Matahiwi Estate Sauvignon Blanc
Showing classic varietal aromas of passionfruit, grapefruit and gooseberry, the palate is intense and lively, brimming with flavour of tropical fruit and fresh herbs
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£7.00
Matahiwi Estate Sauvignon Blanc
A testament to the pristine terroir of New Zealand’s Wairarapa region, where the wine originates. The nose is immediately greeted by a bouquet of intense citrus fruits, dominated by zesty lime and grapefruit. Subtle notes of passionfruit and gooseberry add layers of complexity, providing a delightful tropical undertone that dances on the senses. There are also hints of freshly cut grass and bell pepper, characteristic of the varietal, lending a herbal edge to the aromatic profile.
On the palate, this Sauvignon Blanc exhibits a crisp and vibrant acidity, which balances the juicy fruit flavours perfectly. The mid-palate reveals a mouthwatering medley of green apple and nectarine, with a minerality that adds depth and elegance to the wine. A touch of lemon zest imparts a refreshing tanginess, while the finish is long, clean, and invigorating, leaving a lingering impression of citrus and green herbs.
The wine’s bright acidity and fruit-forward character make it an ideal pairing for a variety of dishes. Think oysters on the half shell, drizzled with a touch of lemon juice, or a fresh goat cheese salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette. It also complements Asian-inspired cuisine, such as Thai green curry or sushi, where the wine’s acidity can cut through the richness and enhance the flavours.
Produced with meticulous care, Matahiwi Estate Sauvignon Blanc is a celebration of both the vineyard’s careful canopy management and the winemaker’s expertise. The grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness and fermented at low temperatures to preserve the integrity of the fruit flavours. The result is a wine that is vibrant, aromatic, and truly expressive of the region’s unique climate and soil.
Enjoying this wine is like experiencing a taste of New Zealand in every sip. It is best served chilled and appreciated in its youth to fully savour the exuberant fruit flavours and lively acidity. Whether you’re relaxing on a sunny afternoon or sharing a meal with friends, Matahiwi Estate Sauvignon Blanc is sure to elevate the moment with its refreshing and invigorating character.
Matahiwi Estate is committed to sustainable winemaking practices, adhering to the criteria of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ). The vineyards are located in the Wairarapa region, known for its ideal growing conditions1. The estate employs various canopy management techniques to ensure the grapes develop complex flavours. These techniques include leaf-plucking to expose the grapes to optimal sunlight and promote healthy growth.
The grapes are harvested at the peak of ripeness, and the winemaking process focuses on preserving the pure fruit flavours. The juice is tank-fermented using specialized yeasts that can ferment at low temperatures, which helps maintain the essential fruit characteristics. This careful fermentation process ensures that the wine retains its vibrant and aromatic profile
Matahiwi Estate Sauvignon Blanc is designed to be enjoyed fresh and young, without the need for extensive cellaring. The wine is bottled shortly after fermentation to capture its lively fruit flavours and crisp acidity. This approach allows the wine to express the true essence of the vineyard and the unique terroir of the Wairarapa region.
The wine is best served chilled, which enhances its refreshing qualities and makes it an excellent companion for a variety of dishes, from seafood to light salads. The lack of aging means that each bottle offers a snapshot of the vintage, ensuring that every sip is as vibrant and expressive as the day it was bottled.
Matahiwi Estate produces its wine according to the criteria of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) over 75ha.
Grapes are predominantly grown in the Wairarapa with small volumes of Chardonnay and Syrah sourced from selected vineyard sites in Hawke’s Bay. The Wairarapa vineyards lie on the north-west outskirts of Masterton, with Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc the two main varieties plus a small amount of Pinot Gris and Chardonnay.
Inter-row plantings promote healthy soils and bio-diversity in the vineyard. The flowering buckwheat and phacelia attract natural predators for some vineyard pests, while clovers, oats, chicory and vetch provide nitrogen and other nutrients to vines when they are mown or cultivated into the ground. To a large extent homegrown mulches and products made from seaweeds and humic acids replace hard fertilisers. Sheep wander among the vines in winter and leaf pluck in summer.
Sauvignon Blanc
Zesty, fragrant sauvignon blanc is probably the most popular white wine variety in the world right now. But while tropical-fruit tinged New Zealand sauvignon style graces every wine list in the country, it’s worth discovering that there’s much more to this aromatic grape variety than Marlborough.
In its homeland of the Loire Valley, France, sauvignon blanc showcases its aromatic character and refreshing acidity at its best in the form of pure, zesty wines.
The other key region in France for top-quality sauvignon blanc is Bordeaux. It is here that the variety finds itself in bed with its most frequent blending partner, semillon, creating arguably the world’s finest sweet wines in the form of Sauternes and Barsac, along with good quantities of dry, fresh, white wines.
2023
Awarded Gold from CWSA awards
Awarded Silver from Texsom awards
2022
Awarded 94pts Points by Cameron Douglas MS
Awarded 90pts by James Suckling
Awarded 92pts Points by Wine Orbit
2021
Awarded 94pts Points by Cameron Douglas MS
Awarded 93pts by Wine Orbit – Sam Kim
Awarded Gold Medal at CWSA 2021
2020
Awarded 93 Points by Cameron Douglas MS
Awarded 91 Points by The Real Review
Awarded Gold Medal at CWSA 2020
2019
Awarded Gold and Top 50 in NZ by the New World Wine Awards
Awarded Gold by the NZ International Wine Show
Awarded Blue Gold by the Sydney International Wine Show
Awarded 93pts (Silver) IWC
Awarded 92pts Cameron Douglas MS
Awarded 93pts by Wine Orbit – Sam Kim
Awarded 90pts by James Suckling
2018
Awarded Gold (95pts) at Decanter Wine Awards awards
Awarded Gold in the Drinks Business Sauvignon Blanc Masters
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The Country
New Zealand has swiftly earned a reputation for producing top-quality wines, captivating wine enthusiasts worldwide. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of New Zealand wines:
Sauvignon Blanc: Marlborough, located in the South Island, is the benchmark setter for Sauvignon Blanc. Its pungently aromatic sauvignons are stunning examples, known for their zesty, tropical fruit flavours and lively acidity.
Chardonnay: New Zealand’s Chardonnays are characterized by mouth-filling fruit Flavours balanced by the country’s trademark zestiness.
The cool climate offers an opportunity for these aromatic varieties.
While young plantings sometimes rely more on sugar than fruit, the best New Zealand examples share the intensity and palate weight of great Alsace wines, with vibrant, lifted flavours.
In summary, New Zealand’s winemaking prowess extends beyond Sauvignon Blanc to include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Bordeaux blends, and Syrah. Its precise, pure Flavours continue to captivate wine drinkers worldwide
The Region
Nestled in the lower North Island of New Zealand, the Wairarapa wine region is a hidden gem known for its exceptional wines and picturesque landscapes. This compact yet diverse region is home to over 60 boutique wineries, each producing exquisite wines that reflect the unique terroir of the area.
The three main sub-regions—Martinborough, Gladstone, and Masterton—each offer their own distinct character and charm, making Wairarapa a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts. Whether you’re wandering through the vineyards, tasting at a cellar door, or simply enjoying a glass of wine, Wairarapa’s wines promise a memorable experience that captures the essence of this beautiful region
The Producer
Matahiwi Estate produces its wine according to the criteria of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) over 75ha.
Grapes are predominantly grown in the Wairarapa with small volumes of Chardonnay and Syrah sourced from selected vineyard sites in Hawke’s Bay. The Wairarapa vineyards lie on the north-west outskirts of Masterton, with Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc the two main varieties plus a small amount of Pinot Gris and Chardonnay.
Inter-row plantings promote healthy soils and bio-diversity in the vineyard. The flowering buckwheat and phacelia attract natural predators for some vineyard pests, while clovers, oats, chicory and vetch provide nitrogen and other nutrients to vines when they are mown or cultivated into the ground. To a large extent homegrown mulches and products made from seaweeds and humic acids replace hard fertilisers. Sheep wander among the vines in winter and leaf pluck in summer.
