Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 Award in Wine Practice Exam 2025 - Free WSET Level 2 Practice Questions and Study Guide

Sauvignon Blanc thrives in cool to moderate climates, which is critical for preserving its high acidity and expressive aromatics. In such climates, the grapes can retain their freshness and vibrancy, which is essential for the variety's signature flavor profile that often includes notes of green fruits, citrus, and herbal elements. Cooler temperatures slow the ripening process, allowing the grapes to develop complexity without losing acidity, resulting in wines that are crisp and highly aromatic.

While Sauvignon Blanc can certainly be grown in warm climates, it tends to lose some of its characteristic acidity and aromatic intensity. On the other hand, extremes such as hot to tropical and temperate to polar climates are not ideal for the grape, as they can lead to overripe fruit flavors or insufficient ripening, respectively. The optimal conditions of cool to moderate climates therefore ensure that Sauvignon Blanc expresses its unique attributes fully, leading to high-quality wines.