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Do you buy Sauvignon Blanc because it’s the king among the whites, or because it’s the most present wine on the shelves?
No matter the reason, it’s a fact that Sauvignon Blanc is the most popular white wine. Many regions around the world produce Sauvignon Blanc, but not all are equally popular. One of more successful ones is the New Zealand.
Winery,Marlborough, New Zealand
The wine industry in New Zealand achieved a world-wide success in the 80s, when the export of the Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc skyrocketed. This wine was different; it was unoaked and youthful, with daring crispiness and unapologetic purity. The world fell in love with it, which was the catalytic moment for New Zealand’s wine making industry. This was 25 years ago. Today, the wine industry in New Zealand has over 57 000 acres in vines and produces 0.2% of the world’s wine. Small in quantity but high in quality.
The most important feature of every wine is its taste which depends heavily on the climatic conditions. New Zealand is surrounded by water and has abundant of sun light, thus the perfect climate for vine growing. The next important thing is the region where the grapes are grown. There are 10 wine regions in New Zealand, out of which Marlborough is the largest and most important when it comes to Sauvignon Blanc. This region is especially abundant in sunlight, and presents about 65% of total vineyards in New Zealand.
Sauvignon Blanc’s main characteristics include: fruity aromas (citrus, gooseberry, lemon, melon), fruity, grassy (herbs and mineral) and oaky (vanilla, smoke, spice) flavours. It comes in three styles: crispy (lively and refreshing), oaky (influenced by the process of aging in oak) and elegant (round and complex, with layers of flavours).
New Zealand’s Sauvingon Blancs are high in acidity, which is why they are a perfect when paired with sea food dishes. Here are few suggestions you must try.
3 Tales Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014, $12.99
If you decide to buy Sauvignon Blanc like this one, you should know that this is a light, crispy wine with citrus aroma, grown under superb conditions in the Marlborough region. Combine it with a fresh salad or fish.
Babich Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2013, $14.99
This is also a light wine. It’s fresh and very ripe, with lemon/green aromas and a hint of tropical aromas like peach. It is rich and best if consumed while young. Pair it with a plate of fresh oysters.
Haha Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2013, $14.99
It has soft, golden colour and an aroma that is a blend of gooseberry, fruits and lime. That burst of concentration of fruits leads to superb richness. It goes great with Asian cuisine.
Oyster Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014, $13.49
Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blancs are generally crispy, elegant and refreshing. This one in particular has a pale straw green colour, brilliant clarity and zesty, aromatic, lively fruit character. It has terrific acidity, so it goes perfectly with a wide range of dishes, from seafood to spinach.
Isabel Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012, $19.99 – If what you wan is flavour richness, buy Sauvignon Blanc form Isabel Estate. This wine features a lime and citrus taste, exotic fruit and floral notes; it’s crispy and smooth, bright and fresh.
