New Zealand wines were rarely encountered in the U.S. before the 1980s, when their distinctive citrusy take on unoaked sauvignon blanc took the world by storm, starting with the Marlborough region. Almost all the examples of New Zealand wine available stateside still come from there. However, there is considerably more to explore than Marlborough, as with this tasty sauvignon blanc from the scenic Waipara Valley.
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Like Marlborough, the Waipara Valley is located on New Zealand’s sparsely populated South Island, but it has significant differences of climate and terrain that create noticeable differences in wine flavor. Marlborough’s vineyards are centered on a broad expanse of cool and moist coastal flats at the northern tip of South Island. The Waipara Valley lies further south, near Christchurch, with vineyards that tend to be even cooler, higher, and drier in a network of sheltered valleys. This provides grape growers with a cooler but longer growing season, which develops more prominent tropical fruit flavors while remaining quite light-bodied and refreshingly tart.
Like most New Zealand sauvignon blancs, this iteration still features the green and leafy aromatics that give the best ones a savory, ceviche-like profile. This delightful example offers vibrant flavors of passionfruit and guava; zesty, lime-like acidity; and a fragrance with notes of fresh cilantro and parsley.
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Sherwood Estate Sauvignon Blanc
Waipara Valley, New Zealand; 13% ABV
PLCB Item #100056939 — on sale through Aug. 2 for $17.99 (regularly $19.99)
No alternate retail locations within 50 miles of Philadelphia, according to www.wine-searcher.com.
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