New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

[Linda Kissam]

I love Sauvignon Blanc in all its forms, but I especially enjoy the New Zealand style. So when marketing rep Catherine Seda recently sent me a sample of the Mt Beautiful 2009 Sauvignon Blanc to try, I quickly ripped open the mailer and threw the wine in the wine refir to chill it down a bit.

I know Sauvignon Blanc works well with many appetizers, including cheese and vegetable trays. Its crisp, herb, citrus and mineral-nuanced flavors are usually perfect with light salads or meals that have green, leafy vegetables as an ingredient. It also goes well with lean protein dishes that include white fish, shellfish, and chicken. It is one of the few wines that pairs well with sushi. I decided to have Halibut for dinner.

I have to tell you, this dry Sauvignon Blanc did not disappoint. It was full bodied and fruity, but not a fruit bomb. The nose presented a nice mix of lime, citrus, herbs and minerals – my favorite style by far. These aromas were backed up on the palate by hints of pineapple, guava and mango, finishing with a refreshing dash of lime crispness.

According to the winemaker Sam Weaver, “All the fruit for this wine was crushed to press. We kept the free-run and pressings separate, allowing both components to cold settle for 48 hours to obtain bright, clear juice. It was then cool fermented for three weeks to retain freshness and aromatics. After fermentation, the wine was racked and kept on light lees for two months before being blended. We bottled this wine early to retain maximum freshness and aroma.” Analysis at bottling: Alcohol 14.0% TA = 7.2 g/L RS = 2.1 g/L pH = 3.32

Personally….I think this wine rocks.

What’s that? You haven’t heard about Mt Beautiful Winery? In brief the vineyards are located in the scenic Cheviot Hills district of North Canterbury, New Zealand. Owners David & Leigh Teece have worked tiresly to establish premium vineyards, carefully integrating the transition from farmland to vines. The vineyard was planted in 2004 and the first Mt Beautiful wines were released in September 2008.

Have to say I loved this wine and I think you will too. It sells for about $15, and for now you can find it (on and off line) at the cool wine shop Wineseller & Brasserie in San Diego and the quirky Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California. This is the restaurant known as the birthplace of California cuisine, a style credited to the restaurant's co-founder, Alice Waters, and well known for its wine list.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be reviewing two more Mt Beautiful Wines, the 2008 Riesling and the 2008 Pinot. I can barely wait, how about you?