Yet Sauvignon Blanc is the one variety that has no major event focusing on it. International visitors are encouraged to take part in aromatics, Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Riesling celebrations, so why not Sauvignon Blanc?
The former editor of NZ Winegrower, Terry Dunleavy, was a strong advocate of promoting our flagship wine at the highest possible level. In an editorial he wrote back in 2011, he praised the success of the Pinot Noir triennial celebration. However he followed it with a “but”.
“Why…can we not mount a similar exercise based on the variety in which we are not only seen as setting the international standard, but which is such a large and defining element in our export portfolio?”
I am sure Terry along with many others in the New Zealand wine industry are therefore pleased to hear that in the major event strategy planned by NZ Winegrowers, Sauvignon Blanc is now to be lauded on a scale similar to that of the Pinot Noir celebrations.
The very first major event will take place in early 2016, less than two years away. It will be more than likely based in Marlborough, the heart of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. But that is not to say it will focus only on that region. There are many others in New Zealand producing this variety, including Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa, Nelson, Canterbury/Waipara and Central Otago. All will play a significant role.
NZW’s Global Marketing Director Chris Yorke says the event will be used as a hook to bring in key influencers, while celebrating the nuances of New Zealand Sauvignon and the achievements that have been made in just 40 years.
“We have had phenomenal growth in terms of exports of Sauvignon Blanc, but we want to continue that growth and to excite the market going forward. An event based on the variety will help us do that.”
Yorke says the initial Sauvignon Blanc event will be smaller than Pinot Noir 2013.
“It will target key influencers in our main markets and be held over two to three days.”
There are a plethora of topics that could be covered within the celebration, including; regional and sub regional differences, styles, sustainability, research and innovation and the young and old guns of the industry.
While the Pinot Noir celebrations have always been held in Wellington, in the case of Sauvignon Blanc, Wine Marlborough’s General Manager, Marcus Pickens, says Marlborough is the natural home to celebrate.
“The famous Sauvignon Blanc signature is always going to be Marlborough, so it’s a no brainer to hold it in the region that kick started the story. If you have a lot of international travellers, it makes sense to involve the actual region, the vineyards, the natural surrounds and explain the geography, climate and people.
“We are obviously very proud of the Marlborough story, and the fact that Sauvignon Blanc is New Zealand’s leading wine varietal. It is unique, and well loved throughout the world, but at times we seem to be backwards in coming forwards to celebrate it. So I think it’s about time we stood up and sang its praises.”
No formal title has been given to the event at this stage and a committee to oversee and run it is yet to be arranged. The committee once selected, will provide the creative vision and the accountability back to the NZW Board and to the members.
Industry members who wish to be part of the Sauvignon Blanc 2016 committee are invited to submit a written application to Philip Gregan; email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Interviews will follow, and the Board of NZW will make the final selection. ν
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