2022 Awatere River Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand (750ml)
About the Icons
Perched on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Marlborough has approximately 23,600 hectares of vines, the majority of which are found in the Wairau and Awatere Valleys. The valley surrounding the Awatere River was carved out by ancient glaciers leaving rich alluvial deposits that give the wines a distinct minerality and flintiness. The Vavasour family have had roots in the Awatere Valley since 1887 and pioneered commercial grape growing and winemaking in the region. Peter and Anna Vavasour planted the first vines in the Dashwood district in 1986 and founded the first winery in the area.
Their son Louis, graduated from Roseworthy agricultural college, and following winemaking stints in France, California and Australia, returned to his place of birth to start his own winery. Awatere River draws on over a century of Vavasour family winegrowing tradition. The wines reflect this history as well as Louis’ unique personality. Building on what his family has learned throughout multiple generations of tending the land, Louis and his winemaking team use a combination of old-world practices and current technology in the cellar. Sustainably produced and vegan friendly, Awatere River is currently working toward organic certification. 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Processing at low temperatures with minimal oxygen contact ensured the wine’s freshness and vibrance. The juice underwent a cool fermentation with a selected slow yeast strain before natural fermentation with native yeasts took over. The young wine was matured on the lees for 3 months in stainless-steel tanks before bottling. Distinctive and assertive aromatics. The palate shows loads of varietal character, with intense tropical fruit flavors of guava, passionfruit and citrus, and a hint of green bean. Bright and juicy with nice minerality and fresh acidity. There is nothing shy about this Sauvignon Blanc: “Love me or leave me!” it taunts.