While the Sauvignon blanc grape may originally be from the Southwest of France currently some of the most popular vineyards producing wine from these grapes are actually on a whole other continent. Many wine lovers began to take notice of the Sauvignon blanc from New Zealand in the late 1980’s and 90’s. This white wine which features slight hints of grapefruit, lime, and gooseberries quickly became a favorite of wine lovers to serve worldwide alongside cheese boards full of snacks.
While there are three different “styles” of Sauvignon blanc from New Zealand and each tests well with most palates. The styles all vary in how the wine is aged whether in oak, stainless steel tanks, or a blending with each brining out different characteristics from the wine.
The vineyards in New Zealand producing Sauvignon blanc are approximately eighty miles inland from the coast where the cool maritime climate provides a long slow growing season that develops a wonderful balance between the sugars and acids in the grapes. This gives the wine plenty of fruity flavor which is popular with many palettes and pares up well with many foods or can be served alone for just the sheer pleasure of experiencing the taste.