Marlborough, Sicily
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.
According to Greek legend, the god of wine Dionysus was the first to have planted a vineyard in Sicily; kick-starting the viticulture of the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It's one of the biggest wine producing regions in Italy with Veneto and Emilio Romagna the only two Italian regions that produce more. In all, the island has an impressive 134,000 hectares under vine although this area is shrinking year by year. This region produces a wide range of wines, both table and dessert wines and the grapes most famously grown there are the Nero d’Avola and Catorrato varietals. Nerello Mascalese is used to make the Etna Rosso DOC wine from the volcanic Mt Etna and Frappato is a the main grape of the Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG.
Sicily is blessed with the most favorable climate. The summers are hot and it hardly rains, and the winters are not that cold and frost is rare. The Mediterranean climate is ideal for growing wine grapes as the coastal winds drying out grapes overnight. Because of the warm and relatively dry climate, there are less risk of rot and mildew among the grapes, so chemical sprays are rarely used. The soil of Sicily is rocky and enriched with minerals that absorb the heat during the day and release it at night, which helps the grape vines maintain an even temperature while the air around it gets cooler.
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.
According to Greek legend, the god of wine Dionysus was the first to have planted a vineyard in Sicily; kick-starting the viticulture of the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It's one of the biggest wine producing regions in Italy with Veneto and Emilio Romagna the only two Italian regions that produce more. In all, the island has an impressive 134,000 hectares under vine although this area is shrinking year by year. This region produces a wide range of wines, both table and dessert wines and the grapes most famously grown there are the Nero d’Avola and Catorrato varietals. Nerello Mascalese is used to make the Etna Rosso DOC wine from the volcanic Mt Etna and Frappato is a the main grape of the Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG.
Sicily is blessed with the most favorable climate. The summers are hot and it hardly rains, and the winters are not that cold and frost is rare. The Mediterranean climate is ideal for growing wine grapes as the coastal winds drying out grapes overnight. Because of the warm and relatively dry climate, there are less risk of rot and mildew among the grapes, so chemical sprays are rarely used. The soil of Sicily is rocky and enriched with minerals that absorb the heat during the day and release it at night, which helps the grape vines maintain an even temperature while the air around it gets cooler.
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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 itemOut of stock -
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 -
Hand-picked, organic grapes from the historic vines in Marsala and Salemi in western Sicily. Packed with rich aromatics of jammy berries, wild tomatoes, dried herbs and sultanas. Dense, red berries, plum and cheery flavours with mouth-filing tannins are lifted with ... Learn MoreLamura Nero D'Avola 2018$18.00 Per item -
Hand-picked, organic grapes from the historic vines in Marsala and Salemi in western Sicily. Packed with rich aromatics of jammy berries, wild tomatoes, dried herbs and sultanas. Dense, red berries, plum and cheery flavours with mouth-filing tannins are lifted with ... Learn MoreLamura Nero D'Avola 2017$18.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Grapes for this wine were grown in the Ngatapa Valley region of Gisborne district where dry-farming practices have been employed for over 75 years. Post-harvest the grapes and juice were processed with care to maximise fruit flavour and intensity. The resulting ... Learn MoreKopu Gisbourne Pinot Gris 2020$19.99 Per item -
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 -
"In the Book of Tobias, an ancient Hebrew text, Asmodeus is the Demon of Lust. It is said that when Cain killed Abel, Adam and Eve separated for 130 years. During this time, Adam was tempted by Naamah and Lillith, two ... Learn MorePoggio Anima 'Asmodeus' Nero D'Avola Sicilia 2018$21.99 Per item -
Soil type is brown clay over limestone. The grapes were handpicked: Zibibbo in mid-August and early September for the Syrah. The Zibibbo was pressed and kept very cold halting fermentation in tank. When the Syrah came in it was quickly ... Learn MorePoggio Anima 'Raphael' Rosato Sicilia 2018$21.99 Per item -
"In the Book of Tobias, an ancient Hebrew text, Asmodeus is the Demon of Lust. It is said that when Cain killed Abel, Adam and Eve separated for 130 years. During this time, Adam was tempted by Naamah and Lillith, two ... Learn MorePoggio Anima 'Asmodeus' Nero D'Avola Sicilia 2017$21.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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 -
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 MoreEarth Mother Organic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019$22.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Aromatic cherry and blueberry on the nose, which leads into a full fleshy palate of plums, prunes and blackberries entwined with a soft coating of tannin. Fruit was sourced from an 9 year old vineyard on northern aspect from the province ... Learn MoreBabo Nero D'Avola 2017$23.99 Per item -
Made by Alberto Antonini who was named in the TOP 5 best winemakers in the world by Decanter Magazine. Carefully selected grapes coming from central Sicily are used to create this perfect mid-week red. Notes of violet, cherry and plum with ... Learn MoreOut 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 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 -
Considered to be one of New Zealand's finest producers, Astrolabe have built their reputation on consistently producing exceptional wines. One of my favourite Astrolabe wines is the 2019 Astrolabe Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc. It’s quite a ripe example of the ... Learn MoreAstrolabe Sauvignon Blanc 2020$26.00 Per item -
Considered to be one of New Zealand's finest producers, Astrolabe have built their reputation on consistently producing exceptional wines. One of my favourite Astrolabe wines is the 2019 Astrolabe Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc. It’s quite a ripe example of the ... Learn MoreAstrolabe Sauvignon Blanc 2019$26.00 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 2020$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' 2020$29.99 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 itemOut 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 -
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 -
Intense and quite weighty sauvignon blanc with passionfruit, lime zest, gooseberry, red and green capsicum and subtle oyster-shell flavours, supported by deliciously tangy acidity that drives a lengthy finish. - Bob Campbell Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay was one of the ... Learn MoreCloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2020$34.99 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 -
Section 94 is one of the world’s most distinct wines, and regularly named New Zealand’s greatest Sauvignon Blanc. Bright straw-yellow colour with slight green hues, lighter on edge. The bouquet is firmly concentrated with deep aromas of greengages, nectarines ... Learn MoreDog Point 'Section 94' Sauvignon Blanc 2015$35.00 Per item -
Drinking great now - Will cellar well for 3-5 years. ... Learn MoreDog Point 'Section 94' Sauvignon Blanc 2013$37.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Graci, Sicily. Alberto Aiello Graci has been making wine on Sicily's Mount Etna since 2004, the year he returned from his apprenticeship as a Milan banker, picking up the baton with 5 hectares of family land, 2 hectares of which is vineyards (the ... Learn MoreGraci Etna Rosato Mount Etna Doc Sicily 2019$39.99 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 -
Light straw yellow with intense green reflections. Pleasant hints of grapefruit, white peach and herbs, mark the nose of this wine which shows its true identity on the palate with a pleasant flavor and freshness complemented by an extraordinary minerality; ... Learn MoreTornatore Mt Etna Bianco 2018$39.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Graci, SicilyAlberto Aiello Graci has been making wine on Sicily's Mount Etna since 2004, the year he returned from his apprenticeship as a Milan banker, picking up the baton with 5 hectares of family land, 2 hectares of which is vineyards (the rest ... Learn MoreGraci Etna Rosato Mount Etna Doc Sicily 2018$39.99 Per item -
50-50 blend of Inzolia and Grecanico, 26 days of skin contact , fermented in concrete vats . The Ramì is golden in colour , with a lovely aroma of cactus figs , dried apricots and dried herbs . 2018 was a sensational summer with very low yields , ... Learn MoreCos 'Rami' 2019$41.99 Per itemOut of stock -
COS produces some of the finest wines on the island from native grape varieties. This is predominantly Frappato with a splash of Nero d'Avola. ... Learn MoreCos 'Frappato' 2017$44.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Alberto Aiello Graci has been making wine on Sicily's Mount Etna since 2004, the year he returned from his apprenticeship as a Milan banker, picking up the baton with 5 hectares of family land, 2 hectares of which is vineyards (the rest polycultural ... Learn MoreGraci Etna Bianco Mount Etna Doc Sicily 2019$44.99 Per item
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