Whether you are new to New Zealand wine or are already well versed in the outstanding quality of Marlborough’s most popular white grape, there is little doubt that Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most consistent examples of the variety. With tantalizing aromas of gooseberry, greengage, capsicum, passion fruit and lime peel, complemented by a hint of red capsicum and a noticeably smooth crisp finish, it is a taste sensation from the moment the bottle is opened.
The Astrolabe label was named by founder Simon Waghorn in 1996. The navigation tool from which the brand takes its name has become an increasingly apt moniker for the catalogue of wines under the label, all of which are renowned for their purity, focus and elegance.
Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc 2009 is medium-to-full bodied, and boasts strong flavours of gooseberry, passion fruit and currant. It has also won over competition judges, winning Blue-Gold and being named in the top hundred wines at the 2010 Sydney International Wine Competition.
The fruit was machine harvested in cool evening conditions, destemmed and lightly pressed with minimal skin contact. Clear, cold-settled juice was fermented in stainless steel vats at low temperatures and using neutral wine yeast strains to allow the powerful fruit flavours to dominate.
The vibrant fruit flavours cultivated by these winemaking techniques are one of the great selling points of Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc 2009 and as this varietal makes up more than 80% of the Astrolabe production quota, the winemaking team is highly experienced at creating premium wines.
Other types of Astrolabe Sauvignon Wine include the Astrolabe Kekerengu Coast Sauvignon Blanc 2010 and the Astrolabe Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2010. The former has flavours of citrus, lime and grapefruit, and is medium-bodied with flinty notes and a dry finish. It won a Bronze medal at the UK's Decanter World Wine Awards 2011. Astrolabe Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2010 has been sourced from the Marlborough region, and boasts aromas of white currants, currant leaf, jalapeno and herbs. It has flavours of currants, gooseberry and citrus on the palate, and a crisp and dry finish. It, too, has form in wine competitions, having won a Silver medal in the British competitions of the Decanter World Wine Awards 2011 and the International Wine Challenge 2011.
For more information about Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc and to buy securely online with delivery throughout mainland UK, visit http://www.nzhouseofwine.co.uk
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