What Are The Best Sauvignon Blanc Wines From New Zealand?
Sauvignon Blanc is the signature grape variety of New Zealand, and it gives crisp aromatic wines with flavors and aromas of citrus, green fruits, wet grass, and green bell pepper. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is sweeter than the Sauvignon Blanc from Bordeaux and the Loire Valley, France. The reason for this is due to the climatic conditions of the country. Sauvignon Blanc wine originates from Bordeaux, where it’s known as Pouilly-Fumé, Graves, and Sancerre.
It’s one of the world’s most widely planted grape varieties. In New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc appeared on the scene in the 1970s, with the best examples coming from Marlborough. Since then, New Zealand has made a name within the wine industry and is believed to be a great region to grow Sauvignon Blanc grapes. So, what is the Best Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand? Read on to find out!
Best New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Wines
Best Overall
- Name — Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Cloudy Bay
- Country/Region — New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
- Type — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Lime, Lemon Skin, Passion Fruit, Peach
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Tangerine, Pear, Pineapple, Apricot, Citrus, Orange Blossom, Grapefruit
- Alcohol Content — 13.2%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Oysters, Lobster, Sea Bass, Flounder, Brussel Sprouts, Grilled Seasonal Vegetables
Tasting Notes
Expressive and vibrant, this Sauvignon Blanc has passion fruit, lime, and tangerine aromas and flavors. These are juicy and succulent. A racy acidity and a slight effervescence dominate the body. Notes of grass, lime leaf, and lemon verbena can be detected. Highly aromatic, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc starts with the aromas of passion fruit, grapefruit, lemons, limes, and tangerines.
In the mouth, flavors of white flowers blend with tropical fruit flavors and stone fruits for a more juicy result. Notes of tomato leaf, wet grass, stones, and lime leaf lead to a medium but slightly creamy aftertaste. Racy acidity. An awesome summer sipper.
An Outstanding Partnership
Cloudy Bay was established in 1985 and is a partnership between champagne house Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin and co-founder of Cape Mentelle Vineyards in Western Australia, David Hohnen. The winery has vineyards at prime sites within the Wairau Valley of Marlborough, growing some of New Zealand’s best fruit. They mainly cultivated varieties, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.
Best Value
- Name — Hans Greyl Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Hans Greyl
- Country/Region — New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
- Type — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Kiwi, Nettle, Blood Orange, Lime, Fresh Straw
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Gooseberry, Lemon, Elderflower, Pear, Tropical Fruit
- Alcohol Content — 12%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Jambalaya, Goat Cheese, Shellfish, Fried Calamari, Chicken Salad
Tasting Notes
A fine and easygoing summer wine, offering the typical aromas of citrus and pineapples. The palate is bone-dry and refreshing. On top of that, the herby character is intense and carries through to the medium aftertaste. Aromas of grapefruit, limes, lemons, pineapples, and guavas dominate this wine’s nose, followed by nuances of bell peppers and grass.
The mouth is dry without creaminess and slightly less fruity than the nose. Yet, wine enthusiasts can still find delicious – unripe – flavors of citrus, stone fruits, and tropical fruit flavors. Medium finish and high acidity that refreshes the taste buds.
A Fine New Zealand Winery
One of the finest wineries in New Zealand, Hans Greyl has a long history in the winemaking world. Currently, they’re considered one of the top wineries in the country and have become a quality benchmark for wine fans. Their pride is their locally grown vines.
Best Cheap Under $10
- Name — Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Brancott Estate
- Country/Region — New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
- Type — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Grapefruit, Lime, Gooseberry, Lemon, Grass
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Passion Fruit, Blood Orange, Asparagus, Straw, Flint, Stones, Campfire
- Alcohol Content — 14.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Sardines, Mackerel, Prawns, Roast Chicken, Passion Fruit Tart
Tasting Notes
A vibrant wine with straw color and green highlights. As you move the glass close to the nose, zesty aromas emerge, such as grapefruit, lemons, and gooseberries. The palate has flavors of passion fruit and blood oranges. Finely balanced with the right amount of sweetness.
Zesty aromas of grapefruit, limes, gooseberries, and mulberries emerge from the glass. These are accompanied by nuances of guava, tomato leaf, and crusted stones. In the mouth, you can taste passion fruit, blood oranges, nectarines, and citrus. Balanced with tight and fresh acidity, the wine concludes in a mouthwatering finish.
Pioneers
The Brancott Winery was established in 1977, making it one of the oldest wineries in Marlborough. Since its beginning, the wine estate has been pioneering, embracing innovation. In fact, it has produced one of the world’s first grape tipping tanks. Up to the present day, the Brancott Winery produces exceptional wines with the help of chief winemaker Patrick Materman.
Best Under $15
- Name — Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Oyster Bay
- Country/Region — New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
- Type — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Gooseberry, Bell Pepper, Passion Fruit, Fennel, Lemon
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Pineapple, Peach, Apricot, Sage, Pear, Apple
- Alcohol Content — 13%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Calamari, Tuna, Asian, Asparagus, Peas, Summer Salads
Tasting Notes
A highly perfumed white with the aromas of fennel, gooseberries, bell pepper, and passion fruit. Flavors of tropical fruit, stone fruits, and sage delight the palate. Light-bodied but with crisp acidity and a refreshingly lingering finish.
Bright aromas of gooseberries, bell pepper, passion fruit, fennel, and lemon lead to a palate of pineapples, peaches, apricots, and sage. Youthful and elegant, this light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc is crispy and refreshing. Mint undertones and lengthy finish. Pair it with calamari, tuna, and Asian flavors.
Excellent Winery
Oyster Bay captures the flavors of New Zealand’s cool maritime climate and ancient alluvial soils in its high-end wines. The winery offers a range of assertive and elegant wines with powerful fruit flavors. A great brand to choose a wine for house gift or personal enjoyment.
Best Under $20
- Name — Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Whitehaven
- Country/Region — New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
- Type — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Grapefruit, Lemon, Lemongrass, Gooseberry
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Peach, Apple, Pear, Honey, Grapefruit, Passion Fruit, Asparagus, Green Bell Pepper
- Alcohol Content — 13%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Mussels, Lobster Roll, Sea Bass, Seafood, Roast Chicken, Pesto, Ravioli, Napolitana
Tasting Notes
Refreshing and crisp, Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc captures the bright notes of citrus and lemongrass. In the mouth, the wine shows characteristics of peaches, apples, pears, and tropical fruit flavors. The wine ends with a clean finish. Fruity with intense varietal characteristics, this Sauvignon Blanc begins with aromas of grapefruit, lemongrass, bell pepper, and flowers. Nice flavor concentration on the palate, where the juiciness of peaches, apples, pears, pineapples, and guavas dominate.
Excellent accents of grapefruit and limes. Medium finish and high, refreshing acidity. Great with smoked bacon. Whitehaven was founded in 1994, and since then, it crafts high-end Sauvignon Blanc that’s grown, crafted, and bottled in Marlborough with fruit from certified sustainable vineyards.
Best Under $25
- Name — Jackson Estate Stich Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Jackson Estate
- Country/Region — New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
- Type — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Peach, Nectarine, Honeysuckle, Grass, Gooseberry, Grapefruit
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Brioche Bread, Butter, Grapefruit, Pineapple, Apricot, Peach, Guava, Flint
- Alcohol Content — 13%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Halibut, Fish And Chips, Tomato Consommé, Gazpacho
Tasting Notes
A powerful nose of white stone, citrus, and floral blossom aromas. These are followed by a palate of luscious, crisp flavors. The lees maturation is prevalent and adds creaminess to the textural backbone. Mineral-influenced finish and uplifting acidity.
Fruit is prominent on the nose, and translates into the aromas of peaches, nectarines, honeysuckle, grass, gooseberries, and grapefruit. The palate is similar to the bouquet. It boasts flavors of brioche bread and butter. Some mineral concentration drives into the delicious finish, while, at the same time, the refreshing acidity keeps everything balanced and fresh.
The Pinnacle of Marlborough Estates
Jackson Estate embodies only the best of Marlborough and is considered one of the best wine firms in New Zealand. The owners of this winery believe in the best modern winemaking techniques, respect for vineyards sites, and the pursuit of varietal expression.
Best Under $30
- Name — Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Greywacke
- Country/Region — New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
- Type — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Peach, Grapefruit, Passion Fruit, Orchard Fruit, Orange, Nectarine, Herbs
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Apple, Gooseberry, Lime, Lemon, Blood Oranges, Apricot
- Alcohol Content — 13.4%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Lobster, Red Snapper, Lobster Tail, Rack Of Lamb, Smoked Salmon
Tasting Notes
Aromas of vibrant peaches, grapefruit, passion fruit, and orchard fruits emerge on the bouquet. These nuances flow nicely to the palate, where the lovely texture joins a characteristic freshness for a mouthwatering sensation. It is, undoubtedly, amongst the best Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand.
As you uncork the bottle, you’re greeted with the aromas of peaches, nectarines, passion fruit, and oranges on the nose. Closely followed by a gentle herbal thread that leads into the lovely, rounded palate. There, the crispness of apples, gooseberries, limes, lemons, and blood oranges combine with flavors of apricots and guavas for a wonderful result. Intense and zesty, the wine is super drinkable.
High-end Wines
Greywacke is a fine winery and the long-held dream of Kevin Judd, one of Marlborough’s pioneering winemakers. Named after the country’s bedrock, Greywacke produces high-end wines inspired by Kevin’s talent for photography and passion for nature.
Best Under $40
- Name — Giesen The Brothers Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Giesen
- Country/Region — New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
- Type — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Honey, Bergamot, Apricot, Peach, Apple, Lime, Grapefruit
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Peach, Nectarine, Lime, Pineapple, Passion Fruit, Guava
- Alcohol Content — 10.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Seafood, Roast Chicken, Greek Or Mexican, Fish Cakes, Chili, Peas, Harvati
Tasting Notes
Thick and impressive, this Sauvignon Blanc is honey flavored. With honey and bergamot notes on the bouquet and a palate of citrus and tropical fruit flavors, it shows energy and dynamism. Long finish and racy acidity.
This Sauvignon has distinctive aromas of honey, bergamot, apricots, pears, apples, and citrus on the nose. A seductively sweet palate of peaches, nectarines, limes, and pineapples is very easy to enjoy. Expressive freshness keeps the sweetness balanced and under control. The wine concludes with a long finish. Refreshing acidity. Feel free to drink now or hold.
Exceptional Wines
The Giesen vineyards are organic and spread widely across Marlborough, offering exceptional grape growing conditions. Known for their aromas and sweetness, Giesen wines are respected in Marlborough due to their superior vine-to-bottle quality.
Best Under $50
- Name — Dog Point Section 94 Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Dog Point
- Country/Region — New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
- Type — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Sage, Gooseberry, Oatmeal, Honey, Jasmine
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Pineapple, Guava, Peach, Apricot, Blood Orange, Bell Pepper, Smoke, Salt
- Alcohol Content — 13.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Grilled Octopus, Squid, Sashimi, Sardines, Oysters, Pea-shoots, Pea Purée
Straw-yellow in color. Bright aromas of lemons, grapefruit, herbs, and oatmeal lead to toasty nuances. On the palate, you find freshness and briskness, as well as flavors of tropical and stone fruits. Complex finish with saline and citrus tastes.
The wine starts with the fresh aromas of lemons, limes, grapefruit, sage, gooseberries, and oatmeal. These hints are soon followed by aromas of honey and jasmine. The mouth is energetic and dynamic, showing flavors of pineapples, guavas, peaches, and apricots. The saline finish is packed with influences of blood oranges and bell pepper. Excellent wine to pair with salmon.
A Top Winery
Dog Point is among the very top wineries of New Zealand. They produce exceptional Sauvignon Blancs, Pinot Noirs, and Chardonnays, renowned for their balance, astounding quality, and high-end complexity. Their wines are hand-crafted from fruit grown within the wine estate on some of New Zealand’s oldest vines.
Best Under $100
- Name — Cloudy Bay Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc
- Winery — Cloudy Bay
- Country/Region — New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
- Type — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Honeysuckle, Beeswax, Grapefruit, Peach, Guava
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Lemon, Peach, Apricot, Tangerine, Pear, Salt, Orchard Fruits, Spices
- Alcohol Content — 13%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Seafood, Halibut, Pasta Dishes With Spring Veggies Or Creamy Sauces
Tasting Notes
Highly aromatic on the nose, with notes of peaches, citrus, and tropical fruit flavors. Expressive on the palate and vibrant with a balance between stone fruits and grapefruit. Lingering notes of orchard fruits dominate the finish. Refreshing acidity. Definitely, one of the best New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
Complex and distinctive, this wine has the aromas of honeysuckle, beeswax, grapefruit, peaches, and guavas. The palate is bright and expressive, showing the balance between juicy, almost jammy flavors of peaches and apricots, and lemons. As it stands in the glass, it opens out, revealing tastes of guavas, pears, and tangerines. Spicy and saline on the finish, with influences of orchard fruits. Perfect!
Conclusion
As shown in the wine list of the top-rated Sauvignon Blanc wines in New Zealand, the country offers fantastic expressions of this popular white grape variety. It encompasses the characteristics that make a great Sauvignon Blanc. So, wine fans feel safe to go all in and buy a bottle of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
I am certain that you will not have any difficulty in finding a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc that matches your taste. After you purchase it, don’t lose time. Cool it in the fridge, grab a fine white wine glass, and enjoy some New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc goodness!