What Makes NZ Sav Blanc so Special?

The NZ government and members of the wine industry are funding a multimillion dollar research project to examine the distinctive qualities of the country’s prized Sauvignon Blanc. The six-year NZ $16.9 million project is being carried out by the Marlborough Research Centre and Auckland University. It aims to create an analytical toolkit to determine how and why NZ Sauvignon Blanc tastes as it does, and then use the knowledge gained to “dial up” or “dial down” various attributes according to consumer tastes. “Consumers can identify the fruity and the green characters of Sauvignon Blanc -the classic vibrant zingy acids overlaid with passion fruit and tropical fruit flavours,” said Dr Damian Martin, a member of the research committee. “Most prefer a balance and combination of the two.” The research team is currently petitioning the government for further funding, to extend the project to Pinot Noir.