What Is Fumé Blanc?
(Image is wine marker Pip Batley and Assistant with our Holy Schist 2024 fermenting in Barrel)
By Martial Passignat - Senior Wine Advisor
What Is Fumé Blanc?
A creamy, oak-aged twist on classic Sauvignon Blanc
At Kinross, we love celebrating wines that offer something a little unexpected. Fumé Blanc is one of those styles, a richer, more textural take on the familiar Sauvignon Blanc.
Though made from the same grape, Fumé Blanc is fermented or aged in oak barrels, rather than stainless steel. This adds creaminess, subtle spice, and weight, creating a wine that sits somewhere between Sauvignon Blanc and a lightly oaked Chardonnay.
As our winemaker Marcel explains, "Fumé Blanc is Sauvignon Blanc treated like a Chardonnay, creamy and buttery, but still fresh and lively."
At Kinross all of our Sauvignon Blanc grapes from our Kinross label and Growers Series are turned into Fumé. Kinross 'Holy Schist' Fumé Home Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc is our stable label and will be around to evolve for all vintages to come.
You can find all our current Fumé Blancs from Central Otago here
Where the Name Comes From
“Fumé Blanc” was coined by Californian winemaker Robert Mondavi in the 1960s. The word fumé (French for “smoke”) hints at the subtle smoky character gained through oak aging, and nods to the French region of Pouilly-Fumé, known for its flinty Sauvignon Blancs.
What does Fumé Blanc Tastes Like?
Compared to classic stainless steel aged Sauvignon Blanc, Fumé Blanc is:
- Less grassy, more rounded
- Rich in tropical fruit, toast, and vanilla
- Silky and textural on the palate
- Still vibrant, but with a buttery finish
It’s a versatile white that appeals to fans of both Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
Tasting the 2024 Holy Schist Fumé
One of the finest examples we offer: Kinross 'Holy Schist' Fumé Home Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc
Aromas: Ripe passionfruit, mango, pineapple, touches of orange blossom and tarragon.
Palate: Continues the tropical theme with peach, pear, and richly nutty notes of cashew and macadamia. Luscious yet balanced, with fresh acidity and a creamy mouthfeel enhanced by expressive French oak.
Craft: Made from hand‑picked fruit from 16‑year‑old vines in Gibbston’s Home Block. Aged 8 months in 100% old French oak with full malolactic fermentation. Vegan friendly, unfined.
Pairings & Serve: Enjoy at 10–12 °C with dishes like king salmon crudo, John Dory with olive salsa, or even apricot‑almond clafoutis. Best now through 2028.
This is Fumé Blanc at its most elegant—creamy, textural, deeply rooted in terroir, and a striking Central Otago interpretation of a classic style.
Perfect Pairings
Fumé Blanc’s balance of freshness and creaminess makes it ideal with:
- Seafood, like smoked salmon or scallops
- Roast chicken or creamy pasta
- Soft cheeses or herby salads
