BETA
This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here

More From Forbes

The Forbes Steakout
New York Restaurants April 2024: Where To Go
New York Restaurants February 2024: Where To Go—Or Not
New York Restaurants October 2023: Where To Go—Or Not
New York Restaurants August 2023: Where To Go—Or Not
New York Restaurants June 2023: Where To Go—Or Not
Edit Story
ForbesLifestyleDining

Ten Things You Don't Know About Sauvignon Blanc

Cathy Huyghe
Contributor
Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
I write about the people, business and politics of the wine industry.
Following
Updated Mar 17, 2014, 12:52pm EDT
This article is more than 10 years old.

The popularity of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is surging, thanks to major capital investments and a prolonged "flavor of the month" tag that doesn't seem to stop. Travel the wine country of New Zealand for even a few days, and you quickly grasp how, and why, this is true. With the southern hemisphere's grape harvest just now getting underway, the time is right to explore ten things you may not know about one of the world's most in-demand, and well-financed, wines.

  1. The very first Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand was produced 40 years ago by Bill and Ross Spence, founders of Matua Winery. The Spence brothers' grandfather had immigrated to New Zealand from Croatia and brought the winemaking tradition with him.
  2. Treasury Wine Estates recently invested AU$65 million (US$58.9 million) in Matua, with $50 million going toward winery upgrades and construction, $15 million on vineyard improvement, and an additional $5 million in branding.
  3. The company believes vineyard investments will continue in coming years in order to meet increasing demand.

  4. Both the US and Canada are experiencing double-digit growth in the category of New Zealand wine.
  5. Modern winemaking in New Zealand is still a young industry. Most vines are less than 25 years old, as viticulturalists recovered from an outbreak of phylloxera and continue to adjust plantings to the best-suited sites.
  6. The majority of Sauvignon Blanc vines in New Zealand are planted on American root stock, which is phylloxera-resistant.
  7. A full 90% of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc comes from Marlborough, a wine growing region on the northernmost end of the southern island. About 5% comes from Hawke's Bay, on the eastern coast of the northern island.
  8. The percentage of New Zealand wine that is exported has flip-flopped in recent years: approximately 30% used to be exported but that number has jumped to about 75% currently.
  9. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is recognized by its screwcap Stelvin closures, which winemakers believe add more flavors, aromas, and longevity to the wines than cork does.
  10. New Zealand's two most popular grape varieties are Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, with increasing production of Chardonnay and Pinot Gris.

Follow me on Twitter @cathyhuyghe.

Cathy Huyghe
Cathy Huyghe
Following