New Zealand’s wine production is a mere 1% of the wine in the world, but ever since this world discovered the Sauvignon Blanc grown in its Marlborough region in the late 1970s, the country has never looked back, quickly establishing itself as one of the top quality wine producing countries today.
As for its Sauvignon Blanc, just read of the tasting notes of this grape by experts and you might be tempted enough to rush for the nearest bottle.
(Note the use of superlatives)
Jancis Robinson: “(New Zealand’s) pungently herbaceous style of Sauvignon Blanc, heady with the tropical fruit smells of a cool, prolonged fermentation….”
Wine Folly: “… jaw-dropping herbaceous-yet-floral aroma that’s complemented by a juicy, yet zesty, citrus zing in your mouth.”
No wonder that the Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough – fruity, aromatic and luscious – is among the most popular varietal wines in the world. But is there more to New Zealand wine than its famous Sauvignon Blanc (or indeed, its Pinot Noir)?
Sir George Fistonich, founder of Villa Maria, long established among New Zealand’s best wine brands, is best positioned to comment. And he says yes, there is more, much more. Villa Maria, regarded as one of the world’s best wine brands, is currently Drinks International’s World’s Most Admired New Zealand Wine Brand, and #4 in the world list. It puts its name to no less than 15 varietal wines – from Arneis and Grenache to Syrah and Viognier.
And yes, their Sauvignon Blanc wines remain best sellers.
Excerpts from the interview:
Sir George Fistonich, Villa Maria wines, New Zealand
New Zealand is strongly identified with its Sauvignon Blanc, especially the Marlborough wines, and it is safe to say these are among the most popular Sauvignon Blancs worldwide with wine drinkers. How do you view this?
Sauvignon Blanc is incredibly important to the New Zealand wine category, and of course to Villa Maria. No other country in the world can produce the unique and crowd-pleasing Sauvignon Blanc wines like Marlborough. The explosive flavours of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc have dazzled wine critics and wine-lovers throughout the world, setting the international benchmark for the style. It is varietal that awoke the world to New Zealand wine.
