Sauvignon blanc, New Zealand's best known wine, comes in many
styles - from fresh and zingy to barrel fermented and
complex.
The latest is as a bubbly, with Lindauer, among others,
producing refreshing, lively fizz from this variety.
◊ BEST UNDER
$20
Framingham Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008
$19.90
A classic zingy Marlborough sauvignon, with a hint of
mineral, suggestions of tropical fruit, passionfruit and
gooseberry, bright intense flavours, but yet an underlying
restraint with a long finish.
- Four stars (out of five)
- Good value
www.framingham.co.nz
Forrest The
Doctors Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2009
(about $22)
At 9.5% alc (compared with the more usual 12-14%) this is
ideal for lunch - you can have a whole glass and still go
back to work! It's light but has a nice intensity, with a
hint of mineral and an underlying delicacy. Good with food.
- Three stars (out of five)
- Below average value
www.forrest.co.nz
Amisfield Central
Otago Sauvignon Blanc 2009
(about $30)
At present this is fragrant with hints of ripe kiwi and apple
and an underlying minerality, but its persistence and length
marks it as a stylish, even charming young wine that will
develop with a few more months bottle age.
- Three stars (out of five)
- Below average value
www.amisfield.co.nz
Curio Castles Vineyard
Awatere Sauvignon Blanc 2008
(aobut $26)
Typically funky, pungent Awatere sauvignon, with wonderfully
exuberant fruit oozing herbs, salad leaves, and mineral,
complex, and textural makes a definite statement.
A new top of the range label from Mud House aimed at cafes
and restaurants - just as well as the eye-catching labels are
hard to read with small print on a red background - but worth
looking out for in specialist shops.
- Four stars (out of five)
- Average value
sashadentremont.wordpress.com
Matahiwi Holly
Wairarapa Sauvignon Blanc 2008
(about $26)
I can't help feeling this is masquerading as a chardonnay,
with an oaky nuttiness that jars slightly with the green
fruited sauvignon flavours.
However, it's very drinkable and good with food.
- Three stars (out of five)
- Below average value
www.matahiwi.co.nz
Lindauer
Sauvignon
(about $15, but often on special)
A zesty sparkler with a hint of passionfruit and gooseberry,
a light sweetness and refreshing bubbles.
Serve well chilled this summer.
- Two stars (out of five)
- Below average value
www.pernod-ricard-pacific.com
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.