2023 Vavasour Sauvignon Blanc

The 2023 Vavasour Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp and refreshing white wine from the Marlborough region of New Zealand, known for producing some of the world's best Sauvignon Blanc wines. Here's a general overview of the wine, though specific details might vary slightly depending on the producer and region:

Key Information:

• Producer: Vavasour Wines
• Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
• Vintage: 2023
• Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): Around 12.5% (varies by specific bottling)
• Wine Style: Dry, aromatic white wine
• International Wine Show: Trophy
• Marlborough Wine Show 2023: Gold

Tasting Notes:

• Appearance: Pale straw with bright green hues.
• Aroma: Expect vibrant aromas of tropical fruits (like passionfruit and guava) with citrus notes (grapefruit, lime) and a touch of fresh herbs (like basil or cut grass).
• Palate: Crisp acidity, with flavors of lime zest, tropical fruits, and a minerally finish. The wine typically has a refreshing and clean taste, with a balance of fruitiness and herbaceous character.
• Finish: The finish is long and refreshing with lingering citrus and grassy notes.

Food Pairing:

• Perfect with seafood dishes, such as oysters, shellfish, or grilled fish.
• Also pairs well with salads, goat cheese, or lightly seasoned Asian cuisine.

Winemaking:

• The grapes are typically hand-harvested from select vineyard sites in Marlborough.
• Fermentation is usually carried out in stainless steel tanks to preserve the fresh, vibrant character of the fruit.
• The wine may undergo minimal oak influence, maintaining its bright and zesty profile.

Serving Recommendations:

• Ideal Serving Temperature:
  The 2023 Vavasour Sauvignon Blanc is best served well-chilled at 8°C to 10°C (46°F to 50°F). This temperature allows the wine's refreshing acidity to shine, while also preserving the vibrant fruit and herbaceous notes that are characteristic of Sauvignon Blanc.
• Glassware:
  Use a tulip-shaped white wine glass or a Sauvignon Blanc glass. These glasses help concentrate the aromatic profile of the wine, allowing you to fully experience the citrus, tropical fruit, and herbaceous aromas. A glass with a slightly narrower opening helps direct the aromas toward your nose while preserving the freshness of the wine.

Decanting Recommendations:

• Decanting Time:
  Sauvignon Blanc wines, especially fresh and young ones like the 2023 Vavasour, generally do not require decanting. In fact, decanting can cause the wine to lose some of its fresh and vibrant qualities, as Sauvignon Blanc is best enjoyed in its youthful state. If you prefer, you can simply open the bottle 10–15 minutes before serving to allow it to "breathe" slightly, but extended decanting is unnecessary.
• Why Decanting Is Not Necessary:
  Sauvignon Blanc is known for its expressive aromas and fresh fruit character, which are most prominent when the wine is young and chilled. Decanting may reduce these aromas by exposing the wine to too much oxygen. Therefore, the best way to enjoy this wine is to serve it directly from the bottle at the correct temperature.