Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc is an iconic vintage from Marlborough , New Zealand's flagship region and a true global benchmark for the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety. It is produced by Kevin Judd , renowned oenologist and founder of the Greywacke estate and formerly of Cloudy Bay. The vines are planted on the stony, well-drained soils of the Wairau Valley and Southern Valleys , exposed to a cool maritime climate that ensures slow and optimal ripening of the grapes.

The grapes are harvested by hand , then gently pressed before fermentation mainly in stainless steel vats, with a small proportion in neutral oak barrels to bring roundness and complexity. This approach preserves the natural aromatic intensity of the Sauvignon while adding a subtle depth. Aging on fine lees for several months reinforces the texture and richness on the palate.

On tasting, this Sauvignon Blanc seduces with its intense aromas of lime, passion fruit, gooseberry , fresh grass and grapefruit zest . On the palate, the attack is lively, carried by a sharp acidity , followed by a silky texture and a saline and mineral finish.

Introduced in 1819, the cultivation of vines was greatly developed by Jean-Baptiste Pompallier, a French Marist missionary. Sent to Oceania in 1837, he settled in January 1838 to develop the New Zealand vineyards. The first quality vineyards were established in the Hawke's Bay region in the 19th and early 20th centuries. After the production hazards first due to Phylloxera and then to the First World War, this vineyard began to expand again during the Second World War when its surface area doubled. Today, New Zealand has 10 major wine regions spread between the North and South Islands, the largest of which is Marlborough. Most of New Zealand's wine regions have a maritime climate. The long, thin shape of the country means that vineyards are never more than 120km from the coast and most are even much closer than that (with the exception of the semi-continental region of Central Otago). A spine of mountains running through the center of the country protects most of the major wine regions from the strong westerly winds from the Tasman Sea known as the "Roaring Forties". Due to these winds, there are few wine growing regions on the west coast of New Zealand. The quality and reputation of New Zealand wines is well established. Indeed, this country produces some of the best and most recognized Sauvignon Blanc in the world. And it is no coincidence that New Zealand has succeeded in making Sauvignon blanc its symbol, just like its sheep, its kiwi and its legendary haka!