Exploring Mount Fishtail’s Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris from Marlborough, New Zealand

How Does Mt Fishtail’s Sauvignon Blanc & Pinot Gris Stack Up Next to France’s Loire Valley?

The twin peaks of Mount Fishtail, a majestic sight in New Zealand’s Marlborough region serve as a mesmerising backdrop for the winery. Cool breezes from the Richmond Ranges and nearby Wairau River gently dance among the Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris vines. Family-owned and run, Mt Fishtail wines weave a love for the grape and reverence for the land that cradles the vineyard in every bottle.

Can New Zealand’s Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Compete with France’s Loire Valley?

Apart from France’s Loire Valley, another renowned region is known for producing rich, intricate, and harmoniously balanced Sauvignon Blanc – Marlborough, New Zealand.

While no two regions will ever offer the same Sauvignon Blanc, if you’ve come to love Sauv Blanc from France, Marlborough is set to impress!

Blind Tasting of Sauvignon Blanc

In a blind tasting, wine experts were given six pairs of Sauvignon Blanc with one from the Loire Valley and one from Marlborough(*1). How did the judges do with differentiating between the pairs? They did fairly well however not all judges could distinguish between the two regions.

What Are the Main Differences Between Marlborough and Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc?

Marlborough wines are generally more concentrated with notes of vanilla and tropical fruits occurring more often(*1). Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc is usually more crisp green fruits(*1). However, both regions offer herbaceousness, high acidity, and freshness.

Have you ever tried Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough and the Loire Valley?

What were your thoughts on the differences?

Situated near the Wairau River, at the base of the Richmond Ranges, just 24 kilometres from Cloudy Bay and the Cook Strait, lies Mount Fishtail Wines. Here, the delicate Sauvignon Blanc vines thrive under the attentive care of the Mount Fishtail family and the nurturing embrace of Mother Nature(*2). The cooler temperatures allow Pinot Gris (and Sauvignon Blanc) time to ripen slowly and naturally. When winemakers harvest small yields at the very last moment when the fruit is at its peak, they can end up with a Pinot Gris & Sauvignon Blanc that can easily stand next to the world’s best wines(*3).

Our neighbours across the Tasman are growing and crafting fresh and flavourful Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris for the world to savour!

Read on for tasting notes of specific bottles and where to buy them.

2023 Mount Fishtail, Marlborough Pinot Gris Tasting Notes

Aroma: Lemon zest and stone fruit(*4).

Palate: A balanced fusion of zest, tropical stone fruits, fresh acidity and crispness(*4).

Finish: Dry and mouth-watering(*4).

Price: Purchase one bottle for $12.99 or in any six-bottle buy for $16.99.

2023 Mount Fishtail, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Tasting Notes

Aroma: Tropical, summer fruits(*5).

Palate: Following the smooth tropical, summer fruits in the aroma is a more robust burst of lime and guava(*5).

Finish: Sublime length and classic Sauvignon Blanc freshness(*5).

Price: Purchase one bottle for $12.99 or in any six-bottle buy for $16.99.

Order a Mix of Any Six Wines from Around the World

Would you like us to curate a six-bottle buy with a mix of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris from New Zealand? Or, would you like to try your own ‘blind tasting’ of Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough and the Loire Valley?

Whether ordering your mixed six-bottle buy online or getting us to curate it for you, buying any six bottles qualifies you for the lower six-bottle-buy price. Plus, you can look forward to not just getting one bottle delivered but six!

There is no need to order six of the same wine (unless you want to). Mix up your six bottles with reds, whites and rosés from every corner of the globe.

Talk to our wine team at (02) 9798 7282 about curating the perfect mix of wine to suit your tastes and interests. You can also send a message online with your wine request or if you are in Sydney, come into the shop at 7 Lackey St, Summer Hill, NSW, 2130.

References

*1. Button J. Loire vs Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc: Can You Tell the Difference? Decanter. 2019.
*2. Mount Fishtail Wines. About. 2024.
*3. Atkin, T. Pinot Gris. 2024.
*4. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2023 Mount Fishtail Pinot Gris Marlborough. 2024.
*5. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2023 Mount Fishtail Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough. 2024.