COLOUR
White
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2023
GRAPE
Sauvignon Blanc
PRODUCER
Cloudy Bay Vineyards
REGION
Marlborough
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium - Full
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
High
Finish
Long
Intensity
Pronounced
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
First released in the early 2000s, Te Koko revolutionized the perception of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. While the region is globally famous for its intensely vibrant, stainless-steel fermented style, Cloudy Bay chose to break the rules by crafting a wild-fermented, barrel-aged alternative. Sourced from mature vines on the gravelly soils of the Wairau Valley floor, this wine represents a highly sophisticated, savory, and texturally complex expression of the grape. Cloudy Bay, established in 1985 and now part of the LVMH portfolio, remains a benchmark producer that continues to push the boundaries of New Zealand winemaking.
ALCOHOL
13.5%
AVG. PRICE
€66
STYLE
Classic
VEGAN
NO
SULPHITES
YES
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
10-12°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Te Koko was a pioneer, completely redefining Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc through wild fermentation and oak aging.
Fact 02
The grapes are sourced from older vines in the Wairau Valley, including the Motukawa and Mustang vineyards.
Fact 03
The 2023 vintage saw lower yields but exceptional concentration due to a late, cool ripening window in autumn.
FOOD PAIRING
Read more
WINE MAKING PROCESS
The winemaking process for Te Koko is defined by texture and complexity. After gentle pressing and a 24-hour settling period, the juice is racked directly into French oak barrels (7% new) and large-format wooden cuves. Fermentation is carried out slowly over four to five months using only indigenous yeasts. The wine then ages on its fine lees for 11 months in a combination of barriques, oak cuves, and concrete vats. Following blending, it undergoes a less oxidative maturation phase in concrete, stainless steel, and large wooden cuves, totaling approximately 15 months of aging before bottling.
