The Kiwi Emblem

Situated in the northeastern corner of the South Island along the 41st parallel south, Marlborough is not only the cradle of New Zealand wine, but also home to some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc. There are not many instances where the New World scores a resounding victory over the Old World in a certain style or variety, but Marlborough belongs to one of the exceptions.
Vines have been planted in Marlborough since 1870s, but production at commercially significant and viable scales only began in 1970s. By 1980s, Marlborough had established a name for itself and New Zealand in general, thanks to its sprightly and herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc. Rapid expansion ensued in  the 1980s, resulting in a dilution of quality, but was later on countered by vine pull schemes sanctioned by the government.
Owing blissfully to its geographical location, Marlborough is shielded from tropical influence from the west and Antarctic influence from the east. Marlborough is divided into 3 sub-regions and, at the risk of generalization: with fertile alluvial soil, Wairau Valley to the north tends to produce approachable and fruit-driven wines; with dried and poorer soil, the Southern Valleys in the middle tends to produce weightier and more structured wines; with volcanic soil in a cool climate, the Awatere Valley to the south tends to produce fleshy and rich wines. Marlborough generally enjoys low rainfall, abundant sunshine hours and substantial diurnal variation, allowing grapes to develop intense phenolics while retaining acidity.
Producing more than half of all New Zealand wines, Marlborough is no doubt the country’s engine room. Marlborough’s signature style of Sauvignon Blanc used to be invariably vinified in stainless steel and released within 12 months of harvest, but ambitious winemakers have begun experimenting with using oak barrels for top-notch harvest. The region also produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Gris, as well as a small amount of sparkling wines.

  Ara Marlborough Single Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Translucent lemon-yellow with pale metallic reflex, the invigorating nose offers lime, guava, leeks and cut grass. Supported by piercing acidity and slight petillance, the exuberant palate delivers grapefruit, gooseberry, nettle and lemon blossom. Medium-bodied at 13%, the herbaceous entry carries onto a vibrant mid-palate, leading to minerally finish.

Ara Marlborough Select Blocks Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Shimmering lemon-yellow with bright citrine reflex, the refreshing nose presents physalis, pomelo, cut grass and wet stone. Braced by crispy acidity and slight petillance, the expressive palate furnishes calamansi, guava, scallion and crushed shells. Medium-bodied at 13.5%, the vegetal entry continues through a dynamic mid-palate, leading to a tangy finish.

Ara Marlborough Resolute Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Pastel lemon-yellow with light sunshine reflex, the bracing nose provides grapefruit peel, gooseberry, white peach and thyme. Buttressed by racy acidity, the revitalising palate supplies lemon peel, bell pepper, mangosteen and oyster shell. Medium-bodied at 13%, the pristine entry persists through a herbal mid-palate, leading to a cleansing finish. Jacky I.F. Cheong

Jacky I.F. Cheong is a legal professional by day and columnist by night. Having spent his formative years in Britain,
France, and Germany, he regularly writes about wine, fine arts, classical music, and politics in several languages