Methode Traditionnelle

Chardonnay

Sauvignon Blanc

Aromatic

Dessert Wine

Rose

Red Wine
 

Monowai 2009 Sauvignon Blanc

When mentioning Sauvignon Blanc in this country, thoughts immediately are on Marlborough, and some don’t realise that Hawkes Bay is also able to produce some good examples of this wine. It is possible to pick the differences in the wines from each region. That doesn’t mean that the Hawkes Bay Sauvignon Blanc is greatly different in quality, but just that there are different flavours and aromas in the wine.

Monowai’s location also seems to offer weather and growing temperatures more akin to Marlborough than most sites in the Hawkes Bay making their offering a particularly interesting one if you want to try something different. It might seem the wrong time of year for Sauvignon Blanc, but we are still not quite in the hold of winter and if there is a day warm enough for a creamy pasta salad, there is a day when Sauvignon Blanc can be enjoyed with the meal.

Unfortunately I don’t have any notes on the 2009 growing season in Crownthorp, where the Monowai vineyards and winery are situated, but I can tell you that Monowai Estates 22ha vineyard is located on the northern banks of the Ngaruroro River. The vines are planted on free draining red gravel, with a thin layer of silt loam on top of the gravel.

The vines are trained to increase flavour intensity and consistency. They are also hand thinned. Leaf plucking also occurs to ensure the low yields of grapes receive enough sunlight, while also increasing air movement.

For the winery requirements, Emma used her experiences working overseas for design inspiration. It has four separate temperature controlled barrel rooms, and temperature controlled stainless steel tanks to control fermentation. The overall winery design allows for a minimum labour input and allows for Emma to have total control in the winemaking process.

I found the 2009 Monowai Hawkes Bay Sauvignon Blanc to be a vibrant wine with aromas of gooseberry and passionfruit with notes of citrus. These flow through in the palate, with the gooseberry and passionfruit being complimented by flavours of lime and ripe peach. It is a well balanced wine with excellent length and freshness.

It is drinking well now and did you know Sauvignon Blanc goes well with fish too.

Reviewed by Stephen Clark (24/5/2010)
 

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