# Vicar's Choice Sauvignon Blanc (2023)

- **Producer:** Saint Clair Family Estate
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sauvignon Blanc
- **Region:** Marlborough, New Zealand
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €19
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 8–8 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** grass, gooseberry, grapefruit, passion fruit, lime

## About this wine

The Saint Clair Vicar's Choice Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine from Marlborough, New Zealand, produced by Saint Clair Family Estate. The 'Vicar's Choice' range is named in honor of an Anglican vicar who was a relative of the producers and had a strong preference for this particular wine, leading to the range's distinctive name. This line is positioned by the producer as offering excellent value. The Ibbotson family, founders of Saint Clair Family Estate, have a long history in Marlborough's viticulture, having been pioneers in the region since 1978 and establishing the estate in 1994. Their winemaking philosophy focuses on matching grape varietals to the most suitable terroirs within Marlborough to produce wines of high quality. The grapes for this Sauvignon Blanc are sourced from vineyards across Marlborough, with a significant portion coming from the lower Wairau sub-region, known for its cooler climate and fertile, well-draining soils.

## Interesting facts

- Named after a vicar who loved this wine so much, it became his 'choice'.
- Part of Saint Clair's 'excellent value for money' range.
- Marlborough is New Zealand's largest wine region.
- The Ibbotson family has been growing grapes in Marlborough since 1978.

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant acidity cuts through the richness of dishes like goat cheese and creamy sauces, while its herbaceous notes complement fresh herbs. The crispness also provides a refreshing contrast to the saltiness of seafood.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Saint Clair Vicar's Choice Sauvignon Blanc begins with the rapid transport of grapes to the winery after harvest, ensuring freshness. The fruit is pressed with minimal skin contact to extract the clearest juice. This juice then undergoes cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks. This technique is employed to preserve the delicate aromatic compounds and the bright, crisp character inherent to the Sauvignon Blanc grape from Marlborough. Following fermentation, the wine is typically aged in stainless steel to maintain its purity and vibrant profile, without the influence of oak, allowing the varietal expression to be the primary focus.