20 top-rated Sauvignon Blancs from around France

<p>The top cuvee from the Pinard stable is from soils on the south-facing slopes of Chene Marchand, heating up quickly during the day (clay takes longer to warm up) and thus giving a ripe style. As a result, this parcel is picked early to avoid any overripeness and the result is precise and compact. Huge concentration and a streak of acidity penetrates the wine&#39;s core and makes for a powerful conclusion. Currently a baby, buy it now and cellar it for 3-10 years, if not more.</p>

<p>No expense is spared to make Mellot&#39;s wines, from his large volume La Moussiere to this dazzler. Hailing from kimmeridgian marls, this high density vineyard offers a powerful expression of Sancerre that powers home. There&#39;s red apple, citrus and almond-meal aromas but this isn&#39;t about the aromatics, it&#39;s about the no-holds-barred power, rich texture and sinew of acidity that pulls this firmly together.</p>

After studying at Beaune with work experience at Olivier Lamy (St Aubin) and with Benjamin Lauroux at the Clos des Epeneaux, Paul-Henry came back to Morogues. His first vintage was 2006. Then in 2007 he took over running the domaine, which already had a good reputation but Paul-Henry has taken quality to a new level. In 1981 Henry Pellé and his son Eric decided to produce their first single vineyard wine – Les Blanchais. This 2.7 hectare north-east facing parcel was planted in 1966 on marne-kimmeridgian with some flint. The hand-picked grapes are fermented and aged in a mix of various sizes of wood and stainless steel. Tasted in early February this had rich powerful fruit, especially ripe grapefruit with a long fresh finish. A lovely bottle in prospect!

<p>Gilles and Laurence Crochet have been running this pioneering domaine since 1983. Gilles' two grandfathers Lucien Picard and André Crochet merged their two businesses back in the 1950s and were one of the first estates to sell their wines to restaurants in Paris. Before taking on the management of the domaine, Gilles spent six years making wine in Burgundy to broaden his knowledge. The Les Calcaires hails from a series of plots on their 35 hectares of vineyards ranging from 240-280 metres above sea level and which feature 'Caillottes' and 'Griottes' limestone soils. Organic fertilisers have been used since 1989.</p><p>JB: Attractive vibrant fruit, fresh, finesse and complexity. Lovely wine - very clean and precise.</p><p>RG: Slightly sweaty rather reductive Sauvignon that expands on the mid palate but concludes with a linear, slightly sherbetty finish.</p><p>CK: Brilliant energy and aromatics here, massive focus and grip, acid precision too. A young wine set up for the cellar.</p>

La Ronce vineyard sits on a hill that has both north and south exposures, hence both Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay grow there. The soil is a mixture of Kimmeridgian limestone and clay, yet there’s more power here than in Goisot’s other St-Bris. Purity and a touch of spice complement that power, while brilliant acidity keeps it fresh and lively. It’s a big-impact wine without a trace of heaviness.

This delicious, fresh and precise white comes from the home estate of Pierre Lurton, managing director of Château Cheval Blanc in St. Emilion and Château d'Yquem in Sauternes. It has Granny Smith apple, pear and peach notes alongside apricot and nectarine juice with a hint of creaminess around the edges from ageing in oak barrels. Serve cold and pair with any type of seafood. The 65 hectare vineyard of Château Marjosse is HVE certificated and planted to 45% Semillon, 45% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Muscadelle for the white wine.

This has real freshness and zing on the palate, something you hope to find in these whites. It has good depth of flavour with green apple, lemon and nectarine with touches of lime zest. Dangerously drinkable and perfect for hot summer days.

Lovely varietal typicity and purity with crunchy green apple and freshly cut grass at the fore. It has a wonderful freshness with delicate acidity coating the sides of the mouth leading to a long finish. Made from Sauvignon grapes grown in the foothills of the Pyrenees, this is a brilliant, inexpensive bottle that’s perfect for everyday drinking and a great find from the Côtes de Gascogne in south-west France.

Generous pineapple and passion fruit with floral hints, a finely grained texture and a glistening acid freshness.