Sauvignon Blanc, NZ’s $1.1 billion export to be celebrated

18 December 2015

Sauvignon Blanc, NZ’s $1.1 billion export to be celebrated at international event

Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand’s most popular wine export, will be celebrated in style next year at the first ever International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration, held in Marlborough from 1-3 February.

The sold-out event is attracting over three hundred producers, writers and wine experts from around the world. Attendees will have an opportunity to take part in tasting and discussion sessions, as well as taking a journey through diverse regional styles, and the range of winemaking techniques that are used to produce this sought-after wine.

Sauvignon Blanc grapes were first planted in Marlborough in 1975. Since then, the variety has ballooned in popularity and now makes up 70 percent of New Zealand’s overall wine production.

From humble beginnings, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is now a $1.1 billion dollar export earner for the country, and has been recognised by experts around the world for its unique and distinguished characteristics.

Many of the guests attending the Celebration are devoted fans of the New Zealand style of Sauvignon Blanc. Renowned English wine writer Oz Clarke is on record as stating Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc to be one of the most important wine styles to emerge in the 20th century.

Canadian wine writer, Daenna van Mulligen said that, despite the roots of Sauvignon Blanc being linked to the Loire, ‘Marlborough is the one who put it on the map – as far as the average wine lover/consumer goes.’ While David Gleave from Liberty Wines in the UK said: ‘New Zealand has defined the style of modern Sauvignon Blanc.’

The Celebration will focus on the diversity of Sauvignon Blanc styles being produced in the eight countries represented. During the event guests will be treated to a showcase of New Zealand and International Sauvignon Blanc, fantastic Marlborough scenery and a smorgasbord of locally sourced food.

-ENDS-

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