Wairau River Reserve Albarino 2023

Country
New Zealand
Region
Marlborough
Producer
Wairau River Wines
Grape(s)
Albarino (100%)
Type
White
Style
Crisp
Oaked Style
Unoaked
Body Style
Medium bodied
Dry/Sweet Style
Dry
Alcohol Content
13.5%
Closure Style
Screw cap
Organic/Biodynamic
No
Sustainable
Yes-certified sustainable
Vegetarian/Vegan
Vegetarian
Yes
Vegan
Yes
Allergens
Sulphites
Yes
Milk
Yes
Egg
No

Region

Marlborough is by far New Zealand’s largest grape growing region with more than two-thirds of all plantings. First planted in 1873 it is known in the region by the Maori name, Kei puta te Wairau meaning ‘the place with the hole in the cloud’ due to its very high 2,410 sunshine hours a year. High sunshine and a dry growing season help to create the famous intense flavours. Generally, plantings are in two main valleys of Wairau and Awatere. Much of the land is alluvial river basin with well-drained soils that provide an ideal for Sauvignon Blanc and clay slopes better suited Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.

Producer

Wairau River wines take their name from the river that runs through the heart of the Marlborough wine region. (Wairau is Maori for `many waters`). The Rose family were pioneers in planting vines in the 1970`s and after originally selling the grapes to other wineries (like Cloudy Bay) they launched their own label in the early 1990`s. Today their foresight has created a very successful company which remains family owned and run. Wairau River is one of the largest independent wine estates in Marlborough, and the range of elegant wines is characteristically expressive of its Marlborough roots.
Tasting Notes
Many people assosciate the Marlborough region with only producing Sauvignon Blanc, however, the Rose family have kept pace with the development in styles and varieties that make thus region one of the most exciting in the world. This is an elegant, floral Albarino with notes of citrus and mineral flavours on the palate, beautifully combined with a fresh acidity and a long, lingering finish.
Food
Perfect when accompanied with pan fried seabass.