While Sauvignon Blanc is renowned for its vibrant, grassy acidity, the Fumé Blanc style offers a unique twist. Pioneered by legendary Napa winemaker Robert Mondavi in 1968, Fumé Blanc is Sauvignon Blanc aged in oak, imparting a rich, toasty, and “smoky” character.
Mondavi drew inspiration from the naturally “smoky” Sauvignon Blancs of France’s Loire Valley. He wanted to distinguish his oak-aged expression from the more common, unoaked Sauvignon Blanc styles. The Fumé Blanc name caught on, and others soon followed suit.
Today, Fumé Blanc wines often display a fuller, more complex profile, with tropical fruit, herbaceous notes, and oak-derived vanilla and spice. While typically 100% Sauvignon Blanc, some producers blend in Semillon.
The 2018 Priest Ranch Sauvignon Blanc exemplifies this distinctive style, balancing vibrant fruit, crisp acidity, and a creamy, savory finish – a refreshing yet complex expression of the grape. By understanding Fumé Blanc, wine enthusiasts can appreciate the versatility of Sauvignon Blanc.
