Sauvignon gris

 Origin - France

This cultivar is a grey mutation of Sauvignon blanc

Imported from ENTAV, France in 2013.

First grafted in 2016 in Stellenbosch.

Plantings in 2024:

Foundation Blocks – 419

Mother Blocks - 2021

Description

The description matches that of Sauvignon blanc, except the skin color of ripe berries, which in this case, is usually grey or sometimes pink.

Phenology

Time of bud burst: 3 days after Sauvignon blanc

Time of maturity: early mid season, same as Sauvignon blanc.

Production

Sauvignon gris is less productive than Sauvignon blanc.

Susceptibility to diseases and pests

The susceptibility of this cultivar is very similar to Sauvignon blanc.

Clone

GX 917 – average production, wine are full bodied and aromatic

Type of wine/Flavours

Sauvignon Gris typically has a more subdued aromatic profile compared to Sauvignon Blanc. It features notes of white peach, elderflower, nectarine, and lavender, with succulent passionfruit and quince flavors in the mid-palate.

Texture: Wines made from Sauvignon Gris often exhibit a silky texture with a slight waxiness, contributing to a richer mouthfeel. This varietal has high sugar content and good acidity, creating a balance between sweetness and freshness. The overall flavor is rounder and less aggressive compared to Sauvignon Blanc