New Zealand's first International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration was recently held in Marlborough, Mark Henderson writes.
Such is the fascination for this grape, trade and media from around the world flocked to Blenheim, with more than 350 delegates.
This vibrant and distinctive grape is part of our local wine-drinking culture, yet people may not be aware of the incredible allure it holds overseas as well, with bottles of Kiwi sauvignon blanc being enjoyed around the world.
The Sauvignon Blanc Celebration will further spread the message, which can only be a good thing.
Price: $17
Rating: Very good
This has classic savvy cut-grass aromas with ripe yellow capsicum and bubblegum notes. Zingy on the palate: Granny Smith apple and lemony citrus move to tropical fruit as it puts on weight with aeration. Bright, fresh, appealing and easy-drinking wine that is true to the Marlborough style.
Price: $23
Rating: Good to very good
Perfumed: Gum drops, Fruit Jubes and some lime citrus notes. The palate brings in the typical gooseberry and herbal elements. Mouthfilling with nice texture leading to a lemon and gooseberry-accented finish. Medium weight, fresh and zesty: the touch of grip on the finish could make this a nice food choice.
Price: $11-$12
Rating: Fair to good
The subtle nose offers funky, gunflint and spicy notes with sweet Fruit Jubes coming with aeration. Grapey notes on the palate with green notes, hints of wet stones and a dried hay fragrance. Textural and vinous though not distinctly varietal: a little atypical but easy drinking.
Price: $26.50
Rating: Very good
A whiff of gunsmoke at first, clearing as the sweet red capsicum and ripe fruit notes emerge. A nice mouthfeel with tropical fruit and a hint of bubble gum: zesty acidity follows, bringing a crisp lemony note and cut-grass nuances to the fresh and bracing finish. Quite moreish and tasty drinking.
Price: $20
Rating: Very good
Grassy, green-tinged aromas with pea pod and gooseberry in the background: a touch of lanolin too. A bright, crisp and zingy, upright style with pronounced gooseberry on the palate and a sweet fruit underlay. Old school savvy with its green-tinged emphasis, remaining light on its feet: a perfumed note on the finish with time.
Price: $35
Rating: Excellent
Lemon and smoke, fragrant oak notes, a little pea pod and sweet fruits. Musk on the palate, coconutty oak and guava, stonefruit and lemon grass. This is rich and mouthfilling with real complexity, certainly not your typical savvy but hugely appealing and delicious. Time brings some tinned peas, with gunflint on the long finish.
