A true icon
Sauvignon Blanc
Bright, zesty and unapologetically refreshing, Sauvignon Blanc is New Zealand's most iconic white wine.
Sauvignon Blanc has a storied past that begins in France's Loire Valley and Bordeaux regions. The name derives from the French words “sauvage” (wild) and “blanc” (white, hinting at the grape’s origins as a wild-growing vine. While it continues to thrive in its native France, Sauvignon Blanc's global rise to fame is largely credited right here, in New Zealand.
New Zealand’s Marlborough region put Sauvignon Blanc on the world map in the 1980s. The unique climate and soil of Marlborough produced wines with an intensity of flavour and aromatic purity that captivated the wine world. Today, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is celebrated for its vibrant tropical fruit flavours, zesty acidity and distinctive grassy notes - a style that has truly become a benchmark for the varietal.
In New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc isn’t just a wine- it’s a cultural icon. Its crisp, lively style captures the essence of kiwi summers, where long, sunny days are spent outdoors, surrounded by stunning landscapes whether you’re in the north or south island. Enjoying a chilled glass at a barbeque, on a picnic or having some mates over, Sauvignon Blanc embodied the relaxed and joyful spirit of Summer.
Food Match
Sauvignon Blanc and creamy seafood chowder
A true kiwi classic
New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is world famous for its zesty citrus notes, fresh acidity and herbaceous character. It is the ultimate food friendly white wine, making it a perfect match for a creamy seafood chowder. This comforting dish, packed with fresh seafood, velvety broth and fragrant herbs, balanced beautifully with Sauvignon Blanc's crispness and minerality.
Why Sav works with seafood chowder:
Match made for each other
It’s no lie that most Sauvignon Blanc tastes exceptional when it is paired with seafood. Sauvignon's natural acidity cuts through the richness of fresh shellfish while its herbal qualities bring out the depth of ingredients like celery, parsley and thyme.
Serving and enjoying:
For the best experience, serve this chowder in deep bowls with a sprinkle of extra parsley and a drizzle of your favourite olive oil. Pair it with a Marlborough Sauvignon like Cloudy Bay or Villa Maria, to highlight the fresh and vibrant flavours of both the wine and the dish. The wines lively acidity will keep your palate refreshed, making each spoonful as delightful as the first.
This pairing is an ode to kiwi winters, comforting on a rainy night, flavourful and effortlessly delicious. Whether you’re curling up by the fire or hosting friends, a steaming bowl of seafood chowder with a crisp Sauvignon is sure to impress.
Top picks
Top 3 Sauvignon Blancs to match:
Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc
This Private Bin Marlborough Sauvignon is as vibrant as you can get. The classic fruity and crisp Awatere aromas jump out of the glass as soon as you open it. Fresh herbal flavours flow through. Lemongrass, jalapeno peppers and fresh herbs are present on the palate. A well balanced and lengthy finish.
The Ned Sauvignon Blanc
The Ned showcases delightfully fresh aromas of ripe citrus, passionfruit and green apple on the nose. Citrus notes lead into a palate of honeydew melon with herbal highlights. The vivid fruit flavours dance on a seam of lively Marlborough acidity flowing into a long-lasting finish. A true crowd-pleaser!
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc
This gorgeous Sauvignon Blanc from Cloudy Bay has a zesty and vibrant nose, with notes of juicy citrus and makrut lime underpinned by subtle white nectarine and passionfruit notes. A mouthwatering palate with ripe vibrant passionfruit and citrus at the fore. These meld with tropical hints of peach and guava, gently balanced by stony saline notes.
