Sauvignon Blanc - White New Zealand Wine Wine of Marlborough, New Zealand Viticulture Vertical shoot positioned, cane pruned vines planted at a density of 2525 plants per hectare. The soil originates from an ancient riverbed, comprised of free draining, stony silts with a silt loam topsoil. Vintage With the strongest El Nino weather pattern since the 1990s being predicted for 2016, the relatively cool start to spring and subsequent growing season came as a bit of a surprise. By mid-October, however, things began to look more typical as temperatures increased and the relative dryness so typical of El Nino began to manifest. The weather during flowering was warm and settled, leading to one of the most rapid and complete fruit sets seen in recent years. Early 2016 brought much needed rain, refreshing canopies and replenishing dams. Before this, the district had been surviving on just over half its usual rainfall. The key ripening months of February and March were warm with above average sunshine hours setting the trend for a warm and largely dry harvest. Winemaking Temperature controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks with carefully selected yeast strains, chosen for their ability to capture the true essence of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Colour Pale straw with light green-gold highlights Aroma Saturated aromas of passionfruit, lime zest and pink grapefruit dominate the subtle signature of Waihopai minerality - a lovely combination of citrus based bath salts and warm river stone. Palate This classic tropical tinged, citrus based aromatic theme drives a palate that is crisp and fruit focused whilst bright acid edges add length, structure and an overall sense of liveliness. Food Matching Whilst classically matched with most seafood why not push the boundaries and try the Ned Sauvignon Blanc 2016 with a twice baked Chèvre soufflé, served with a rocket, apple and walnut salad. Cellaring Potential Crafted to be enjoyed at the peak of its vibrancy and freshness, we recommend drinking this wine within 2 - 3 years of vintage date. Situated in the Waihopai Valley of Marlborough, the Marisco Vineyards comprise of a complex range of soils running across ancient river bed terraces with a unique climate. This combination of soils and climate allows us to produce classic styles of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio - showing elegance and fruit purity. Dietary Information Contains Sulphur Dioxide/Sulphites Allergy Advice Contains Sulphites Manufacturer Produced and bottled by: Marisco Vineyards Limited, Guernsey Rd, Marlborough, New Zealand. Preparation Serving suggestion: Whilst classically matched with most seafood why not push the boundaries and try the Ned Sauvignon 2015 with your favourite sushi set (maybe sans the wasabi - in the first instance, at least!). Country of Origin Country of origin: New Zealand Wine of New Zealand Packaging Bottle Alcohol Alcohol by volume: 13.0% Taste category: Dry Serving suggestion: Saturated aromas of passionfruit, lime zest and pink grapefruit dominate the subtle signature of Waihopai minerality - a lovely combination of citrus based bath salts and warm river stone Alcoholic content: 7.7 units Region of origin: Marlborough Grape variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc Producer: Marisco Vineyards Limited Winemaker: Brent Marris Wine colour: White Type of closure: Screwcap Storage instructions: This wine is ideal for drinking now but can be kept for up to 3 years History: Named after the tallest peak in the Wither Hills range - The Ned is an iconic symbol of Marlborough and therefore an appropriate brand name for one of New Zealand's fastest growing wine brands. Brent and Rosemary Marris founded Marisco Vineyards in 2003 and launched their new company with wine brand The Ned. Regional information: Set under the watchful eyes of the Southern Alps lie Marisco Vineyards, home of dynamic wine brand - THE NED Vinification: Temperature controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks with carefully selected yeast strains, chosen for their ability to capture the true essence of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.