The Marlborough Sauvignon Secret

With harvest over I flew on the red eye Air NZ flight out of Blenheim south to Christchurch. It was sunrise when I boarded the tiny 12-seat plane and with the Autumn leaves changing colour, I got the perfect picture of Marlbourough’s Sauvignon Blanc unique secret. Here it is for you to see. 

From the aerial photo, the dips and rises running east-west made by the rivers that carried deposits down the valley so long ago are clearly highlighted by the autumn colours of the north-south planted vineyards.  This is how those Kiwi winemakers get that amazing aromatic and palate mix of tropical fruit and the sharper grassy grapefruit, whilst still retaining that marvellous thirst-quenching limey acidity. 

Where the leaves are green, the band of soil is more fertile and the leaves have consequently lasted longer. The result is later ripening vines giving herbaceous flavours. On the poorer stony soil, the stress caused has led to earlier ripening and in turn tropical fruit flavours and the now-finished yellow leaves. 

It’s this blend of grapes that’s the secret behind Marlborough Sauvignon.

Now you know why not try some of these very wines? I recommend Tikohi 2012, the Sowman Estate 2011, the AC/DC 2011, not to mention Cloudy Bay!