Possibly the World’s Most Popular White Wine Grape
Sauvignon Blanc is an elegant white wine, known for its herbaceous flavors and pleasant effervescence. It originated in the Loire Valley, France, but is now found growing from New Zealand to the United States. Sauvignon Blancs are refreshing and vibrant and can be produced in many different styles. Sauvignon Blanc grapes have a long history and they were first mentioned by writer François Rabelais in 1534.
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(4.3 / 5) Sauvignon Blanc: From Bright to Oaky
Sauvignon Blanc wines are noted for their mineral highlights, and dynamic tastes of citrus fruits, such as grapefruit. They also have flavors and aromas of asparagus, wet grass, and green bell pepper. Yet, when grown in hot climates, they exhibit flavors of tropical and stone fruits, such as pineapples, peaches, guavas, and mangoes. If made in a Fume-style, Sauvignon Blanc shows exotic hints of charred wood, vanilla spice, and cloves.
Sauvignon Blanc comes in diverse styles and levels of quality. As expected, the greatest of Sauvignon examples are priced very high. Yet, there are also many good Sauvignon Blanc under $15. Sure, finding the best ones in this price range is not a piece of cake. That said, we are wine pros, so we are up to the challenge! For this reason, we tasted a bunch of Sauvignons to find the best Sauvignon Blanc wine under $15.
Best Sauvignon Blanc Wines Under $15
Best Overall
- Name — Seifried Estate Old Coach Road Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Seifried Estate
- Country/Region — New Zealand, South Island, Nelson
- Type — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Apple, Pear, Gooseberry, Grass, Straw, Grapefruit
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Melon, Pineapple, Guava, Meyer Lemon, Flint, Strawberry, Almond
- Alcohol Content — 13.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Chicken Piccata, Chicken Sandwiches, Steamed Mussels, Brussel Sprouts
Tasting Notes
Pronounced aromas of green fruits and grass combine with notes of citrus and vegetables, adding aromatic complexity. In the mouth, melon and citrus flavors join hints of tropicals and white flowers. Medium-bodied, with a mouthwatering finish, this wine is one of the top-rated Sauvignon Blanc under $15! As you uncork the bottle, vibrant aromas of apples, pears, and gooseberries seamlessly blend with elegant touches of grass, straw, grapefruit, and celery leaf, forming the welcoming bouquet.
On the palate, the wine exhibits creaminess and effervescence. The rounded texture is accompanied by juicy flavors of melons, pineapples, guavas, and Meyer lemons. Subsequent tastes of honeysuckle and honey follow, accentuated by minerals, strawberries, and almonds. The finish is long and mouthwatering, concluding the tasting profile dynamically.
Great Winemaking at the Sunshine Capital of New Zealand
Established in 1973 by Austrian Hermann Seifried in the Nelson region of New Zealand, Seifried Winery, as one of the first wine producers in Nelson, crafts high-quality wines from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Pinot Noir. Seifried is renowned for its label Sweet Agnes Riesling, an award-winning dessert wine.
Furthermore, the high quality of the Seifried wines is owed to the wealth of soil types. Most vineyards are estate-owned – the grape growers who maintain control over the yields, the clone selection, and disease management. Consequently, Seifried can produce distinctive wines, super-expressive of Nelson’s terroir, also known as the Sunshine Capital of New Zealand.
Best Value
- Name — Hans Greyl Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Hans Greyl
- Country/Region — New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
- Type — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Kiwi, Nettle, Blood Orange, Lime, Fresh Straw
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Gooseberry, Lemon, Elderflower, Pear, Tropical Fruit
- Alcohol Content — 12%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Jambalaya, Goat Cheese, Shellfish, Fried Calamari, Chicken Salad
Tasting Notes
A beautiful Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand’s South Island, brimming with notes of passion fruit, citrus, and tropicals. Somehow woody, with a medium, pleasing finish, Hans Greyl Sauvignon Blanc is impressive. Great aromas of passion fruit, grapefruit, lime, and mango define the nose, as traces of lemons, grass, and gooseberries offer freshness. In the mouth, this Sauvignon is balanced, for the most part, when it is not, the wine becomes a bit sweet because of the ripe flavors of pineapples, guavas, and peaches.
At the same time, some tastes of mint, pepper, and cloves are discernible, too, offering depth and structure. The acidity is crisp and brisk, driving to the medium, nutty-driven aftertaste. Produced from Hans Greyl winery in Marlborough in New Zealand’s South Island, Hans Greyl Sauvignon Blanc is fermented in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures. This fermentation follows some months of maturation on fine lees before the wine is bottled.
Best From California
- Name — Ferrari Carano Fumé Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc)
- Winery — Ferrari Carano
- Country/Region — United States, California, North Coast, Sonoma County
- Type — Californian Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Grapefruit, Lychee, Pear, Apple, Orange Blossom, Acacia, Jasmine
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Pineapple, Guava, Apricot, Lemongrass, Flint, Campfire, Cream, Butter
- Alcohol Content — 12%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Oysters, Scallops, Fried Calamari, Lamb Burger, Fruit Salad, Caña De Cabra
Tasting Notes
Ferrari Carano Fumé Blanc exhibits elegant aromas and flavors of citrus, tropicals, and stone fruit, as well as dashes of orange blossom and minerals. Despite being a Fumé Blanc, the wine shows bright acidity and freshness, as the oak character does not overwhelm but contributes depth, body, and complexity. The nose opens with intense aromas of grapefruits, lychees, pears, and apples, as well as hints of orange blossom, acacia, and jasmine.
As wine enthusiasts are drawn into the palate, waves of peach, pineapple, guava, and apricot emerge, joining subtle tastes of lemongrass, flint, and a campfire. Medium-to-full-bodied, the mouth is creamy and buttery, an indication of the extended maturation on fine lees. As a Fumé Blanc, the wine displays oak influences of cloves, charred wood, and cloves, showcasing the elegance of the French oak. Some gentle notes of straw and gooseberries also emerge on the mid-palate, as the delightful finish offers a long-lasting impression.
Perfect Wines Vintage After Vintage
Founded in 1985 and entirely family-owned and operated, Ferrari Carano is a leading producer of world-class wines. Owners Don and Rhonda Carano cultivate grapes in 20 estate vineyards and are committed to quality and making fine, nationally acclaimed wines. Ferrari Carano owns vineyards in Russian River Valley, Carneros, Anderson Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley, and Mendocino Ridge.
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 that lie between Anjou and Tours in the Loire Valley, rooted in schist and gravel soils. Vinified in stainless steel to preserve acidity and natural character, it offers citrus-driven aromas and flavors together with a crisp, long finish. Les Deux Moulins Sauvignon Blanc could be the best inexpensive Sauvignon Blanc, indeed!
It begins with beautiful lemon-green color and rich, fragrant notes of pears, apples, melons, and white peaches on the nose, before opening 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.
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 and unique, this Sauvignon Blanc is approachable and delicious. It is richly imbued with tropical flavors. At the same time, the palate is vibrant, with green and stone fruit elements. The dynamic scents of lime, grapefruit, passion fruit and guavas define the bouquet, allowing the heady scent of Australia’s unique terroir to shine through.
The muted soft tone of honeysuckle and pears can be discerned too. Inside the mouth, the wine shows tastes of gooseberries, green bell pepper, and apples that mingle with apricots, peaches, and nectarines for a smooth palate and rounded texture. The finish is long and lingering, with notes of butterscotch and cloves. It has the perfect level of acidity.
A Story of Crimes and Dedication
19 Crimes is the story of a criminal past. The convicts, who were deported from Britain to Australia, in the late 18th Century, established a colony. Over time they made new lives there and also began planting vineyards. In 2012, the winemaker at 19 Crimes, Michal Kane, began producing oaky wines, known for their complexity, dynamism, and bold, oaky flavors.
Best From Argentina
- Name — Chloe Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Chloe
- Country/Region — Argentina, Mendoza
- Type — Argentina Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Grass, Bell Pepper, Gooseberry, Grapefruit, Passion Fruit, Apple
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Pineapple, Meyer Lemon, Pepper, Thyme, Sage, Guava, Dragon Fruit
- Alcohol Content — 13%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Sea Bass, Halibut, Oysters, Turkey, Lamb Chops, Bûcheron
Tasting Notes
Green herbal aromas of grass and gooseberry dominate the nose of this youthful and approachable white. The palate is delicious and sharp, with juicy, ripe fruit. Herbaceous fragrances of grass, bell pepper, and gooseberries surface as the glass reaches the nose, joined by nuances of grapefruits, passion fruit, and apples. The mouth is welcoming and sharp, as flavors of pineapples and Meyer lemons combine with tastes of pepper, thyme, and sage. Suggestions of guava and dragon fruit exist, too, as the pronounced acidity stimulates. The finish is lengthy and chalky.
Complex Yet Approachable Wines
Offering great structure and depth, Chloe Wines produces elegant and sophisticated wines, with fruit sourced from some of the world’s best grape-growing regions. Chloe wines are for wine enthusiasts who appreciate extraordinary and timeless things, perfect for accompanying memorable occasions.
As the head winemaker, Georgetta Dane marries Old World European traditions with contemporary American innovation. She crafts wines for sophisticated yet modern wine fans. Over her career, she has won several accolades for her winemaking skills. Her presence at Chloe Wines guarantees wines of exceptional quality.
Best From South Africa
- Name — Bayten Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Bayten
- Country/Region — South Africa, Western Cape, Coastal Region, Cape Town, Constantia
- Type — South African Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Melon, Pear, Lemon Curd, Plum, Honeysuckle, Grass, Straw, Pea
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Grapefruit, Peach, Guava, Apricot, Strawberry, Gooseberry
- Alcohol Content — 13.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Flounder, Roast Chicken, Green Minestrone, Grilled Artichokes, Pea Soup, Telemea, Scamorza
Tasting Notes
Fruit-forward and very lively, this wine is packed with fresh aromas of plums, melons, and lemon curd, accentuated by notes of fresh-cut grass, wet straw, and peas. The palate is acidic, with mouthwatering citrus and peach.
Vibrant and highly aromatic Bayten Sauvignon Blanc begins with bright scents of melons, pears, lemon curd, and plums, as well as fragrances of honeysuckle, fresh-cut grass, wet straw, and peas. Medium-bodied in the mouth, the core of grapefruit, peach, and guava joins tastes of apricots, strawberries, and gooseberries. As mentioned earlier, the acidity is brisk and lively, finishing long. Drinking window: 2021-2022.
Producing Stunning Wines in the Magnificent Constantiaberg Mountain
The winery was founded in 1796 by the first Governor of the Dutch colony that came to be South Africa. Hands-down, it is considered one of South Africa’s premier wine farms, situated on east-facing slopes of the Constantiaberg mountain, south of Cape Town. This is a cool climate area that produces delicate white wines with intense minerality. From brisk Sauvignon Blanc to dynamic Meursault-like Chardonnay, cellar master Hermann Kirschbaum and winemaker Brad Paton craft stunning wines that exhilarate the senses.
Best From Chile
- Name — Matetic Corralillo Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Matetic
- Country/Region — Chile, Aconcagua, San Antonio Valley
- Type — Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Passion Fruit, Pineapple, Grapefruit, Pear, Clove, Acacia
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Jalapeño, Lime, Bell Pepper, Tomato Leaf, Gooseberry, Apple, Plum
- Alcohol Content — 13.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Cod, Oysters With Mignonette, Smoked Salmon, Asparagus Omelet, Chevre
Tasting Notes
Passion fruit, pineapple, and clover nuances mingle with citrus and pear upfront before driving into a balanced palate of jalapeño, bell pepper, and tomato leaf flavors. The finish is straightforward but delicious, offering freshness. As soon as the wine is uncorked, fragrances of acacia surface and combine with nuances of passion fruit, pineapple, grapefruit, pear, and clover on the nose.
In the mouth, Matetic Corralillo Sauvignon Blanc shows herbaceous tastes of jalapeño, limes, bell peppers, and tomato leaves. At the same time, gooseberries, apples, and plums offer extra flavors, as the sharp acidity stimulates. The back-palate is lean and straightforward, although flavors of green fruit and guava persist. A great Sauvignon from Chile to drink within the year.
Committing to Excellency
The Matetic Winery story begins in 1999 when the Matetic family diversified their business ventures by entering the world of wine. They believed in the virtues of the soils and climate in the Rosario Valley, so with a firm conviction to bring on board an expert team of winemakers to guide every step of the project, they began producing high-quality wines, expressive of Aconcagua’s distinct locale.
Best From Spain
- Name — Shaya Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Shaya
- Country/Region — Spain, Castilla y León, Rueda
- Type — Spanish Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Grapefruit, Lemon, Nectarine, Stone, Passion Fruit, Grass
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Pineapple, Guava, Peach, Apricot, Cinnamon Spice, Cream, Clove
- Alcohol Content — 13.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Scallops, Octopus, Lamb Rack, Brussel Sprouts, Caesar Salad, Fruit Salad
Tasting Notes
Grassy citrus and pronounced mineral aromas define the bouquet and set up a mouth of citrus, tropicals, and stone fruit. The acidity is just enough to refresh the palate. Aromas of grapefruits and lemons interlace with nuances of nectarines, stones, passion fruit, and grass to form the inviting bouquet. Great integration of oak influences with flavors of pineapples, guavas, peaches, and apricots creates a powerful and flavorful palate. Toasted, with suggestions of cinnamon spice and cream, this Sauvignon is structured and concentrated. The short finish is adequate and pleasant.
Un-Grafted Grapevines Give Excellent Quality Wines
The Shaya winery is located in the southwestern part of Rueda in Spain, specifically in the province of Segovia. The grapevines are planted in sandy soils in a vaso system, making it possible for many vines to remain un-grafted. On top of this, the vineyards have a layer of small-sized river gravel and clay. Shaya wines are fermented in barrels and stay with lees for several months before finally being bottled.
One More New Zealand
- Name — Barker’s Marque Wines Three Brooms Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Barker’s Marque
- Country/Region — New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
- Type — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Grapefruit, Pear, Pineapple, Lime, Passion Fruit, Cherry
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Gooseberry, Bell Pepper, Jalapeño, Honey, Stone, Flint, Pineapple, Raspberry
- Alcohol Content — 13%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Haddock, Red Snapper, Fish And Chips, Pork Chops, Oven-baked Chicken, Yogurt, Camembert
Tasting Notes
That is a classic Marlborough Sauvignon with great balance and texture, despite the intense fruitiness and freshness. Perfumed on the nose and rounded on the palate, the wine is lifted by brisk acidity and citrus fruits. The wine begins with vibrant aromas of grapefruits, pears, and pineapples and scents of limes, passion fruit, and cherries. The balanced fragrances give way to a rounded palate, where tastes of gooseberries, bell peppers, jalapeño, and guavas mix with subtle notes of honey and minerals. The wine is also defined by an acidic note, which offers freshness and crispiness. The finish is quick and short.
Entirely Focused on Sauvignon Blanc
Based in Marlborough, New Zealand, Barker’s Marque sources grapes from a single vineyard planted next to the ocean in Awatere Valley. For this reason, Barker’s Marque has a small range of wines, entirely made from Sauvignon Blanc. That said, the winery does produce Sauvignon in a diverse range of styles. The founders of the winery are Simon and Vanessa Barker. Simon is the winemaker, while Vanessa is the viticulturist.
Conclusion
This is the end of our top Sauvignon Blanc wines under $15 list. By now, you should have found what you are looking for. That is a pure, delicious, and vibrant Sauvignon, perfect for sharing with family and friends during both lighthearted and formal events. Sure, answering the question of what is the best Sauvignon Blanc under $15 was not easy, but at least, the hard work is over. Just choose any of the above bottlings for an immersive, wine-drinking experience!
