What Kind of Wine Is Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc?
New Zealand is known for its great outdoors and relaxed lifestyle, so it will come as no surprise to find that Monkey Bay wines reflect this easy-going attitude. They are designed to suit any time and any place, so they make the perfect beverage for any occasion.
Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc White Wine is a crisp, refreshing wine. You will love the lively citrus flavors of grapefruit and lemon, and subtle hints of passionfruit, kiwi, and freshly cut grass making each sip something to relish.
A Fun, Casual Wine Variety
Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc is made in New Zealand, and it is worth noting that white wines from New World countries are typically full-bodied and fruit-driven. They usually have a higher alcohol content than their European cousins and are slightly oaky. Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc alcohol content is 11.5% which is common for this type of white wine.
You cannot help being enticed by the luscious tropical flavors that emerge on the palate, and the herbal influences are noticeable too. They are renowned for being fresh, with balanced acidity, and utterly delicious. I am a fan of any wine that has its own celebration day in the year, and the first Friday in May is International Sauvignon Blanc Day. Be sure to mark that one down in your calendar.
Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc Review
- Winery — Monkey Bay
- Country/Region — New Zealand, Marlborough
- Type — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
- Aroma — Citrus, Grapefruit, Lime, Clementine, Tropical Fruit, Herbs, Freshly Cut Grass
- Grapes — Sauvignon Blanc
- Taste — Kiwi, Mango, Papaya, Mineral Notes, Citrus
- Alcohol Content — 12%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Fish And Shellfish, Light Chicken Dishes, Italian Antipasti And Pasta, Salads And Sushi
Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc gets a thumbs up from white wine lovers around the globe because of the universal appeal of crisp refreshing wine. It is a typical off-dry example of New Zealand’s winemaking expertise with a classic laid-back personality. For anyone who is a “Summer Person”, who enjoys outdoor experiences and maybe even a little of the extreme sports, a glass of Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc should be within reach to add vibrant flavors and a tantalizing zing to your taste buds.
Tasting Notes
Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc is an easy-drinking white wine. It will please most palates because it delivers all the fresh flavors that one would expect from this type of wine. Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc reviews will reassure you that this wine will fulfill all your expectations, and more!
Appearance
Your attention is immediately captured by the delicate pale-yellow appearance of the wine in the glass. It is clear with highlights of golden vanilla and tints of green. It is not hard to imagine that it won’t linger for long in the glass because the fruity aromas will lure the refreshing liquid to your lips.
Aroma
New Zealand is known for growing kiwi fruit (and New Zealanders are often called by that nickname), so it is not surprising that Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc will feature the aromas of kiwis on the nose. The aromas are a great reminder of all the other exotic fruit that grows in the region. There will be hints of mango, papaya, and starfruit that make a heady mix of refreshing sweetness on the nose.
Taste
The perfect balance of fruit, sweetness, and acidity gives this wine a clean, crisp taste. The refreshing citrus notes counteract the sweet fruit flavors and give Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc the characteristic flavor that makes it the easiest white wine to identify. The chemical compound called pyrazine brings the unique cut grass or bell pepper flavor that is an essential element of this wine.
As this example of Sauvignon Blanc is grown in the southern hemisphere, and is given slightly longer to ripen on the vine, the pyrazine influence is slightly less obvious. New World Sauvignon Blanc is less flinty and earthy, having more of a fruity emphasis.
Finish
The finish is delightfully refreshing and zesty. The necessary tartness is finely balanced to leave a cleansed and satisfying mouthfeel.
Rating
I give Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc a considerably high rating due to its attractive price and crisp, fruity flavors. It has that something special that lifts it to a higher level compared with to run-of-the-mill. The tart flavors are perfectly balanced and definitive while retaining charm and charisma. Although perfectly suited to a southern hemisphere summer’s evening, it is the type of wine that is versatile and friendly – just like a best friend! You can take it anywhere.
Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc Food Pairing
You don’t have to feel obliged to pair Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc with food because it is just divine as a drink at any time. However, if you are planning on choosing a wine to go with fresh summer meals, then this is the one to pick. Seafood comes alive with this zesty drink, so anything from sea bass, shellfish, or salmon on the barbeque will be delicious. Crab and lobster meet their perfect match with this wine if you are considering some up-market dining.
The crisp acidity makes it a good match with chicken, but keep in mind that dishes should be kept light. Vegetarian dishes or even sushi also make good pairings. Salads, like a traditional Greek salad with olives, onions, tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese are a must. This wine will also be delicious served with snacks, picnic food, cold desserts, or fruit. Creamy cheeses like Mozzarella, Gouda, Parmesan, or Ricotta will also pair well. Basically, you want to pair this wine with soft and flavorful cheeses. Think summer – think Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Makes Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc?
The Monkey Bay Wine Company is situated in a picturesque bay on the Marlborough coast of South Island, New Zealand. The winemakers have managed to perfectly capture the laid-back, approachable character of the bay, and of New Zealand itself. A legend about a monkey being spotted in the trees of the bay gave the bay its name, although monkeys are not native to New Zealand.
How Is Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc Made?
Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc is produced from fruit that has been picked steadily over the harvest period thereby obtaining more variance in the flavors of the grapes. An important ingredient is an indigenous yeast that develops in the riper fruit. Handpicking the grapes is also an important factor, as well as the pressing of whole bunches of grapes.
New Zealand wines are left to ferment at lower temperatures in stainless steel tanks, thus ensuring that they retain texture, soft acidity, and intense flavor. They perfectly express the terroir in which they have grown, and this is what makes them so distinguishable.
Where Is Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc Made?
Marlborough, on the South Island, is the most famous wine-growing region of New Zealand. There are 60,000-acres of vineyards with many different microclimates, and these express themselves in a variety of Sauvignon Blanc wines. The maritime climate and the range of soils also affect the flavors of the Sauvignon Blanc that is produced. Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc wine is representative of grapes that have had a long, steady growing season that creates an intriguing array of flavors and textures
How to Serve Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc?
Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc is best served well chilled, like most white wines. A warm Sauvignon Blanc will have dull flavors and muted acidity, making it not worth drinking. The best temperature for serving is 50–55°F. This temperature can easily be achieved by resting the wine in the fridge for about two hours or in an ice bucket for around forty minutes. By re-corking an unfinished bottle of Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc, you can rest assured that it will still be delicious after a couple of days.
How Much Does Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc Cost?
The Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc price is no reflection of the quality of the wine! It is considered to be an amazingly good value for money and well worth a try.
How Long Does Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc Last?
This is an everyday wine that should be consumed young. It’s a great relief to know that there is no real benefit to long-term cellaring. Store this wine in a cool, dry place where it will not be affected by heat or light. Store a supply in the refrigerator so that you always have a ready top-up when the need arises.
How Many Calories Does Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc Have?
Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc is a dry, white wine which means that very little residual sugar is left behind after the fermentation. So, the Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc calories come in at around 120 g in a five-ounce serving (620 calories in a 750 ml bottle). You can expect up to 4 grams of carbohydrates in a serving.
Conclusion
Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc gets a thumbs up from white wine lovers around the globe because of the universal appeal of crisp refreshing wine. It is a typical off-dry example of New Zealand’s winemaking expertise with a classic laid-back personality. For anyone who is a “Summer Person”, who enjoys outdoor experiences and maybe even a little of the extreme sports, a glass of Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc should be within reach to add vibrant flavors and a tantalizing zing to your taste buds.
