Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is a wine that has become synonymous with New Zealand. Known for its distinct flavors and aromas, it has become a favorite of wine lovers around the world. If you are new to this wine or are looking to expand your knowledge, this guide to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is for you.
Marlborough, located on the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, is the country’s largest wine region and home to some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc. The region’s unique climate and soil conditions create the perfect environment for growing this grape variety, resulting in wines that are crisp, aromatic, and bursting with flavor.
In this guide, we will explore the history of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, how it is made, and what makes it so special. Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of wine, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to appreciate this iconic wine.
The History of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is a popular white wine that originates from the Marlborough region of New Zealand. This style of wine has become so popular that it is now the flagship wine of the country. But how did this wine style come to be?
The history of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc dates back to the 1970s, when a few pioneering winemakers in the region began experimenting with this grape variety. It was not until the 1980s that this style of wine started gaining popularity, and by the 1990s, it had become a global phenomenon.
One of the key factors that contributed to the success of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc was the unique terroir of the region. The cool climate, long growing season, and abundant sunshine allowed the grapes to ripen slowly, developing complex flavors and aromas.
Another factor that contributed to the success of this wine style was the influence of Bordeaux winemaking techniques. Many of the winemakers in Marlborough had studied in Bordeaux and brought back with them the knowledge of how to craft high-quality wines.
One winery that played a significant role in the development of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc was Cloudy Bay. This winery was established in 1985 and quickly gained a reputation for producing exceptional wines. Their Sauvignon Blanc was particularly well-received, and it helped put Marlborough on the map as a wine region.
Today, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most popular wine styles in the world. It is known for its vibrant flavors of tropical fruit, citrus, and grassy notes. The success of this wine style has also helped put New Zealand on the map as a top wine-producing country.
Terroir and Grape Variety
The Wairau Valley
The Wairau Valley is the largest sub-region of Marlborough and home to the majority of Sauvignon Blanc vineyards. The valley’s soil is composed of alluvial gravel, which provides excellent drainage and contributes to the grape’s unique flavor profile. The region’s climate is characterized by warm days and cool nights, which allows the grapes to develop a high level of acidity and retain their natural freshness. Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc is known for its intense aromas of grapefruit, passion fruit, and grassy notes.
The Awatere Valley
The Awatere Valley is a cooler sub-region of Marlborough and is known for producing Sauvignon Blanc with a more herbaceous and mineral-driven flavor profile. The valley’s soil is composed of clay and limestone, which contributes to the wine’s texture and mouthfeel. The region’s maritime climate, with its cool winds and foggy mornings, creates a longer growing season, resulting in grapes with higher acidity and more complex flavors. Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc is characterized by notes of guava, passion fruit, and pyrazine.
Southern Valleys
The Southern Valleys sub-region of Marlborough is home to some of the oldest vineyards in the region. The area’s soil is composed of clay and loess, which contributes to the wine’s texture. The region’s climate is slightly cooler than the Wairau Valley, with warm days and cool nights. Southern Valleys Sauvignon Blanc is known for its intense aromas of grapefruit, passion fruit, and herbal notes.
In Marlborough, Sauvignon Blanc is the most widely planted grape variety, accounting for over 80% of the region’s vineyards. The grapevines are trained using the vertical shoot positioning (VSP) method, which allows for maximum sun exposure and air circulation. Other grape varieties grown in the region also include Pinot Noir, Verdejo, Albariño, Colombard, Sauvignon Vert, and Muskat-Silvaner.
Overall, the terroir and grape variety of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc contributes to its unique flavor profile and popularity among wine lovers.
Winemaking Techniques
Stainless Steel Fermentation
Stainless steel fermentation is a popular technique used in the production of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. This method involves fermenting the grape juice in stainless steel tanks at cool temperatures. This helps to preserve the fresh and fruity flavors of the grapes. The use of stainless steel tanks also helps to prevent oxidation, which can cause the wine to lose its freshness and aroma.
During the fermentation process, yeast is added to the grape juice to convert the sugar into alcohol. The temperature is carefully controlled to ensure that the fermentation proceeds at a slow and steady pace. This helps to preserve the delicate flavors of the wine. Once the fermentation is complete, the wine is left to age on its lees for a few months to develop additional complexity and depth.
Oak Aging
Oak aging is another popular technique used in the production of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. This method involves aging the wine in oak barrels to add a subtle hint of oak flavor and aroma to the wine. The use of oak barrels also helps to soften the tannins and add complexity to the wine.
The type of oak used in the aging process can have a significant impact on the final flavor and aroma of the wine. American oak tends to impart more vanilla and coconut flavors, while French oak tends to add more spice and toastiness. The length of time the wine spends in the oak barrels can also vary, depending on the desired flavor profile.
Sugar
The use of sugar in the winemaking process can have a significant impact on the final flavor and sweetness of the wine. In Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, sugar is typically added during the fermentation process to balance the acidity of the grapes. This creates a more harmonious flavor profile.
However, it is important to note that excessive use of sugar can result in a wine that is overly sweet and lacks balance. Winemakers must carefully monitor the sugar levels throughout the fermentation process. This helps ensure that the wine has the desired level of sweetness and acidity.
Tasting Notes and Food Pairings
Flavor Profile
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is known for its crisp acidity, herbaceous notes, and tropical fruit flavors. On the nose, it offers aromas of grapefruit, passionfruit, and green apple with a hint of bell pepper. On the palate, it is zesty and refreshing with flavors of lime, lemon, and peach. The finish is clean and crisp, leaving a refreshing sensation in the mouth.
Whether you’re looking to pair this tasty drink with dinner or have it as a sipping wine, it’s a great choice when it comes to entertaining.
Food Pairings
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with a wide range of dishes, from seafood to salads to poultry. Its bright acidity and herbaceous notes make it a great match for dishes that have a lot of fresh herbs and citrus flavors. Here are some recommended food pairings:
- Oysters: The crisp acidity of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with the briny flavor of oysters.
- Salads: The herbaceous notes of the wine complement the fresh flavors of salads. Especially those with ingredients like asparagus, parsley, cilantro, thyme, and fennel.
- Pork: The acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of pork dishes. Which is why it’s a great match for dishes like pork tenderloin or pork chops.
- Mango Chicken: The tropical fruit flavors of the wine pair well with the sweetness of mango and the savory flavors of chicken.
- Seafood: The bright acidity of the wine makes it a great match for all types of seafood. Especially white fish, shellfish, sushi, cod, and halibut.
- Goat Cheese: The tangy flavor of chèvre pairs well with the bright acidity of the wine.
Overall, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is versatile and can be enjoyed with a wide range of dishes. Its bright acidity and herbaceous notes make it a refreshing and flavorful choice for any occasion.
Regions Beyond Marlborough
New Zealand Wine Regions
While Marlborough is the most famous wine region in New Zealand, there are several other regions that produce high-quality Sauvignon Blanc. The Wairau Valley, located in the northern part of the South Island, is known for producing wines with a slightly different flavor profile than Marlborough. The wines from this region also tend to have more tropical fruit notes and a softer acidity.
International Regions
Sauvignon Blanc is grown in many different regions around the world, each with its own unique flavor profile. In the Loire Valley of France, Sauvignon Blanc is used to make Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé wines, which are known for their minerality and bright acidity. In California and Washington State, Sauvignon Blanc is often blended with other white varietals to create complex and balanced wines.
South Africa produces Sauvignon Blanc which is often described as having a “green” flavor profile, with notes of green pepper and grass. Romania is a lesser-known region for Sauvignon Blanc, but the wines produced there are often high-quality and affordable. Burgundy and Alsace in France also produce Sauvignon Blanc, although in smaller quantities than the Loire Valley.
Finally, Sauternes, also in France, is known for its sweet wines made from Sauvignon Blanc. These wines are often paired with desserts and have a honeyed, apricot flavor profile.
Price Range and Reputation
When it comes to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, there is a wide range of prices available. The cost of a bottle can vary depending on the brand, the vineyard, and the vintage. However, the good news is that there are many affordable options available that still offer great quality!
One of the most well-known brands of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is Brancott Estate. Their wines are highly regarded and have won numerous awards. While they do offer some higher-end options, they also have more affordable bottles that are still of excellent quality.
In general, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc has a great reputation for being a high-quality wine. It is one of the most popular varieties of Sauvignon Blanc in the world, and for good reason. The region’s climate and soil are ideal for growing grapes that produce a wine with a unique flavor profile.
We hope you enjoyed this comprehensive guide on Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. As mentioned, there are so many different food pairings that go with this delicious wine! Also, the price points are typically quite affordable, which make this a perfect choice for your next dinner.
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