Greywacke, Wild Sauvignon

Alcohol percentage: 14%

Area:
Marlborough, at the top of New Zealand’s South Island is now world-leader in production of aromatic, fresh, appetizing Sauvignon. This is a very different style.

Grape variety:
Sauvignon Blanc, fermented and matured in French oak (only a small proportion of new wood), and using wild (rather than ‘added’) yeast.

Producer:
Greywacke is the solo venture for Kevin Judd, previously winemaker and MD at Cloudy Bay for over 20 years.

Maturity potential:
This ages so well. We have enjoyed bottles at 10 years old and I think it will hold for 15.

The Bottle Shop rating:
Very unusual style of NZ Sauvignon – fermented in oak, using wild yeasts (normally it’s all about keeping control with cool temperatures and selected yeasts). Much richer and more ‘textured’ – a fascinating wine for food.