Why is New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc so popular?
New Zealand's flagship grape, Sauvignon Blanc, has established itself as one of the world's leading popular whites. But how exactly did it end up on every wine list? Why is New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc popular? And is the trend here to stay?
A blissful and warm summer’s day conjures up the image of sipping Sauvignon Blanc. Originally from Bordeaux and thought to be a descendent of the grape, Savagnin – Sauvignon Blanc literally translates to “wild white”. This easy to grow grape variety is known for producing crisp, refreshing white wines with herbaceous (grassy) and tropical flavours. Especially ones that fair from New Zealand.
Distinguished flavour
While Sauvignon Blanc grows particularly well in the Loire Valley, from notable appellations such as Pouilly-Fumé, the wines tend to have more minerally and citrus characteristic. The reason New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc is so popular is due to its distinctive aromas and stand-out flavours. Any aspiring Sommelier will tell you that the best tasting wine possible in New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Easily marked on the nose and sharp on the palate.
Sauvignon Blanc’s from New Zealand’s North Island will have more tropical flavours – think a fruit basket filled with pineapple and passion fruit. Whereas wines fairing from the South Island will be more herbaceous – think of a grassy field or the distinctive capsicum taste you get when biting into a green bell pepper. These flavours are incredibly distinctive, especially when paired with the crisp dry mouthfeel and sharp acidity that is so often associated with wines from this island.
Easy drinking
New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is perfect for drinking without food. Lots of Sauvignon Blancs from the old world (such as from the Loire Valley or Bordeaux) shine best when paired with vegetable risotto or goat’s cheese salad. But New Zealand Sauvingon Blanc’s powerful flavours easily overwhelm the wrong dish. As a result, it’s a wine that is made to be drunk young, enjoyed chilled and devoured without the need for an accompanying meal.
If however, you are looking to pair the wine with a dish, I would recommend going for a meal with Thai spices – such as a green curry.
Fun fact:
Sauvignon Blanc is often described as smelling like "cat pee" due to the chemical compound 4MMP - that's in both!
It’s so cheap!
Okay, perhaps I’m biased as a UK writer, but on average New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc costs between £6-£10 for a bottle and is always an incredibly reliable wine. Due to a high standard of New Zealand winemaking practices and the grape’s distinctive flavours – you get an excellently produced wine that tastes great. It is a very safe bet when perusing the wine aisles and because it’s so consistent – customers return to purchasing it again and again.
It’s everywhere
Lastly, Sauvignon Blanc, while particularly great from New Zealand, is actually one of the most planted grapes in the world. (8th most planted, in fact). Globally, there are more than 300,000 acres planted. So if you don’t like the gooseberry and limey goodness of a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc offering – you can venture further afield to find the best Sauvignon Blanc for you. Alternatives include South African’s Western Cape – with a yummy grapefruit character. Or Australia’s Adelaide Hill – truly a passion fruit bomb. Mix it up entirely with a Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc – a cocktail of flint, wet stones and minerals. Or a Bordeaux Blanc – citrus and less sharp acidity.
The Vinspiration selection
Cloudy Bay Marlborough New Zealand 2020
Cloudy Bay put New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc on the map – with citrusy goodness (more lime please) and a gooseberry finish. This wine is a must by for Sauvignon Blanc lovers.
The Ned Sauvignon Blanc
Having scored particularly well in a Vinspiration blind tasting, this not only has the lemon punch behind Sauvignon Blanc. But also a hint of stone fruit!
Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2020
An instant hit, with a real rich spectrum of fruity goodness. Passion fruit. Lime. Melon. Throw your fruit basket out and drink this instead.