Wine: Giesen, Sauvignon Blanc Grape: Sauvignon Blanc Region: Marlborough, New Zealand Vintage: 1997 New Zealand sauvignon blancs have a distinct character. They tend to be very fresh and fruity with good acidity.
Various characterisations such as cut grass, nettles, and even 'cat's pee' are used to describe the nose. Wine drinkers either love them or hate them. I am in the former category. On a warm evening there is little better than a glass of crisp sauvignon blanc as a refreshing aperitif.
Giesen, a relative newcomer, was established in 1981 and is a family business. Marcel Giesen, the wine-maker, received his practical training in Germany.
The Giesen sauvignon blanc 1997 has the ripe varietal character associated with Marlborough, the premium region for sauvignon blanc in New Zealand.
The wine undergoes a long cool fermentation in stainless-steel tanks to capture the intensity of the grapes.
The wine is greenish yellow with a bouquet of passion fruit, melon, gooseberry and grapefruit.