Wild Roots
The Bordeaux region in France is the birthplace of the Sauvignon blanc grape. It is a green-skinned varietal that quite possibly grew wild in that region. There are clues in the name Sauvignon that comes from the French word “sauvage”. Sauvignon Blanc has become one of the most popular wines in the world, not least in the USA.
It is adored for its grassy flavors and delightfully refreshing crispness on the palate. This is due to its innate characteristics of high acidity and low sugar levels. Its unique minerality, herbaceous aromas, and palate-cleansing freshness have enabled this wine to reach the pinnacle of winemaking. Although it can be produced in various styles, most winemakers favor showcasing its bright, fruity character, so this wine is seldom oak-aged.
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(4.4 / 5) A Fruity, Herbaceous Wine
Sauvignon Blancs are mineral-driven and have powerful citrus and herbaceous flavors of grapefruits, grass, asparagus, and green bell pepper. Yet, when produced in warm climates, they end up juicy and heavy, with stone and tropical fruit tastes, including notes of guavas, pineapples, peaches, and apricots. Sometimes, they’re also made in a Fume-style, presenting sensations of charred wood, vanilla, and cloves.
Undoubtedly, purchasing an exceptional Sauvignon that is fully expressive of the intricacies of this noble variety is super challenging. Yet, as wine pros, we tasted every single Sauvignon Blanc available on the market to provide you with a list of the best ones under $30. Let’s get started, then!
Best Sauvignon Blanc Wines Under $30
Best Overall
- Name — Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Cloudy Bay
- Country/Region — New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
- Type — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Lime, Lemon Skin, Passion Fruit, Peach
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Tangerine, Pear, Pineapple, Apricot, Citrus, Orange Blossom, Grapefruit
- Alcohol Content — 13.2%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Oysters, Lobster, Sea Bass, Flounder, Brussel Sprouts, Grilled Seasonal Vegetables
Tasting Notes
Expressive and distinctive, this Sauvignon shows notes of passion fruit, white peaches, and citrus. The wine is also characterized by mouth-watering, racy acidity. Extremely expressive and bright, this wine opens with scents of lemon skin, lime, passion fruit, and white peaches. Next, the palate is juicy and vibrant and has flavors of pears, pineapples, apricots, and zesty citruses.
Touches of orchard blossoms and grapefruits can be discerned, too, and drive into the impressively lengthy finish. On top of this, the acidity is brisk and offers a fine effervescent that balances the pronounced fruitiness. It is possibly the best Sauvignon Blanc wine under $30.
Very Flavorful Wines
Cloudy Bay Vineyards was established in 1985 and is a partnership between Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, a Champagne house, and David Hohnen, co-founder of Cape Mentelle Vineyards in Western Australia. For the most part, this winery creates regional wines with enchanted flavors, highly expressive of Marlborough’s soils.
The winery, located in Wairau Valley, is located in the northern section of New Zealand’s South Island. Here, the vines benefit from the region’s maritime climate and the long hours of sunshine. In this way, highly flavorful wines are born!
Best Value
- Name — Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc Te Muna Road Vineyard
- Winery — Craggy Range
- Country/Region — New Zealand, North Island, Wairarapa, Martinborough
- Type — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Passion Fruit, Peach, Pear, Lime, Apricot, Nectarine
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — White Peach, Ginger, Lemon, Fennel, Apple, Pineapple, And Guava
- Alcohol Content — 12.6%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Swordfish, Scallops, Prawns, Chicken Curry, Thai, Mexican, Rocket Salad, Muenster
Tasting Notes
Craggy Range has always managed to deliver great Sauvignon Blanc, highly representative of New Zealand’s terroir. This Sauvignon is not an exception to the rule and scores very high on our list of our favorite (and most approachable) New Zealand whites.
Pale lemon straw color with lime-green highlights, Craggy Range Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc opens with vibrant scents of apples, pears, nectarines, and honeysuckle, alongside a dash of nettle, thyme, and sage. Precise and tasty on the palate, a core of grapefruits, Meyer lemons, peaches, and guavas, join subtle touches of nectarines and gooseberries before driving in a long but satisfying dry finish. The brisk acidity is welcoming and refreshing.
Phenomenal Quality Single-Vineyard Winemaking
The Craggy Range winery was founded in 1997 in the shadow of the Te Mata Peak in New Zealand’s prestigious winemaking area, Hawke Bay. It has a premium portfolio, producing exceptional single-vineyard wines from grapes grown in estate vineyards in Hawke Bay, Marlborough, and Martinborough. Unique soils and distinctive climates are responsible for giving wines of such high flavor concentration and authority. As such, Craggy Range has earned the reputation of being one of New Zealand’s greatest wine producers.
Best Under $25
- Name — Te Mata Estate Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Te Mata
- Country/Region — New Zealand, North Island, Hawke’s Bay
- Type — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Orange Blossom, Passion Fruit, Guava, Gooseberry, Anise
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Peach, Apricot, Pear, Lemongrass, Orange Curd, Pineapple, Grapefruit
- Alcohol Content — 13%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Haddock, Oysters, Asparagus Risotto, Fried Chicken, Burrata
Tasting Notes
With a vibrant lime color, this Sauvignon Blanc brims with notes of tropicals and green fruits. Complex botanicals also add detail to the palate, as a sharp acidity drives into the pleasant finish. Vibrant fragrances of orange blossoms combine with nuances of passion fruits, guavas, gooseberries, and anise on the nose.
The palate is rich, showing flavors of complex botanicals and tastes of peaches, apples, and pears. Suggestions of lemongrass and orange curd are present in the mouth, as well, offering brightness and freshness. The sharp acidity concludes the tasting profile in a lengthy, mineral-driven aftertaste.
Winemaking Since the 19th Century
Te Mata Estate Winery has a long history in winemaking, having produced wines in diverse styles, since 1892, when the first grapevines were planted. Originally, the winery was part of Te Mata Station, a pastoral land holding founded by migrant John Chambers back in 1854. It was the first winery in New Zealand to make a century. Te Mata wines are from Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Gamay.
Best From California
- Name — Illumination Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Illumination
- Country/Region — United States, California
- Type — Californian Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Pear, Apple, Melon, Grapefruit, Guava, Vanilla, Wet Stone
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Pineapple, Guava, Passion Fruit, Gooseberry, Flint, Campfire
- Alcohol Content — 14.2%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Sea Bass, Mignonette, Pork Chops, Grilled Artichokes, Greek Pasta Salad, Yogurt, Goat Cheese
Tasting Notes
Sophisticated, vibrant, and complex, Illumination Sauvignon Blanc exhibits great tension and racy acidity. The creamy texture and juicy flavors of tropicals and stone fruits are accentuated by gratifying minerality leading to an elegant finish.
Aromatic and vibrant, Illumination Sauvignon Blanc starts with fragrances of pears, apples, melons, and grapefruits. A dash of guava, vanilla spice and wet stones contribute depth to the otherwise youthful nose. On the palate, there is ample creaminess, accompanied by flavors of pineapples, peaches, and passion fruits. Uplifting tastes of peaches and gooseberries are framed by the racy acidity as notes of flint and campfire hit the mid-palate. The finish is moderate and elegant, smooth and delicious.
Producing Wines From the Highest Quality Fruit
In 2002, Illumination wines were made for the first time from a small vineyard with alluvial soils on the northwestern corner of the Quintessa estate. There the airflow and cooler temperatures encouraged the grapes to flourish. As Illumination grew, the people behind the winery began sourcing grapes from nearby vineyards in Rutherford and other cool regions around Napa Valley. In the end, they managed to find the perfect fruit to produce their concentrated, bright, and mineral-driven wines.
Best From France
- Name — Hubert Brochard Tradition Sancerre
- Winery — Hubert Brochard
- Country/Region — France, Loire Valley, Upper Loire, Sancerre
- Type — French Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Grapefruit, Meyer Lemon, Bell Pepper, Gooseberry, Thyme, Elderflower, Honeysuckle
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Pineapple, Pear, Apple, Limestone, Flint, Wet Stone, Grass, Straw
- Alcohol Content — 12.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Halibut, Scallops, Oysters, Basil Risotto, Ravioli With Green Peas, Lamb Brochette, Brie
Tasting Notes
Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc is meant to be enjoyed as a classic expression of Loire Valley’s terroir. Aromas of citruses, herbs, and white flowers dominate the nose. In the mouth, crisp acidity and dynamic mineral components combine and make this Sauvignon appetizing.
As soon as the bottle is uncorked, expect to encounter bright aromas of grapefruits, Meyer lemons, bell pepper, gooseberries, and thyme, as well as sweet, gentle fragrances of elderflower and honeysuckle. Medium-weighted, with a rounded texture, the wine shows great balance and flavor concentration on the palate. Tastes of pineapples, pears, and apples, interlace with components of limestone, flint, and wet stones, lending a mineral character to the aftertaste. A good Sauvignon Blanc under $30.
A Classic Loire Valley Winery
Based in Chavignol, Domaine Hubert Brochard produces classic Sancerre white, red, and rosé from their family-owned winery. The Domaine was first established in the 1900s when Aimée Brochard inherited her father’s grapevines as well as goats. The intention was to produce wines and goat cheese, with her husband Hubert proving to be a great help. Today, the winery cultivates vines in Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, and Vin de Pays du Val de Loire, maintaining French winemaking tradition.
Best From Australia
- Name — Shaw + Smith Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Shaw + Smith
- Country/Region — Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide Hills
- Type — Australian Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Apple, Pear, Gooseberry, Grapefruit, Nettle, Honey, Orange Blossom
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Apricot, Lime, Meyer Lemon, Pineapple, Passion Fruit, Guava, Nectarine
- Alcohol Content — 13%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Seafood, Sea Bass, Fried Chicken, Turkey Burger, Smoked Salmon, Fruit Salad
Tasting Notes
Shaw + Smith Sauvignon Blanc is highly aromatic, showing scents of pears, nettles, grapefruits, and Meyer lemons. The mouth is filled with pronounced flavors of assorted citrus fruits. This expressive Sauvignon is great, bursting with fragrances of pears, apples, gooseberries, and nettles. Close by, follow traces of orange blossom, honey, and peaches. The acidity is crisp, offering a scintillating texture of limes, Meyer lemons, apricots, and pineapples. The finish is defined by lime notes and pleasantly delicious touches of dried thyme.
Among Australia’s Best Products
Cousins Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith decided to found their winery in 1989, naming it Shaw + Smith. Since then, they have managed to produce high-end wines, becoming some of the top producers in Australia. For the most part, they craft cold-climate varieties in the Adelaide Hills, like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Shiraz, among others. At the same time, and over the years, their winemaking changed to suit the trends, yet, they still create high-quality wines loved by wine drinkers worldwide.
Best From Argentina
- Name — Luigi Bosca Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Luigi Bosca
- Country/Region — Argentina, Mendoza, Maipu
- Type — Argentina Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Honeysuckle, Orange Blossom, Grapefruit, Lime Meringue, Peach
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Guava, Passion Fruit, Gooseberry, Grass, Straw, Basil, Lemongrass, Pepper, Apple
- Alcohol Content — 13.1%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Roast Chicken, Napolitana, Green Minestrone, Shrimp Stir-fry, Camembert, Manchego
Tasting Notes
Luigi Bosca Sauvignon Blanc is a bright pale yellow in color. It has expressive and dominant aromas of flowers and citruses. It is vivacious and balanced in the mouth, with a pronounced herbaceous character and a vibrant aftertaste. Fragrances of honeysuckles and orange blossoms emerge on the nose as scents of grapefruits, lime meringue, and peaches follow.
The palate is vivacious and bright, revealing flavors of guavas, passion fruits, and gooseberries. Intense tastes of grass, straw, and basil are discernible, too, as touches of lemongrass, pepper, and apples combine to drive into the red berry-influenced aftertaste.
Passionate About Argentina’s Terroir
Luigi Bosca was established in 1991, in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza by Saturnino Arizu. In reality, the Arizu family had been producing wine since 1890, as Balbino Arizu, great-great-uncle of Saturnino Arizu, was already involved in the Argentine wine business. The first vineyards owned by the Arizus had vines of European origin, with the winery forming in 1901. From that time on, Arizu decided to commercialize their wine production. Today, they are considered some of the finest wine producers in Argentina and the Mendoza region.
Best From South Africa
- Name — De Grendel Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — De Grendel
- Country/Region — South Africa, Western Cape, Coastal Region, Cape Town
- Type — South African Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Melon, Peach, Apricot, Dried Gooseberry, Grass, Thyme, Mint, Sage
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Pear, Grapefruit, Orange Peel, Honey, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Passion Fruit, Honeysuckle
- Alcohol Content — 13.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Seafood, Smoked Salmon, Turkey, Pasta Pesto, Goat Cheese, Parmesan
Tasting Notes
Subtle aromas of dried gooseberries, grass, and savory herbs mingle with notes of melons and peaches to form the bouquet of this Sauvignon. The mouth follows suit with extra green fruit and citrus flavors. The ample acidity finishes in a tangy and gratifying way.
Fragrant and exciting, De Grendel Sauvignon Blanc has aromas of melons, peaches, and apricots on the nose, accompanied by gentle touches of dried gooseberries, grass, thyme, mint, and sage. Medium-bodied and delicious on the palate. There, flavors of pears, grapefruits, and orange peel find tastes of honey, lemongrass, and rosemary for a great drinking experience. Traces of guava and passion fruit are found, as well, adding depth and ripeness. The acidity is tangy and lively, and the finish is lengthy, with lingering notes of apples and white flowers.
South African Winemaking Perfection
De Grendel is owned by the Graaff family and has produced wine in Cape Town for over 4 generations. Years ago, De Grendel was a rural outpost of Cape Town. However, today, the winery consists of over 300 hectares of farmland and vineyards and is the entry point to the prestigious Durbanville wine route. De Grendel is a pioneer of viticulture in some of South Africa’s youngest appellations, always seeking out new areas with distinctive characteristics to instill in their cultivars.
In addition to the estate vineyards, De Grendel also sources fruit from other regions, such as Paarl and Stellenbosch, renowned for giving grapes of concentrated flavors. At De Grendel, they aim to craft wines with freshness, purity, and great depth, highly expressive of the unique terroirs where the grapes are grown. De Grendel wines are made by marrying age-old winemaking traditions with state-of-the-art technology for quality control and monitoring.
Best From Chile
- Name — Casas del Bosque Sauvignon Blanc Pequeñas Producciones
- Winery — Casas del Bosque
- Country/Region — Chile, Aconcagua, Casablanca Valley
- Type — Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Apple, Pear, Bell Pepper, Asparagus, Mint
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Grapefruit, Lemon Blossom, Tomato Leaf, Orange Peel, Passion Fruit
- Alcohol Content — 14%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Shrimp Scampi, Fried Chicken, Grilled Veggies, Oysters, Flaky Flounder, Halibut
Tasting Notes
Scents of asparagus, bell pepper are present in Casas del Bosque Sauvignon Blanc’s nose and herbaceous character. The palate is thick, showing flavors of vegetables, orange peel, and citrus. The acidity is low but tantalizing. As you open the wine, you find notes of bell pepper, asparagus, and mint.
These are complemented by hints of pears and apples, to form the fine bouquet. The mouth is rounded and dense and shows flavors of lemon blossom, grapefruit, and tomato. You can also expect to find notes of passion fruit that produce an enjoyable sweetness. The finish is lingering and full-bodied.
Fine Chilean Winemaking
Based in Chile’s prestigious Casablanca Valley, Casas del Bosque has many vineyards. The country’s perfect climate makes it possible to cultivate and produce wines from several grape varieties. The winemaker is Meinard Jan Bloem, who was born in Holland, made his home in Chile, and has become one of the country’s most prominent winemakers.
One More New Zealand
- Name — Greywacke Wild Sauvignon
- Winery — Greywacke
- Country/Region — New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
- Type — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Peach, Nectarine, Passion Fruit, Dill, Wood Smoke, Vanilla, Lime Zest
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Apple Custard, Grapefruit, Meyer Lemon, Flint, Wet Stone, Mint, Thyme, Nettle
- Alcohol Content — 14%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Halibut, Linguine Shrimp, Grilled Lamb Chops, Oven-baked Chicken, Turkey Burger, Garlic Pizza, Bûcheron
Tasting Notes
A highly complex Sauvignon, packed with succulent aromas of stone fruit, tropicals, and herbs, alongside hints of wood smoke and baking spice. The palate brims with citrus, finishing juicy with deep, uplifting minerals. Entirely fermented in natural yeasts, this is a distinctive Sauvignon Blanc style, super textural and intricate.
Fragrances of white peaches, nectarines, passion fruit, and dill upfront blend harmoniously with hints of wood smoke, vanilla, and toasted-lime zest. As this Sauvignon enters the mouth, flavors of apple custard, grapefruits, and Meyer lemons surface, mingling with tastes of apricots and characters of flint and wet stones. Faint floral sensations and tangy herbaceous elements combine on the medium aftertaste, reminiscent of mint, thyme, and nettle. A top-rated Sauvignon Blanc under $30 that deserves its high rating, 100%.
Graywacke: A Long-Held Dream
Unveiled in 2009, Greywacke is the creation of Kevin Judd, who fulfilled his long-held dream of producing world-class Marlborough wine. Greywacke took its name from New Zealand’s prolific bedrock and was originally adopted as the name of Judd’s first vineyard plot in Rapaura, where the soils are abundant in these river stones. Now, he lives in Omaka Valley overlooking Marlborough and sources his fruit from vineyards located in the central Wairau Plains and the Southern Valleys.
Conclusion
If you were wondering what is the best Sauvignon Blanc under $30, now you should have your answer. Hands-down, the above bottlings are the top Sauvignon Blanc wines under $30. Not only that, but they are also some of the best white wines you can buy. So, don’t hesitate: Head to your local wine shop and purchase as many of these Sauvignons as you can afford!
