Some little things in life just make you wonder. Take, for instance, an innocent, grassy wine like Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a simple pleasure enjoyed across the globe. So why the controversy?
It turns out, the pronunciation of “Blanc” has become so Americanized that it often makes me cringe — especially when I hear even hardcore Napa Valley insiders pronounce the grape Sauvignon Blanc with a hard ‘k’ at the end, as in “so-vee-NYOHN BLAHNK.”
The correct pronunciation, as any French winemaker (or global wine nerd) will tell you, is “so-vee-NYOHN BLAHN.” That’s right: no hard “k” at the end.
Sure, it’s easy to forgive English speakers — after all, the letter “c” does usually get the hard treatment. But isn’t wine about history, romance, and, dare I say, a little respect for tradition?
To confirm my suspicion that even the best vintners and most seasoned wine lovers are butchering this poor little grape’s name, I did a bit of research. And bingo; turns out, it’s as clear as a well-chilled Riesling:
- PronounceItRight: Sauvignon Blanc pronunciation guide with audio
- French Learner: 14 French Wine Names You’re Probably Mispronouncing (with audio)
Other French Wine Names That Get Butchered
While we’re on the subject of French wine pronunciation, Sauvignon Blanc isn’t the only victim of American tongues. Here are a few more that make French sommeliers wince:
Cabernet Sauvignon: It’s “ca-bear-NAY so-vee-NYOHN” — not “CAB-er-net so-VIG-non.” Notice that same silent “t” and soft “gn” sound.
Pinot Noir: The French say “pee-NO NWAR,” but “PEE-no NWAR” is acceptable in American wine culture.
Chenin Blanc: “shen-AN BLAHN” — again, that soft nasal “n” and silent “c.”
Chablis: “sha-BLEE” — the “s” is silent, folks.
Why Proper Wine Pronunciation Matters
Beyond just sounding sophisticated at dinner parties, correct wine pronunciation shows respect for the centuries-old winemaking traditions and the people who created these wines. It’s also practical — if you’re traveling in wine regions like Bordeaux, Loire Valley, or Burgundy, proper pronunciation helps you communicate with local vintners and shop owners.
Plus, let’s be honest: ordering wine with confidence feels pretty great.
Quick Tips for French Wine Pronunciation
- Silent letters are everywhere: Most final consonants (t, c, s) are silent in French
- The “gn” combination: Pronounced like the “ny” in “canyon” or the “ñ” in “piñata”
- Nasal sounds: French has nasal vowels that don’t exist in English — when in doubt, soften the “n” sound
- Practice with audio: Hearing native speakers is worth a thousand phonetic guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to pronounce wine names correctly?
No wine police will arrest you for saying "BLAHNK" instead of "BLAHN." However, correct pronunciation shows cultural awareness and can enhance your wine experience, especially when traveling or dining at upscale establishments.
What's the most commonly mispronounced wine name?
Sauvignon Blanc tops the list, but Gewürztraminer (ge-VURTS-tra-mee-ner) and Viognier (vee-oh-NYAY) are close runners-up. These complex names intimidate many wine lovers.
Should I use French pronunciation in American restaurants?
Use your judgment. In casual settings, slightly Americanized pronunciations are perfectly acceptable. At fine dining establishments or wine-focused restaurants, proper French pronunciation is more appreciated.
How do I practice wine pronunciation?
Start with online pronunciation guides that include audio (like the links above). Wine apps, YouTube videos, and even asking your local wine shop staff can help. Many wine enthusiasts are happy to share their knowledge.
Do other wine regions have pronunciation challenges?
Absolutely! German wines like Gewürztraminer and Italian varieties like Sangiovese (san-joe-VAY-zeh) can be just as tricky. Spanish wines add their own complexity with names like Tempranillo (tem-pra-NEE-yo).
Why do Americans pronounce Sauvignon Blanc differently?
English speakers naturally want to pronounce the "c" at the end of "Blanc" because that's how most English words work. The French silent "c" isn't intuitive for native English speakers, leading to the hard "k" sound.
Next time I’m at a Northern California winery, I’ll probably just go with the flow and ask for a glass of “Sauvignon Blaunk, s’il vous plait.” I just hope this habit doesn’t follow me to France… or Canada.