This International Sauvignon Blanc Day has presented an opportunity to recognise the contribution of the Marlborough viticulture industry and to reflect on another year of excellence for this iconic varietal wine.
“Marlborough-produced Sauvignon Blanc made a massive impact from the first taste all those decades ago. It shocked and surprised everyone with its intensity of aromas and flavours,” said Wine Marlborough general manager Marcus Pickens.
“While Sauvignon Blanc is produced in many countries, Marlborough wine stands independently for its purity and flavour intensity. Our Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, zesty, tropical, undeniably aromatic.”
With new and alternative styles emerging, Sauvignon Blanc has surprised and delighted people. Growers, winemakers and the hospitality and tourism industries have been exploring and innovating with the style, subregions, business models and experiences they create.
“This is a fascinating sector where family-owned, pioneering brands branch out in new areas in the spirit of continuous advancement, working alongside newer corporate-owned brands.”
Pickens mentioned that continual advancements in viticulture and winemaking have also seen the emergence of alternative styles made using different techniques, such as oak-aging, barrel fermenting, wild fermenting and the creation of low or no-alcohol wines.
“We are blessed with the type of climate, terroir and water purity that Sauvignon Blanc grapes thrive in, but the flavour and quality are brought to the fore by incredibly skilled viticulturists and winemakers.”
Another reason to celebrate International Sauvignon Blanc Day is the remarkable provenance story of Marlborough wine. In August 2023, the industry celebrated the 50th anniversary of Marlborough’s official beginning as a wine region.
“For many of our winegrowing pioneers, Frank Yukich, the Rose, Sutherland, Ibbotson, Marris and Scott families, just to name a few, it would have been gut instinct backed by climate science.”
Wine Marlborough is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Marlborough Winegrowers. The association was established in 1992 to proudly promote and build the reputation of Marlborough’s wine region.
