# Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (2023)

- **Producer:** Kim Crawford Wines
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sauvignon Blanc
- **Region:** Marlborough, New Zealand
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €15
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** passion fruit, grapefruit, lemon, lime, melon, herbaceous, grass, gooseberry

## About this wine

Launched in 1996 in a small Auckland cottage by Kim and Erica Crawford, Kim Crawford Wines began as one of New Zealand's first virtual wineries, sourcing grapes from contracted growers. It quickly rose to international fame, becoming a global benchmark for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Today, under Constellation Brands, it remains one of the world's most recognizable and popular New Zealand wine labels, celebrated for its vibrant, fruit-forward style that showcases the unique terroir of the Marlborough region.

## Interesting facts

- Started as a 'virtual winery' in 1996, owning no vineyards and sourcing all grapes from contracted growers.
- It is the number one selling Sauvignon Blanc in the United States.
- Grapes are harvested exclusively at night to preserve the delicate, vibrant tropical fruit aromas.

## Food pairing

The high acidity and vibrant citrus profile of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc make it an exceptional match for fresh seafood, tangy cheeses, and dishes with green herbs. The wine's zesty nature cuts through rich, oily fish and complements the herbal notes in salads and light sauces, while its intense aromatics can stand up to mild, aromatic Asian spices.

## Wine making process

Grapes are sourced from over 200 distinct vineyard blocks across the Wairau, Awatere, and Southern Valleys of Marlborough. To preserve freshness, harvesting occurs during the cool night hours. The fruit is destemmed, crushed, and undergoes a brief maceration before pressing. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks using selected yeasts to enhance regional aromatics. Each block is fermented separately before final blending, with no oak contact to maintain the wine's signature crispness.