drink wines can be produced, with rare quality and flavor intensity.
Best From Chile
- Name — Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc (Reserva)
- Winery — Casillero del Diablo
- Country/Region — Chile, Aconcagua, Casablanca Valley
- Type — Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Jasmine, Honeysuckle, Pear, Apple, Melon
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Lemongrass, Pineapple, Gooseberry, Grapefruit, Cocoa, Flint, Wet Stones
- Alcohol Content — 13%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Cod, Mignonette, Turkey, Fried Zucchini, Tomato-based Pasta
Tasting Notes
Very drinkable, a super pleasant Sauvignon offered at a low, approachable cost. Scents of jasmine, green fruits, and melons define the nose. In the mouth, the wine is as refreshing as a spring breeze, packed with flavors of grapefruit, citrus, and a dash of gooseberry.
From the moment the wine is poured into a glass, a wave of jasmine and honeysuckle fragrances surface, mixing with scents of pears, apples, and melons. On the palate, vibrant notes of lemongrass, pineapples, gooseberries, and grapefruits offer a distinctive combination of freshness and ripeness, pleasantly surprising wine enthusiasts. The smooth texture ends in a long finish, loaded with notes of flint, stones, and cocoa.
A Hellish Legend
According to the story, more than 100 years ago, the founder of the winery, Don Melchor Concha y Toro, hid a collection of premium wines in his cellar protecting behind an iron gate. But, as time went by, the wine bottles started disappearing. It seemed that this cellar was not a secret after all and that the townspeople, who had heard of his prized wines, had to try them out.
In his effort to find a new way to protect his treasure, Don Melchor spread the rumor of strange nighttime events with demonic presences. Being superstitious, the local people feared that the devil inhabited the cellars, so they stayed cleared of them. That is how Casillero del Diablo acquired its devilish name. Over time, the winery has evolved into one of the most famous Chilean wine firms, exporting wines to over 140 countries. In fact, Casillero del Diablo has even partnered with Manchester United, an English soccer giant.
Best From South Africa
- Name — The Beach House Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — The Beach House
- Country/Region — South Africa, Western Cape, Coastal Region
- Type — South African Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Grapefruit, Grass, Straw, Apple, Pear, Smoke, Barnyard
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Pineapple, Guava, Gooseberry, Tangerine, Blood Orange
- Alcohol Content — 13%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Haddock, Smoked Salmon, Grilled Artichokes, Gouda, Sour Cream
Tasting Notes
A refreshing Sauvignon, brimming with citrus, grass, and green fruit aromas and savory, smoky touches. On the palate, the flavors match the aromas, as they lead to a balanced, clean finish. Possibly the best Sauvignon Blanc for the money. The wine is summer in a glass. Simple, crispy, and fresh, with sufficient complexity and depth.
The bouquet brims with aromas of grapefruits, grass, straw, apples, and pears, joined by subtle touches of smoke and barnyard. In the mouth, pineapple and guava combine harmoniously to define the mid-palate, as notes of gooseberries, tangerines, and blood oranges provide freshness. The vibrant finish is clean and balanced, beautifully concluding the tasting notes.
Sourcing Grapes From the World’s Best Wine Regions
With fruit sourced from South Africa and Italy, the Beach House presents charming wines, perfect for relaxed experiences. The wines of South Africa are grown and produced in some of the best wine zones in the world. The maritime influence from the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans plays a major role in wine production. It leads to the creation of balanced and refreshing wines.
Conclusion
And that’s it, we reached the end of our list with the best Sauvignon Blanc under $10! As expected, we tried to include something for everyone. So, rest assured that if you are a Sauvignon Blanc fan, one of these wines would be for you. The only thing you have to do is visit your wine store with our list in hand and look out for the best Sauvignon Blanc you can buy for $10!
