Wine for Normal People: Time for another look at New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

View over Waipara Valley, North Canterbury © Simone Madden-Grey

In this episode with Elizabeth Schneider at Wine for Normal People we discuss New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and in particular Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough. After bursting onto the international scene and planting New Zealand near the top of the list of easy to understand and enjoyable Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough and its producers have also garnered some detractors.

With comments like “it’s a wine for Mrs Supermarket or for Soccer Moms”, this fabulous white wine is being unfairly maligned. There is much to enjoy with Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand and if Marlborough isn’t your region then check out other regions such as Hawkes Bay, Martinborough, Nelson, North Canterbury and Central Otago. Each region brings something different to the Sauvignon Blanc glass and producers are using a variety of techniques including lees contact and the use of oak to ensure there is a myriad of styles on offer – so take a listen and see what you think!

The producers we discuss include:

Hawkes Bay

• Trinity Hill
• Vidal Estate

Martinborough

• Craggy Range
• Stonecroft

Marlborough

• Mahi Wines
• Greywacke
• Spy Valley
• Te Whare Ra

Nelson

• Mahana Estate
• Neudorf Vineyards

North Canterbury

• Bellbird Spring Wines
• Greystone Wines (Grey’s Peak Wines in the USA)

Central Otago

• Gibbston Valley Winery
• Mt Difficulty
• Rippon
• Wet Jacket Wines

Happy Drinking!