Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc 23

The Marlborough wine region, located at the northeastern tip of New Zealand's South Island, is essentially synonymous with New World Sauvignon Blanc. The cool climate and abundant sunshine here provide the perfect recipe for producing super-vibrant and expressive Sauvignon Blanc.

I've always had strong leanings towards old-world wines, and throughout my professional career in wine, I've focused most of my attention on the vinous history of France, Spain, and Italy. When I started studying the wines of New Zealand, I was surprised to learn that the first vineyards in Marlborough were only planted in the 1970s. By the 1980s, Sauvignon Blanc had emerged as the region's flagship varietal. Today, the Marlborough is celebrated worldwide for its unique crisp and zesty expression of Sauvignon Blanc.

Marlborough terroir is undoubtedly a key factor in the global appeal of its Sauvignon Blanc; however, that's only part of the story. Local vignerons have spent decades perfecting winemaking skills and learning to make the most of the region's natural assets. The stony, free-draining soils, cool nights, and sun-drenched days encourage the grapes to ripen at a slow and steady pace, creating richly layered fruit while preserving lively and lifted acidity.

Established in 1994, Wither Hills has become a major player in Marlborough winemaking, and they're especially noted for their outstanding entry-level and single-estate Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. The estate, named after the striking Wither Hills range that looms over its vineyards, has consistently produced terroir-driven wines that perfectly capture the Marlborough typicity. Wither Hills practices sustainable farming and hand-harvesting and maintains a keen focus on preserving the health and vitality of their land for the future.

In your glass, Wither Hills Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc greets you with lively aromas of tropical fruits framed by citrus zest and hints of freshly cut herbs. On the palate, you're treated to a burst of ripe grapefruit, tangy lime, and generous notes of gooseberry and guava. There's a deft balance at work here, with the zippy acidity providing a refreshing foil to the tropical fruit.

The bright freshness and fruit-forward palate make this Sauvignon Blanc a perfect match for loads of your favorite foods. Enjoy it with fresh white-fleshed fish, oysters, shrimp, and scallops -- the wine's citrus notes beautifully complement the briny sweetness of the shellfish. It's also terrific with light salads--particularly those featuring goat cheese or tangy vinaigrettes.