White Wines from France and New Zealand

In the wine world, we talk about the Old and New Worlds. The Old World refers to the countries in Europe, while the New World consists of countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, and the USA.

This year, we’ve paired a white wine from France with a beautiful wine from New Zealand. Two top wines from different continents.

 

Small Family Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2023

A sparkling, modern white from Marlborough, New Zealand, the Sauvignon Blanc region of the New World.

 

Winemakers and spouses Claudia and Bill Small not only know Marlborough inside out and have an excellent network, but they also know everything about viticulture and winemaking. The two met at the University of Adelaide’s wine faculty, worked for years at a large wine company in Marlborough, and decided in 2010 to join forces and start their own label.

 

Claudia and Bill run their business on a small scale and with a minimalist approach: they rent part of a wine cellar and source their grapes from some of the best independent grape growers with vineyards in the most beautiful parts of Marlborough, such as Awatere and Wairau Valley. Naturally, they know exactly how to transform these fine grapes into exceptional wines.

 

The Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is their signature wine. It is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc from various subregions and different stages of ripeness, which creates a multi-dimensional aroma and flavor profile. The Smalls ferment the grapes after harvest in stainless steel tanks and age the wine briefly on the lees.

 

The result is a vibrant, modern Marlborough Sauvignon with expressive aromas of gooseberry, kiwi, and lime, and an intense, lively, and persistent taste. It pairs wonderfully with shellfish but is also perfect as an aperitif.

 

Tasting Note

A beautiful, expressive white wine with aromas of Granny Smith apple, passion fruit, lime, and grapefruit. Delightfully juicy with pure fruit and a lively freshness. The finish is crystal-clear and persistent.

 

Pairing

A crisp, fresh white wine to enjoy as a terrace wine, for appetizers, or paired with shrimp cocktail with green herbs and various fish or asparagus dishes.

 

Aging Potential

Now at its best and will remain excellent for up to three years from the harvest.

 

 

Domaine La Tour Beaumont Haut-Poitou Sauvignon Blanc 2023

An expressive Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire, the classic Sauvignon Blanc region of the Old World.

 

Haut-Poitou, located between Poitiers and Chinon, is one of the least-known regions of the Loire. However, Pierre Morgeau is working hard to change that. He is the driving force behind the old family estate, La Tour Beaumont. Pierre describes himself as an “independent winemaker and free artisan.” He not only ensures biodiversity in his vineyards but also takes care of the surrounding nature.

 

Pierre’s vines grow on slopes on both sides of the Clain River, on soft limestone soils. This gives his wines refinement and juiciness. The cool influence of the Atlantic Ocean also ensures enough freshness and aromatic intensity. These are ideal conditions for Sauvignon Blanc!

 

Pierre has planted ten of his total thirty hectares with this aromatic white grape. Thanks to the attention and energy he invests in vineyard maintenance, he can harvest excellent quality grapes.

 

In the cellar, Pierre keeps things simple: after pressing, the juice ferments at controlled temperatures in stainless steel tanks. The result is a crystal-clear and expressive Sauvignon Blanc with intense fruity notes and a ripe, dry taste. It is delightful on its own but also pairs well with salads, asparagus, and light fish dishes.

 

Tasting Note

A fresh, vibrant Sauvignon Blanc with aromas of fine fruit and boxwood. The mild, dry taste is approachable and lingers beautifully.

 

Pairing

An excellent aperitif wine, also perfect with fresh salads and fish dishes.

 

Aging Potential

Now ready to drink and will remain good for up to three years from the harvest.