Sauvignon Blanc has put Marlborough on the map but that's just the beginning of what this region can offer! With a range of micro climates, soil variations and more, the diversity is huge. It's a cool climate region that enjoys a big diurnal fluctuation meaning the days are hot and the nights are cold. Acidity thrives in these conditions thanks to that overnight temperature drop. You'll know this to be true if you've ever had a Marlborough wine! The Wairau Valley is the flatter sub-region with more free-draining gravelly soils that are ideal for producing aromatic white wines such as gewurztraminer. Look out for lots of perfume, aroma and purity of fruit flavours with wines from here. The Awatere Valley is closer to the coast, a little cooler and the influence from the sea shows itself with saline flavours. The Southern Valleys are the gorgeous, golden rolling hills you'll see as you look south towards Christchurch and their gentle slopes contain a large amount of clay soils which are perfect for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Discover grapes beyond Sav with Lynnette Hudson below.
