Wondering why the Sauvignon Blanc wine style you pick never tastes the same twice? If you’ve ever grabbed a bottle expecting vibrant citrus and got stone fruit—or vice versa—this episode is for you. Kristi Mayfield, host of Everyday Sommelier, unpacks the three major Sauvignon Blanc styles: New Zealand’s zesty citrus, a lush oak-aged warm climate version, and France’s mineral-driven Sancerre.
Unravel how key factors like climate, winemaking method, and blending dramatically change a wine—even when “Sauvignon Blanc” is the only thing on the label. Learn why reading wine labels is a guessing game and why region often matters more than grape variety. Kristi arms you with simple strategies to crack the code, taste like a pro, and finally choose bottles you’ll love every time—without fear of wasting money or guessing wrong in the wine aisle.
Perfect for anyone seeking real-world wine knowledge—minus the snobbery—this episode is packed with actionable tips, region recommendations, and a roadmap to track your preferences for every grape (not just Sauv Blanc).
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
TIMESTAMPS:
00:01:00 — Wine Label Lies: Why Grape Alone Won’t Tell You the Style
00:03:30 — Unlocking Sauvignon Blanc: Climate, Oak & Blending Explained
00:06:45 — The Pain Points of Wine Shopping: How to Stop Wasting Money on Bottles You Don’t Love
00:09:50 — Taste-Test Like a Pro: The Side-by-Side Sauvignon Blanc Method
00:10:50 — Master Regions, Master Your Palate: Using Geography for Wine Success
00:11:50 — Finding Affordable Alternatives: San
Everyday Sommelier Podcast is turning ONE! Thanks to you, our loyal listeners, we've had a fantastic first year! We're relaunching a few of your favorite episodes in celebration!
We're also announcing the launch of Sip Society Collective where high-impact women can 10X their Social Power Skills through wine. https://sipsocietycollective.com.
Cheers to many more years! Kristi
It's been such a pleasure sharing wine with you this past year! We also want to let you know our INSTAGRAM handle has changed to @kristi_sipsocietycollective - if you are already following, you're good to go. If you haven't followed us yet, now is the time!
Cheers to one year, our launch of Sip Society Collective (https://sipsocietycollective.com) and to learning wine your way! Kristi
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