Winemaker Notes
Our grapes are harvested from carefully selected vineyards located in Marlborough's Wairau and Waihopai valleys. The different soil and microclimatic conditions of each of these vineyards provides a range of unique characteristics that capture the delicious fruit intensity for which Marlborough is renowned
Grape Varieties
100% Sauvignon Blanc
Vinification
The crushed grapes were allowed skin contact for up to four hours for added fruit components. Fermentation was conducted slowly and coolly to retain maximum natural varietal flavors. The wine remained on yeast lees for four months prior to bottling
Color
Very pale straw
Bouquet
Aromas of gooseberry, freshly cut grass, passion fruit and citrus
Taste
Fine and full-bodied with flavors of tropical fruits
Alcohol
13
Serving Suggestions
Delicious on its own or with a wide range of cuisines. The ultimate wine with oysters and an excellent match for most seafood
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.
An icon and leading region of New Zealand's distinctive style of Sauvignon blanc, Marlborough has a unique terroir, making it ideal for high quality grape production (of many varieties). Despite some common generalizations, which could be fairly justified given that Marlborough is responsible for 90% of New Zealand's Sauvignon blanc production, the wines from this region are actually anything but homogenous. At the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, the vineyards of Marlborough benefit from well-draining, stony soils, a dry, sunny climate and wide temperature fluctuations between day and night, a phenomenon that supports a perfect balance between berry ripeness and acidity.
The region’s king variety, Sauvignon blanc, is beloved for its pungent, aromatic character with notes of exotic tropical fruit, freshly cut grass and green bell pepper along with a refreshing streak of stony minerality. These wines are made in a wide range of styles, and winemakers take advantage of various clones, vineyard sites, fermentation styles, lees-stirring and aging regimens to differentiate their bottlings, one from one another.
Also produced successfully here are fruit-forward Pinot noirs (especially where soils are clay-rich), elegant Riesling, Pinot gris and Gewürztraminer.