Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc

Greywacke was created in 2009 by Kevin Judd, chief winemaker at Cloudy Bay from its inception for 25 years and instrumental in the international recognition which Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc enjoys now. The name 'Greywacke' was adopted by Kevin for his first Marlborough vineyard located in Rapaura in recognition of the high prevalence of rounded greywacke river stones in the soils of the vineyard, a sedimentary rock which is widely found in Marlborough. Kevin Judd is also New Zealand's finest wine photographer and has recently published a book 'The Landscape of New Zealand Wine'.

Sauvignon Blanc,

A wet, mild spring ensured soil moisture levels were topped up and the growing season raced off to a frost-free start. Intermittent rain in late spring brought ideal growing conditions, but cool periods during December resulted in variable fruit set. Sauvignon Blanc set with small, open bunches, leading to modest yields. The new year brought sunny, settled weather with no significant rain for the first two months. In typical Marlborough fashion the hills to the south became parched and the dry conditions necessitated careful management of water resources. The drought was partially quenched by a brief period of rain in early March. All varieties were harvested at optimum ripeness, albeit lower yields than expected. In all an excellent, dry season that provided superb quality grapes, with great concentration.

Harvested largely by machine during cool (often cold) nights, the Sauvignon Blanc was picked into half-tonne bins, which were tipped directly into the tank press and lightly pressed. The resulting juice was cold-settled prior to fermentation, primarily using cultured yeast in stainless steel for cool, slow fermentation. A portion was allowed to undergo spontaneous indigenous yeast fermentation in old oak barrels. All individual vineyard batches were left on lees and kept separate until late July, when the blend was assembled.

Yellow- fleshed peaches, rock melon and blackcurrant alongside lemon icing, chamomile and hints of rose petal this is a delicately perfumed and deliciously ripe-fruited interpretation of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The palate is both subtle and textural, showing considerable ripeness and concentration, with a crisp and long, juicy finish.

Nolan - Text from the Spotlight On French White Wines & Their Global Influences blog.

New Zealand produces the most famous Sauvignon Blancs outside of Europe. Much like the wine styles of France, the New Zealand Sauvignon style is now emulated around the world, including in regions of Europe.

The NZ style of “Savvy”, centred on the region of Marlborough, is a relative newcomer in the world of wine. The region only rose to fame in the 1980’s, before then, this rural area was predominantly a sheep farming region. The vineyards came as a way for farmers to diversify. The most famous winery from Marlborough to explode on to the global wine scene was Cloudy Bay. When it started, this was an independent company, now it is owned by corporate giant LVMH, (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy). In the beginning when Cloudy Bay were making waves and putting NZSB on the wine map, the head wine maker was a man called Kevin Judd, this same man is the guy behind Greywacke.

The name 'Greywacke' comes from the high prevalence of rounded greywacke river stones in the soils of the vineyard, a sedimentary rock which is widely found in Marlborough. This is the top Savvy B we stock so is a perfect comparison to the Sancerre.

Highly pungent, idiosyncratic yet readily identifiable on the nose, the palate however is subtle and textural, showing considerable ripeness and concentration, with a crisp and long, juicy finish.

When asked what his favourite pairing with this wine was, the immediate answer was tuna steaks with salsa verde and asparagus.