Demand for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc causes strong export growth

Soaring demand for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc allowed the country’s wine producers to increase exports by 25% in the past year.

Strong export value and increasing international demand will help support further export growth over the next 12 months, despite a challenging season and a smaller harvest than last year, reports New Zealand Winegrowers.

The total value of the New Zealand wine industry exports (year to May 2023) was $2.4 billion, up 25% on 2022.

“Reaching another new record level of wine exports into some of the world’s largest and most competitive markets is an outstanding achievement for New Zealand wine exporters, and testifies to the increasingly strong global demand for our wines,” says Philip Gregan, CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers.

“New Zealand wine, particularly Sauvignon Blanc, is going from strength to strength in the USA, as consumers appreciate the distinctive flavours, commitment to quality, and know it is a unique product that they can trust.”

This year’s vintage will help the industry to meet increasing international demand, and consumers can look forward to some exceptional 2023 New Zealand wines. Nationally, harvest was down 6% on the record level 2022 vintage

The largest export markets are the United States, the UK and Australia, which account for the bulk of sales.

New Zealand Winegrowers highlight “white wine” for the month of May

The theme of the month, “Pour Yourself a Glass of New Zealand” comes at a time when New Zealand’s top three exported white wine varieties are internationally celebrated with International Sauvignon Blanc Day (5 May), International Pinot Gris Day (17 May) and International Chardonnay Day (25 May) all falling in the same month.

Charlotte Read, general manager for New Zealand Winegrowers, explains why the trade body is choosing to highlight white wine this May: “New Zealand white wine makes up 93% of our global exports, and while Sauvignon Blanc represents 86% of our exports, New Zealand also produces other world-class white wine varieties such as Pinot Gris and Chardonnay.”

Enjoy International #SauvignonBlancDay with Peter Yealands Sauvignon Blanc 2017

located in Marlborough, Yealands Family Wines produces award-winning wines in harmony with nature. Yealands Family Wines lead the world in sustainable winegrowing.

The Sauvignon Blanc is from selected parcels in Yealands’ Seaview Vineyard in the Awatere Valley – with a consistent warm and dry climate, and cool nights it creates a long growing season.

Tasting notes
The bouquet shows some notes of blackcurrant and passionfruit with fresh aromas of herbs and lemon zest. The palate is brimming with juicy fruit – good balance with a long, crisp mineral finish.

This wine is suitable for vegetarians, vegans and gluten free diets. WINEMAKING NOTES Parcels were harvested individually over two weeks.

LCBO# 277731

Score: 90

Crisp and Refreshing Summer Wines

Once summer starts, our desire to find crisp and refreshing quaff for entertaining has us scrambling to the local liquor store. The thought of drinking a glass of heavy red now feels just that – heavy! Syrah? Super Tuscan?. Cabernet Sauvignon? Too heavy – plodding along like a palate attached to an anchor! So, what are we left with? Start with crisp acidity, throw in low alcohol content and then mix vigorously with lighter fruit flavors. The end result is a wine that delights the senses and dances across the taste buds.

Here are some favorite summer varieties when the temperature heats up:

1. Old standby: Chardonnay (oaked or unoaked);

2. Most popular: Sauvignon Blanc;

3. Ubiquitous Pinot Grigio;

4. Sexy and sumptuous: Riesling;

5. Hot now: Grüner-Veltliner;

6. Most versatile: Rosé;

7. Bubbles: Champagne, Prosecco, Franciacorta, and others

There are many other great summertime varieties. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box such by giving lighter red wines a slight chill. Guidelines as to the best summer wine will be your own!

Cheers; Prost; Skaal; Santé; Salud; Yung Sing; Sláinte; Slaandjivaa; Eis Igian; Okole Maluna; L’chaim; Cin Cin and others…

Liz Palmer
Wine and Travel Writer