Stephan’s Favorite Wines
Sauvignon Blanc
The Bordeaux Tribe's Cheerful Jetsetter
Meet Stephan, Catherine's cheerful father and Camille's husband. Originally from France's Loire Valley, he now splits his time between his homeland and Bordeaux, where the rest of the family lives.
He's slim, dresses elegantly in yellow, and loves colder weather. Like his wife Camille (Cabernet Franc), he has a soft spot for gardening green plants. When he's not practicing with his best friend Sebastien (Sémillon) for their band White Bodo, he's happy with a little me time.
In wine terms? Stephan is Sauvignon Blanc, the parent grape of Cabernet Sauvignon (a natural cross with Cabernet Franc).
It originates from France's Loire Valley, though it has since traveled just about everywhere: New Zealand, Australia, the US, Chile, and South Africa all make excellent versions of their own.
Expect a light-to-medium-bodied white wine with crisp, high acidity. It’s an aromatic variety so expect a burst of flavors of lime, green apple, passion fruit and white peach, often with a grassy, herbaceous note like green bell pepper. In the glass, it's typically yellow in color with a greenish tinge.
Sauvignon Blanc is usually bottled on its own, especially in the Loire Valley and New Zealand, but in Bordeaux it's traditionally blended with Sémillon (and sometimes a touch of Muscadelle) to make White Bordeaux, a rounder, more textured wine.
It's usually at its best within a few years of release, when its fresh, zesty character shines the brightest.
Now let's find you some bottles he'd actually approve of.
Stephan's Top Picks
We picked bottles from Stephan's homeland and beyond. All available on Pop Up Wine Singapore. Click any wine name to shop it.
1. For a casual weeknight
Catalina Sounds : Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Marlborough, New Zealand | $46 / bottle
Stephan says: "New Zealand is one of my favorite places to travel to. This one from Marlborough is tangy and vibrant, with passionfruit, guava, and a snap of green capsicum, plus a bone-dry finish. Bob Campbell gave it 92 points for The Real Review. A relaxed pour for a casual night in."
Pairs with: Fresh oysters, ceviche, or a simple green salad
2. For great value-for-money
Ata Rangi : Te Wā Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Martinborough, New Zealand | $48 / bottle
Stephan says: "This is the kind of quality I look for. Bright Granny Smith apple, a touch of jalapeño, fresh fig, and a hint of lime peel, with real purity and a long finish. Cameron Douglas, New Zealand's first and only Master Sommelier, rated it 96 points. Real quality without the hefty price tag."
Pairs with: Grilled fish, goat cheese, or a herb-topped salad
3. For a taste of Bordeaux
Château Marjosse : Bordeaux Blanc 2020
Bordeaux, France | $48 / bottle
Stephan says: "Now we're talking about my second home. This blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc comes from a famous winemaker and French 'wine royalty', Pierre Lurton. Expect green apple, grapefruit, peach, and lemon, a touch of dill, with a long finish. James Suckling and Decanter both scored it 91 points. A great expression of Bordeaux Blanc."
Pairs with: Roast chicken, seafood risotto, or a soft goat cheese
4. For the Sauvignon Blanc explorer
Amisfield : Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Central Otago, New Zealand | $54 / bottle
Stephan says: "New Zealand is one of my favorite places for a reason. This one from Central Otago is vibrant with passionfruit, guava, citrus, grapefruit and red capsicum and a mouth-watering finish. Bob Campbell rated it 95 points, and it also won Champion Sauvignon Blanc at the New Zealand Organic Wine Awards. A serious bottle worth exploring."
Pairs with: Grilled prawns, Thai-style salads, or fresh chèvre
5. For a special occasion
Château L'Enclos de Carbonnieux : Pessac Blanc 2019
Bordeaux, France | $75 / bottle
Stephan says: "Save this one for a special occasion. It’s a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon from Château Carbonnieux, a “Grand Cru” Bordeaux estate that works towards organic and sustainable farming. Expect lemon curd, honeysuckle, tarragon, oyster shell, and a touch of herbs, with a long, savory finish. It scored 93 points from Tasting Book and 92 from Jeff Leve at The Wine Cellar Insider. This is what I pour when the occasion calls for it."
Pairs with: Lobster, sole meunière, or a triple-cream cheese
Sauvignon Blanc Cheat Sheet
| Body | Medium-light bodied |
| Color | Pale straw with a greenish tinge |
| Tasting notes | Lime, green apple, passion fruit, white peach, with a grassy, herbaceous note like green bell pepper |
| Serve at | 7–12°C |
| Best with | Goat cheese, light seafood and chicken, asparagus, and herb-driven dishes |
| Avoid with | Rich cream sauces, heavy red meat, or sweet desserts |
| Glass type | White wine glass with a narrower bowl (keeps the wine cool and focuses its zesty, aromatic character) |
Meet Stephan
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