# Sandy Cove Sauvignon Blanc (2025)

- **Producer:** Allan Scott Family Winemakers
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sauvignon Blanc
- **Region:** Marlborough, New Zealand
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €16
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lime, grapefruit, peach, passion fruit, grass

## About this wine

Sandy Cove is crafted exclusively for US importer David Bowler Wine by Allan Scott Family Winemakers, one of Marlborough's founding wine dynasties. Located along the renowned 'Golden Mile' in Marlborough's Wairau Valley, the estate benefits from unique 'Rapaura Series' soils consisting of river silt and smooth river stones. These sun-warmed stones reflect thermal heat onto the canopy during the cool New Zealand nights, assisting full grape ripening and developing complex fruit characteristics.

## Interesting facts

- The vineyard's 'Rapaura Series' soils feature smooth river stones that reflect heat to help ripen grapes.
- Crafted by Allan Scott, a pioneering figure who helped plant Marlborough's first vineyards in the 1970s.
- Night-harvesting is used to protect delicate tropical and citrus fruit aromatics from oxidation.

## Food pairing

High-acid, expressive Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc thrives when matched with vibrant, high-acid foods. Tangy fresh goat cheese mirrors the wine's citrus drive, while light seafood dishes such as oysters and ceviche complement its zippy structure and subtle saline minerality.

## Wine making process

Grapes are harvested during the cool night hours to lock in freshness and prevent premature oxidation. Upon arrival at the winery, the fruit is immediately pressed and the juice undergoes cold clarification. Fermentation is conducted in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks using neutral commercial yeast strains to retain pristine varietal character. After fermenting to complete dryness, the wine receives brief post-fermentation lees contact in stainless steel to introduce texture before final assemblage and Stelvin screwcap bottling.