
Marlborough, Champagne, France
When most people think of New Zealand wine, the first thing that comes to mind will be Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. This one variety more than any other helped springboard New Zealand on to the world-wine scene.
The region is located on the northern end of the south island, nestled around the town of Blenheim, and for many years was a sheep region. It was Montana wines, who in 1973 planted the first vines in the region “too far south to grow good wine.” At the time the region was the southernmost region in the country, but nowadays Central Otago takes south to a whole new level.
Plenty of sunshine hours, relatively low rainfall and cool temperatures provide the perfect conditions for growing world-class Sauvignon Blanc the region is renowned for. Other whites grown include Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and Sparkling wines. Pinot Noir dominates the red varieties grown, though is typically lighter bodied than Central Otago or Martinborough Pinots.
Champagne is a wine region to the north-east of Paris where wine has been grown since the Romans first planted in the 5th century and the region is most well known for the Sparkling wine that goes by the regions name.
Champagne is made from 3 grapes. The two red grapes Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and the white grape Chardonnay. All three are commonly blended though a ‘blanc de blanc’ meaning ‘white from white’ indicates that only Chardonnay was used. Conversely a ‘blanc de noir’ or ‘white from black’ indicates that the two red grapes were used.
A common misconception is that Champagne was invented by Dom Pérignon. Although this is not the case, he made considerable contributions to the quality and production methods used in the region. The very first bottles of Champagne were created by accident, and coined ‘the devil’s wine’ for all the popping corks. Sparkling wine in Australia was referred to as Champagne but this practise has long been disallowed.
Methode Champenoise is the traditional method by which Champagne is produced and if you see Millisime on a bottle, it represents the fact that the wine comes from a particular vintage rather than being blended, which is the more common practice.
Icons such as Dom Pérignon and Krug are world renowned, but we find as much pleasure in the smaller Champagne houses such as Gosset and Jacquinot. Magnums are perfect for the festive occasions and half bottles are also available.
The region is located on the northern end of the south island, nestled around the town of Blenheim, and for many years was a sheep region. It was Montana wines, who in 1973 planted the first vines in the region “too far south to grow good wine.” At the time the region was the southernmost region in the country, but nowadays Central Otago takes south to a whole new level.
Plenty of sunshine hours, relatively low rainfall and cool temperatures provide the perfect conditions for growing world-class Sauvignon Blanc the region is renowned for. Other whites grown include Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and Sparkling wines. Pinot Noir dominates the red varieties grown, though is typically lighter bodied than Central Otago or Martinborough Pinots.
Champagne is a wine region to the north-east of Paris where wine has been grown since the Romans first planted in the 5th century and the region is most well known for the Sparkling wine that goes by the regions name.
Champagne is made from 3 grapes. The two red grapes Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and the white grape Chardonnay. All three are commonly blended though a ‘blanc de blanc’ meaning ‘white from white’ indicates that only Chardonnay was used. Conversely a ‘blanc de noir’ or ‘white from black’ indicates that the two red grapes were used.
A common misconception is that Champagne was invented by Dom Pérignon. Although this is not the case, he made considerable contributions to the quality and production methods used in the region. The very first bottles of Champagne were created by accident, and coined ‘the devil’s wine’ for all the popping corks. Sparkling wine in Australia was referred to as Champagne but this practise has long been disallowed.
Methode Champenoise is the traditional method by which Champagne is produced and if you see Millisime on a bottle, it represents the fact that the wine comes from a particular vintage rather than being blended, which is the more common practice.
Icons such as Dom Pérignon and Krug are world renowned, but we find as much pleasure in the smaller Champagne houses such as Gosset and Jacquinot. Magnums are perfect for the festive occasions and half bottles are also available.
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- Sourced from the picturesque Wairau Valley in Marlborough, the fruit is harvested early, which is then pressed to tank for fermentation. A controlled ferment with hand selected yeast ensures aroma and fruit character are retained. The ferment is stopped early ... Learn MoreGiesen 'Lighter In Alcohol' Sauvignon Blanc 2017$13.99 Per item
- Made by Aussie winemaker Corey Ryan & ex Villa Maria winemaker Rod Macdonald. In September 2020, Rod was named on a who’s who list of top global winemakers – The Master Winemaker 100 – as compiled by reputable magazine the drinks business (UK). Rod ... Learn MoreKindred Spirits Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019$17.00 Per itemOut of stock
- The grapes for this wine came from two sites in the Awatere Valley and were machine-harvested at optimum ripeness to produce a medium-bodied wine with luscious tropical fruit, white peach, and a crisp green apple and lime finish. Taken from ... Learn MoreKopu Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020$19.99 Per item
- The fruit sourced for this blend comes from a range of sites throughout Marlborough, harvested separately and treated individually at the winery before blending by taste to achieve the ideal fruit profile and balance. Classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc matured in ... Learn MoreTempest Cove Sauvignon Blanc 2019$19.99 Per itemOut of stock
- This Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from lower-yielding vineyards on the hillside slopes for greater intensity and whole bunch pressed. The nose is fresh and delicate with restrained aromas of gooseberry and freshly grown grass given complexity by river-stone and white ... Learn MoreBlack Cottage Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020$20.99 Per item
- Made by amazing winemaker Tom Hutchinson, this Organic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from lower-yielding vineyards on the hillside slopes for greater intensity and whole bunch pressed. The nose is fresh and delicate with restrained aromas of gooseberry and freshly ... Learn More
- Sourced from the Southern Valleys with some fruit from the Awatere Valley. This Pinot Noir went through 100% stainless steel fermentation and was hand plunged. This brought out the perfumed berry fruit as well as increasing the silky mouthfeel of the ... Learn MoreBlack Cottage Pinot Noir 2020$25.99 Per item
- Sourced from the Southern Valleys with some fruit from the Awatere Valley. This Pinot Noir went through 100% stainless steel fermentation and was hand plunged. This brought out the perfumed berry fruit as well as increasing the silky mouthfeel of the ... Learn MoreBlack Cottage Pinot Noir 2019$25.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Sourced from the Southern Valleys with some fruit from the Awatere Valley. This Pinot Noir went through 100% stainless steel fermentation and was hand plunged. This brought out the perfumed berry fruit as well as increasing the silky mouthfeel of the ... Learn MoreBlack Cottage Pinot Noir 2018$25.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Classic strong citrus characters with lemon and grapefruit prominent, complimented by elderflowers, with smoky and flinty undertones. A juicy and vibrant palate of pure citrus flavours leaving a lengthy finish with refreshing, balanced acidity. Ideally enjoyed as a young wine, ... Learn MoreDog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2019$26.99 Per item
- Shows distinctive Awatere characters of elderflower, guava, white currant, lemongrass and passion fruit coupled with lovely ripe tropicals and hints of basil and lime from Wairau components. The nose follows through to the palate - which is fine and soft ... Learn MoreTe Whare Ra Sauvignon Blanc 2019$26.99 Per item
- Lifted aromas of nashi pear, raspberry, red apple and white florals. The nose follows through to the palate with the same flavours along with savoury undertones which are balanced by fine, supple texture and lingering minerality. Enjoyable to drink now ... Learn MoreTe Whare Ra Pinot Gris 2019$26.99 Per item
- Made by ex-Cloudy Bay winemakers, Dog Point is consistently one of the finest examples of Marlborough SB. Classic strong citrus characters with lemon and grapefruit prominent, complimented by elderflowers, with smoky and flinty undertones. A juicy and vibrant palate of ... Learn MoreDog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2017$28.00 Per itemOut of stock
- Has the aromatic spice and weight of Gewurztraminer, the structure and length of Riesling, and the great texture of Pinot Gris in a perfectly balanced 75%/16%/9% blend. It is a delicious, co-fermented field blend from a single vineyard. Intensely perfumed, this ... Learn MoreTe Whare Ra 'Toru' 2019$29.99 Per item
- Made for United Cellars by New Zealand winemaking superstars Matt and Sophie Thomson. Matt was head winemaker at St Clair, but has made wines across all of New Zealand as well as in Chile, Italy, France, Spain, Romania and Hungary. ... Learn MoreOut of stock
- Made for United Cellars by New Zealand winemaking superstars Matt and Sophie Thomson. Matt was head winemaker at St Clair, but has made wines across all of New Zealand as well as in Chile, Italy, France, Spain, Romania and Hungary. ... Learn MoreOut of stock
- Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay was one of the first five wine makers to venture into Marlborough. The famed Marlborough producer's sparkling. It's one of the best consistently from over the ditch and has genuine French-like class. Sourcing Non-Vintage sparkling wine ... Learn MoreCloudy Bay Pelorus Sparkling Nv$33.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay was one of the first five wine makers to venture into Marlborough. A vibrant mix of kaffir lime, lemon zest and nectarine aromatics intermingle with the bright perfume of orange blossom. Brimming with ripe citrus and ... Learn MoreCloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2020$34.90 Per item
- Chalky and flinty mineral notes are followed by citrus, capsicum and pretty white flower aromas. This wine has good balance, a very nice acid presence and a smooth finish. It is tangy, round, soft, super fruity and easy to drink. ... Learn MoreClos Henri 'Petit Clos' Sauvignon Blanc 2016$34.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Drinking great now - Will cellar well for 3-5 years. ... Learn MoreDog Point 'Section 94' Sauvignon Blanc 2013$37.99 Per item
- Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay was one of the first five wine makers to venture into Marlborough. A vibrant mix of kaffir lime, lemon zest and nectarine aromatics intermingle with the bright perfume of orange blossom. Brimming with ripe citrus and ... Learn MoreCloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2019$39.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Dog Point Pinot Noir is one of the icons of Marlborough and for good reason. Winemakers Ivan and James first began their journey in the NZ wine game by starting globally-acclaimed winery Cloudy Bay. They are maestro’s at producing ... Learn MoreDog Point Pinot Noir 2017$44.99 Per item
- Dog Point Pinot Noir is one of the icons of Marlborough and for good reason. Winemakers Ivan and James first began their journey in the NZ wine game by starting globally-acclaimed winery Cloudy Bay. They are maestro’s at producing ... Learn MoreDog Point Pinot Noir 2016$44.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Moet & Chandon's most iconic Champagne and an absolute favourite around the world, Brut Imperial NV comprises over 100 different wines, with about 30% of them reserve wines, blended together to form this renowned house style which has been starting celebrations since 1869. With ... Learn MoreMoet Et Chandon Imperial Champagne Nv Gift Box$56.10 Per itemOut of stock
- Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay was one of the first five wine makers to venture into Marlborough. It has a seriously enticing Pinot nose of strawberries, earthy mushrooms and smoky spice. The palate is soft, delicious and integrated with red berry ... Learn MoreCloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2018$57.99 Per item
- A ripe tropical and citrus bouquet, with underlying flinty minerality. In the mouth the wine is textural and rich from the lees aging with layers of minerals, lime, orange blossom and profound acidity balancing this dry, elegant wine. Ageing potential: 5 ... Learn MoreClos Henri Sauvignon Blanc 2017$59.99 Per item
- A blend of 60% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Meunier, only from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards, this is exceptional quality Champagne for an unbelievable price! Offering notes of pear, hazelnut and subtle toasty spice on the nose, it follows ... Learn More
- This wine has been co-fermented the Syrah with 7% Grüner Veltliner skins instead of the traditional Viognier. Whole-bunches made up 60% of the ferment. This marriage of varieties gives this wine a panoply of ripe fruit characters – raspberry and boysenberry fruit ... Learn MoreBlank Canvas Syrah 2015$64.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Awarded best Champagne producer at the 2015 International Wine & Spirits Competition The Le Brun family live by the village of Bethon in the Marne. The memory of Madame Le Brun, who owned the castle in 1845, is still alive today. The house ... Learn MoreLe Brun De Neuville Blanc De Blancs Nv$69.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Made from 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meuneir & 20% Chardonnay from Premier Cru vineyards, and aged for two years in bottle before release. Deep aromas of fresh fruits and hint of nuts. The taste is full bodied and rich with fruit though elegant ... Learn MoreChampagne Autreau Brut 1er Cru Champagne Nv$69.99 Per itemOut of stock
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In honour of Mother's Day on Sunday and International Sauvignon Blanc day on Friday, we wanted to show some delicious under $30 wines made for sharing and came up with this delicious pack of international wines to taste. These are ... Learn More
- 100% Premier Cru fruit. 85% Chardonnay lends an elegant floral character as well as grapefruit and melon, but the 15% Pinot Noir (blended as red wine) gives the ruby red colour and adds flavours of red berries and a savoury complexity. The family ... Learn MoreChampagne Autreau Brut Premier Cru Rose Nv$74.99 Per itemOut of stock
- 100% Grand Cru fruit. Pinot Noir & Chardonnay blend. The nose is a combination of ripe citrus fruits with a buttery overtone and flowery finish. The flavours are fresh and vibrant, of peaches, melons and raspberry with light hazelnut nuance adding depth ... Learn MoreChampagne Autreau Grand Cru Champagne Nv$74.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Jean-Manuel Jacquinot obtained a degree in Oenology at the esteemed University of Reims. After this he became trainee oenologist at the world famous house of Veuve Clicquot. Today, Jean-Manuel has over 20 years of experience in making Champagne, is a Member ... Learn MoreChampagne Jacquinot 'Private Cuvee' Brut Nv$74.99 Per itemOut of stock
- "It is the most complete Pinot Noir which shows the best of all previous vintages. It has the density of the 2008 and the finesse and freshness of the 2009.” Damien Yvon, Winemaker ... Learn MoreClos Henri Pinot Noir 2010$75.00 Per itemOut of stock
- Simply one of the best NV Champagnes around, made by the famous Champagne Salon. ... Learn MoreDelamotte Brut Nv Champagne$78.99 Per item
- Ayala, based in Aÿ in the heart of Champagne, has been transformed since Bollinger bought it in 2005 and this non-vintage proves it. This is a balanced blend of 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 20% Pinot Meunier. The result is crisp while not ... Learn MoreAyala Brut Majeur Nv$79.00 Per itemOut of stock
- 100% Chardonnay Grand Cru fruit sourced from the "White Hillside" Vineyards of the Autreau Estate. The family Autreau is an old family from Champillon - ancient documents certify their presence since 1670. This family is linked to the farming of the land ... Learn MoreChampagne Autreau Brut Blanc De Blancs Grand Cru Nv$79.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Only the juices from first pressing – the cuvées - are used. ... Learn MoreChampagne Drappier Brut Nature Nv$79.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Biodynamic and organic - A fine and complex blending excellent for aperitif. "Bright, appley and fragrant, this feels fresh and easy to drink, buttressed by taut, lively acidity. It finishes with brightly citrusy fragrance, its tangerine-like flavors showing energy and ... Learn MoreLaherte Freres 'Ultradition' Champagne Brut Nv$79.99 Per itemOut of stock