Sauvignon Blanc is called Fume Blanc due to the influence of renowned winemaker Robert Mondavi. Mondavi, a pioneer in the wine industry, sought inspiration from the Sauvignon Blanc wines of the Pouilly-Fume region in France's Loire Valley. Pouilly-Fume wines are known for their smoky or “fume” characteristics, which are derived from the flinty soils of the region.
In an effort to create a unique and distinctive wine, Mondavi decided to label his Sauvignon Blanc as Fume Blanc. This name change was a marketing strategy to differentiate his wine from other California Sauvignon Blancs and to evoke the smoky qualities associated with the Pouilly-Fume wines. By doing so, he aimed to attract wine enthusiasts who were familiar with and appreciated the distinctiveness of the Pouilly-Fume style.
Mondavi's Fume Blanc underwent a different winemaking process compared to traditional Sauvignon Blancs. Instead of fermenting the wine in stainless steel tanks, Mondavi chose to ferment and age his Fume Blanc in oak barrels. This decision added complexity and depth to the wine, enhancing its flavor profile and texture. The oak aging also imparted subtle vanilla and spice notes, further distinguishing it from other Sauvignon Blancs on the market.
The use of the name Fume Blanc not only set Mondavi's wine apart from its competitors but also helped to establish a new style of Sauvignon Blanc in California. The success of Mondavi's Fume Blanc encouraged other winemakers in the region to experiment with oak aging and explore the potential of this grape variety. As a result, Fume Blanc became synonymous with a specific style of Sauvignon Blanc that showcased both the varietal's vibrant fruit flavors and the influence of oak aging.
It is worth noting that not all Sauvignon Blancs produced in California are labeled as Fume Blanc. The term is primarily associated with Mondavi's wine and is often used as a marketing tool by wineries that wish to emulate the style or pay homage to Mondavi's pioneering efforts. However, Sauvignon Blancs from other regions, such as New Zealand or the Loire Valley itself, do not typically use the Fume Blanc name.
Sauvignon Blanc is called Fume Blanc due to the influence of Robert Mondavi, who sought to create a distinct style of Sauvignon Blanc inspired by the smoky characteristics of Pouilly-Fume wines. Mondavi's decision to ferment and age his wine in oak barrels, along with the unique name change, helped to establish Fume Blanc as a recognizable and sought-after style of Sauvignon Blanc in California.