Sauvignon (also called Sauvignon blanc) is a white grape variety, originating from the French area of Bordeaux. The name derives from the French word sauvage ("wild"), an adjective due to its origins as a native plant of the French southwest. It is one of the most common white grape varieties in the wine world, with which it is possible to produce fresh white wines with a marked varietal imprint. The Sauvignon blanc grape, thanks to its adaptability, is grown extensively in France, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, California and South America, with a small share also in Italy. Depending on the climate, Sauvignon grapes can give the wines hints of herbs or fresh fruit. In any case, the resulting wines are destined for rapid consumption, given that aging in excess of one year does not improve the organoleptic characteristics in most cases.