Sauvignon Blanc is called Fume Blanc because of the influence and inspiration of Robert Mondavi, an influential figure in the California wine industry. Mondavi, known for his innovative and bold approach to winemaking, decided to put his own spin on Sauvignon Blanc and give it a unique name.
Mondavi took inspiration from the Sauvignon Blanc wines of the Pouilly-Fume region in France's Loire Valley. Pouilly-Fume is known for producing exceptional Sauvignon Blanc wines that have a distinct smoky or “fume” character, thanks to the flinty soils in the area. The name “fume” comes from the French word for smoke, which describes the unique smoky aroma and flavor that can be found in these wines.
Taking a cue from the Pouilly-Fume region, Mondavi labeled his Sauvignon Blanc wine as Fume Blanc. By doing so, he aimed to differentiate his wine from other California Sauvignon Blancs and create a distinct identity for his product. The name Fume Blanc not only paid homage to the smoky characteristics of the wines from Pouilly-Fume but also added a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Mondavi's Fume Blanc was not only a different name but also a different style of Sauvignon Blanc. He experimented with dry fermentation and aging the wine in oak barrels, which was quite unconventional at the time. This oak treatment added complexity, richness, and a subtle vanilla and spice note to the wine, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
The use of oak barrels for Sauvignon Blanc was not common before Mondavi introduced it. Traditionally, Sauvignon Blanc was mostly fermented and aged in stainless steel or neutral vessels to preserve its vibrant fruit flavors and acidity. Mondavi's decision to age his wine in oak barrels gave his Fume Blanc a unique character and set it apart from other Sauvignon Blancs on the market.
Mondavi's Fume Blanc quickly gained popularity, and other winemakers in California started adopting the name and the oak aging technique. Today, Fume Blanc is used to describe a particular style of Sauvignon Blanc that has undergone oak fermentation or aging, or both. It has become synonymous with a richer, more complex expression of Sauvignon Blanc that showcases both the varietal's vibrant fruit flavors and the added depth and texture from oak.
Sauvignon Blanc is called Fume Blanc because of Robert Mondavi's innovative approach to winemaking and his desire to create a distinct identity for his Sauvignon Blanc wine. Inspired by the smoky character of the Sauvignon Blanc wines from Pouilly-Fume, Mondavi labeled his wine as Fume Blanc and used oak fermentation and aging to add complexity and richness to the wine. Today, Fume Blanc is recognized as a unique style of Sauvignon Blanc that offers a more complex and textured experience for wine enthusiasts.