After France, New Zealand is the world’s largest producer of Sauvignon Blanc, and UK drinkers love the Kiwi-grown liquid’s unmistakable big tropical notes, bracingly clean acidity, and rewardingly aromatic nature. Marlborough is unquestionably New Zealand’s Sauvignon heartland, with the region producing two thirds of the country’s liquid* with demand in steady growth
In 2020 extreme spring frosts proved disastrous, causing Sauvignon yields in Marlborough alone to be down by around 30%; the region harvested 269,521 tonnes of grapes in 2021 vs 343,036 tonnes in 2020**. The hope was that the 2022 crop would pull back some of the shortfall, but a COVID-related lack of workforce availability and La Niña hitting the region with early rainfall (forcing some early picking) dashed these plans
This has meant that growing demand has been challenged by tightening supply for almost all, driving price increases at a time when few can accommodate it
It is by no means all bad news, however. We’ve been working with winemakers to expand our range of World Sauvignon to help widen your choices beyond the mighty Marlborough, so now may be the time to branch out into some alternatives to keep the Sauvignon Blanc flowing…
La Pepica Viura Sauvignon Blanc – Crown Cellars (crowncellarswines.co.uk)
SPAIN – DRY & AROMATIC – ££
A deliciously light and refreshing dry white wine showing citrus and herbal aromas. Winemaking in Valencia stretches back thousands of years. While much younger than that, La Pepica has been pairing the region’s wine and food since 1898, serving everyone from royalty to sports stars. Hemingway even described an evening there in his book ‘The Dangerous Summer’.
Ocarina Chilean Sauvignon – Crown Cellars (crowncellarswines.co.uk)
CHILE – DRY & AROMATIC – £
Clean as a whistle, with vibrant green aromas of cucumber and bell pepper. The palate is dry, light bodied and zingy. This is one of a pair of exclusive new wines (the other is a Merlot, for label completists) which we’ve added to the portfolio this year, balancing great value and terrific wines
Carta23 Chilean Sauvignon Blanc – Crown Cellars (crowncellarswines.co.uk)
CHILE – DRY & AROMATIC – £
Zingy and vibrant with crisp citrus notes and an extremely approachable character. Excellent value for the liquid in the bottle
Visitors Series Sauvignon Blanc – Crown Cellars (crowncellarswines.co.uk)
SOUTH AFRICA – DRY & AROMATIC – ££
Crisp, clean and full of sunshine. Tropical pineapple and guava meet fresh lime and a hint of grapefruit. A terrific alternative to Marlborough liquids
Cloud Island Cape Series Sauvignon Blanc – Crown Cellars (crowncellarswines.co.uk)
SOUTH AFRICA – DRY & AROMATIC – ££
A familiar label and a familiar style of Sauvignon; tons of citrus and tropical fruits, with a little less intense acidity than it’s Kiwi sibling. Ideal for seafoods
For our full range of Sauvignon Blanc, check out Wines – Crown Cellars (crowncellarswines.co.uk)
*Financial Times, April 30th 2022
**stuff.co.nz, June 12th 2021
