Leading international grape varieties such as Sauvignon blanc dominate today’s global wine scene due to the standard of wine and easily recognisable buying cues they offer consumers amongst the vast array of products on sale. What is known though about their worldwide acreage, the range of styles they can produce or the current state of research designed to enhance their archetypal characteristics and sense of place? What is consumer perception of these varietals in key export markets and how do consumer trends influence their style?

These are just some of the questions that will be answered by the steering committee founded by the organisers of the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon. Seven industry members with proven editorial skills and knowledge of the grape variety have been selected to shed light on the inherent qualities of Sauvignon blanc. Every month, they will contribute to an information database providing dedicated literature for the industry and consumers. Despite its international ubiquity, Sauvignon blanc undoubtedly has yet to reveal many of its qualities and idiosyncrasies. This ‘one-stop information shop’ is geared to supplying in-depth, varied and topical articles to a dedicated website and social media.

The initiative highlights the fact that the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon is more than just a competition between producers and appellations. It is primarily aimed at fostering dialogue and creating a meeting point for industry specialists.