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SKU 730068
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Wild Rock Sauvignon Blanc Elevation 2010 750ml
Wild Rock
- Central Otago
- New Zealand
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Sauvignon Blanc grapes originated in France, where they are still widely grown today and treated to a wide range of processing practices – from aging in oak barrels, blending with other varietals, and undergoing malolactic fermentation to encourage a more mellow, buttery finish. These green skinned white wine grapes are highly versatile, and are now grown in several countries around the world which have the correct climatic conditions for getting the best results from them. Generally, Sauvignon Blanc varietal grapes prefer a cooler climate, as too much heat dulls the flavor present in the fruit. As such, they are generally grown in valleys and on coastal areas, where they can benefit from cooling breezes before being typically harvested early in the summer. The grapes themselves produce wines which are often very dry and crisp, yet full of a wide range of flavors including grasses, tropical fruits and citrus notes.
Central Otago, in southern New Zealand, is probably one of the most visually beautiful wine regions on earth, with its gorgeously mountainous landscape, glacial valley sides and stunning views over some of the most dramatic land formations found anywhere. It is widely renowned in the wine world as being the planet's most southerly wine region, situated at a latitude of forty five degrees south of the equator. This extreme position provides a fascinating micro climate in the region, which western settlers discovered almost a hundred and fifty years ago was ideal for viticulture. Today, the wine industry of Central Otago is booming, and the Pinot Noir grapes which thrive most successfully there are renowned for producing big, flavorful and characterful red wines which have gone on to become a flagship for Central Otago's wineries.
New Zealand has consistently impressed over the past few decades, with many proclaiming this southern country as being the 'pearl' of the New World wine locations. One of the key attributes of New Zealand wines is their wonderful fruit-forward flavors, which make them a favorite with newcomers to wine, as they manage to be deliciously drinkable without posing many challenges. That isn't to say there is little complexity or interesting features to their wines, as one can easily discover through the fantastic range of wines available – from smoky and mineral rich Sauvignon Blancs, to juicy and plummy Pinot Noirs and the beautiful Bordeaux style wines sourced from the excellent Auckland region. New Zealand wineries clearly have a dedication to quality alongside quantity, and such zeal and expertise is quickly helping them become established as world leaders in regards to both domestic sales and exported wines.
