The Bordeaux vineyards, rich in their history and diversity, hold treasures that are sometimes unknown to the general public. Among them, Sauvignon gris, a spontaneous mutation of the famous Sauvignon blanc, offers a unique aromatic and textural palette that deserves our full attention. This grape variety, whose genetic lineage is closely linked to its more famous cousin, stands out for the pinkish colour of its berries when ripe, akin to a sunset over the rolling vineyards.

While Sauvignon blanc is renowned for its liveliness and citrus notes, Sauvignon gris brings a different dimension. It is characterised by wines that are often fuller and rounder on the palate, with a naturally somewhat softer acidity. The aromas become more complex, evolving towards notes of yellow-fleshed fruit (peach, apricot), sweet spices, and sometimes a smoky or mineral touch. It is particularly appreciated for its ability to produce very powerful, full-bodied wines, offering a velvety texture and intense aromatic potential.

In terms of viticulture, Sauvignon gris has vegetative cycle characteristics similar to those of Sauvignon blanc. What particularly distinguishes it is its high potential for sugar accumulation, which is greater than that of Sauvignon blanc. This characteristic makes it a prime candidate for the production of sweet and luscious wines, where it can express all its richness and complexity.

Ampelographic profile

Characteristic	Description
Budburst	Generally about ten days after Chasselas, comparable to Sauvignon blanc.
Flowering	Eight days after Chasselas.
Veraison	Mid-season, identical to Sauvignon blanc.
Maturity	Later, two to two and a half weeks after Chasselas, comparable to Sauvignon blanc.
Vigour	Medium to strong.
Growth habit	Erect or semi-erect.
Downy mildew susceptibility	Quite susceptible.
Powdery mildew susceptibility	Susceptible, like Sauvignon blanc.
Botrytis susceptibility	Quite susceptible to grey rot, but good resistance to noble rot for Sauvignon blanc.
Black rot susceptibility	Susceptible.
Aromatic profile	Yellow-fleshed fruit (peach, apricot), sweet spices, smoky or mineral notes.
Winemaking potential	Full, round wines with a soft acidity. Very powerful and full-bodied, ideal for sweet and luscious wines thanks to its high sugar accumulation.

A return to the roots of the Bordeaux vineyards

The history of Sauvignon gris is intrinsically linked to that of Bordeaux. Although often overshadowed by its more famous cousin, Sauvignon blanc, Sauvignon gris has long been an integral part of the region's plantings. Jean-Baptiste de Secondat, an 18th-century author, already mentioned Sauvignon and its presence in the Bordeaux vineyards, highlighting the importance of these grape varieties in the composition of the wines of the time. Its presence was also confirmed by Féret in 1878 on the slopes of the right bank of the Garonne, and by Jullien in 1832, where it is cited in the blend of wines from Barsac, Preignac and Sauternes. This grape variety, like many others, experienced a significant decline after the phylloxera crisis in Bordeaux, as it was rarely grafted onto American rootstocks.

Today, as the Bordeaux of the 21st century looks to the future, Sauvignon gris is being rediscovered for its exceptional oenological qualities and its ability to adapt to climatic challenges. It actively participates in the revival of Bordeaux by offering a palette of unique and distinctive wines, fitting into the approach of reviving the lost grape varieties of Bordeaux.

At Château Cazebonne, we are convinced of the exceptional richness of these sometimes neglected grape varieties, which have nevertheless shaped the identity of our terroirs. This is why we are committed to the work of replanting and promoting these ancestral varieties, of which Sauvignon gris is one. This bold project, which aims to bring lost Bordeaux grape varieties back to life, is made possible thanks to the unwavering support of the many enthusiasts who have adopted our wines and share our vision of a viticulture that respects its history, is rooted in Bordeaux's heritage and is resolutely forward-looking. To deepen your knowledge of the incredible diversity of Bordeaux plant varieties, such as the Muscadelle grape variety or the Sémillon rose grape variety, we invite you to discover our book "Bordeaux, a history of grape varieties". Do not hesitate to test your knowledge of the wine world with our quizzes and support our approach by discovering our vintages available on our online shop.