COLOUR
White
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2023
GRAPE
Sauvignon Blanc
PRODUCER
Saint Clair Family Estate
REGION
Marlborough
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium - Light
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
High
Finish
Long
Intensity
Pronounced
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
The Saint Clair Vicar's Choice Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine from Marlborough, New Zealand, produced by Saint Clair Family Estate. The 'Vicar's Choice' range is named in honor of an Anglican vicar who was a relative of the producers and had a strong preference for this particular wine, leading to the range's distinctive name. This line is positioned by the producer as offering excellent value. The Ibbotson family, founders of Saint Clair Family Estate, have a long history in Marlborough's viticulture, having been pioneers in the region since 1978 and establishing the estate in 1994. Their winemaking philosophy focuses on matching grape varietals to the most suitable terroirs within Marlborough to produce wines of high quality. The grapes for this Sauvignon Blanc are sourced from vineyards across Marlborough, with a significant portion coming from the lower Wairau sub-region, known for its cooler climate and fertile, well-draining soils.
ALCOHOL
12.5%
AVG. PRICE
€19
STYLE
Classic
VEGAN
YES
SULPHITES
NO
When to drink
Now
Ideal temperature
8-8°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Named after a vicar who loved this wine so much, it became his 'choice'.
Fact 02
Part of Saint Clair's 'excellent value for money' range.
Fact 03
Marlborough is New Zealand's largest wine region.
Fact 04
The Ibbotson family has been growing grapes in Marlborough since 1978.
FOOD PAIRING
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WINE MAKING PROCESS
The winemaking process for Saint Clair Vicar's Choice Sauvignon Blanc begins with the rapid transport of grapes to the winery after harvest, ensuring freshness. The fruit is pressed with minimal skin contact to extract the clearest juice. This juice then undergoes cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks. This technique is employed to preserve the delicate aromatic compounds and the bright, crisp character inherent to the Sauvignon Blanc grape from Marlborough. Following fermentation, the wine is typically aged in stainless steel to maintain its purity and vibrant profile, without the influence of oak, allowing the varietal expression to be the primary focus.