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More wines available from Esk Valley
750ml
Bottle:
$17.85
$19.19
This is a rich and full-bodied Gimblett Gravels blend. Densely colored, it has a bouquet of dark cherry, blackberry,...
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Winery
Esk Valley
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
One of the most commonly planted and cultivated white wine grape varietals in the world is the Sauvignon Blanc. This green skinned grape originated in southern France, where it is still grown today and produced into exceptionally high quality wines. However, it is also very much a varietal of the New World, and can be found almost anywhere with the correct climatic conditions for it to thrive in. Generally, Sauvignon Blanc grapes prefer cooler climates, and benefit best from an early harvest. Too much exposure to heat causes the juices inside the fruit to lose much of their character, and results in flat, uninteresting wines devoid of the grapes' usual bite and crispiness. In many countries, Sauvignon Blanc grape juices are aged in barrels, and are allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation, which transforms this dry and refreshing, zesty and fruity white wine into something far mellower, more buttery and refined.
Region: Hawkes Bay
In northern New Zealand, Hawkes Bay has long since been considered something of the birthplace and spiritual home of the country's now enormous and highly successful wine industry. For such a young country, the Hawkes Bay wine industry is relatively ancient, dating back to the mid 19th century, when settlers were first arriving to establish permanent dwellings on the island. Today, the region is regarded as something of an ideal setting for fine, New World style viticulture. The hot climate, low rainfall and moderate humidity help the vintners coax their grapes to full ripeness, and a wide range of grape varietals now flourish in the region's vineyards. However, the Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling grapes have all produced the most successful wines of recent years, alongside a healthy and growing dessert wine industry which is based there.
Country: New Zealand
As with nearby Australia, New Zealand has over the past century proven itself to be a superb location for producing high quality wines in vast amounts, with much of the cooler regions of both islands being used primarily for vine cultivation. New Zealand wineries are notable for their enthusiasm in regards to experimentation, and for utilizing modern technologies and methods to make the most of the imported grape varietals which flourish in the rich, fertile soils and oceanic climate. In recent years, it has been the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc wines which have gained the most attention, as a result of their smoky character and ability to carry the mineral rich nature of the terroir they grow in. Changing consumer interests have brought about a considerable rise in the production of organic and sustainable wines in New Zealand, of which again, the Sauvignon Blanc varietals are leading the way in regards to excellence, flavor and overall character.