Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Conference in Marlborough

 “Without an open desire to have a second gulp, Sauvignon Blanc isn’t doing its job properly,” said British wine personality Oz Clarke at the recent International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration in Marlborough.

Australian commentator Nick Stock adds: “For a category of wine that is often dismissed as a simple one trick pony, largely on the basis of immense international popularity, there is actually a wealth of interest and diversity below the surface.”

Discussion over the three-day event centred on the need (or not) for innovation and diversity of style, subregional characteristics, food pairing and the reasons behind the massive popularity of the variety. Delegates were able to taste benchmark examples from around the world as presented by their winemakers, as well as local examples of “classic” Sauvignons and “wild bunch” and aged styles.

A group of guests from NZ, Australia, the US, UK and Canada joined Nautilus Winemaker Clive Jones and Sales & Marketing Manager Katy Prescott to get a better understanding of the variety and region. Not all the wines tasted were Sauvignon – the Nautilus Gruner Veltliner, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were also very popular with our guests! The visit finished up with a day focusing on all things Nautilus including vineyard visits, cellar tastings and food and wine matching in the Marlborough Sounds.

The International Sauvignon Blanc Conference will become a regular event with the next episode held in Marlborough again in 2019.

Written by Katy Prescott, Marketing Manager for Nautilus Estate Wines

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