With the emergence of wine from countries all over the world, we have found that certain varieties of grapes flourish in some areas of the world better than others. In some cases the wines are as good or better than those made in the more traditional wine producing nations. New Zealand is making a name for itself by producing some outstanding Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc wines.

I recently tasted the 2006 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough New Zealand and was very impressed. The nose has a ripe citrus aroma mixed with a bit of herbs and flowers. The taste has some of the grassy flavor often associated with Sauvignon Blanc, but it is not pronounced. There is a bold character in the fruit which suggests a mixture of berries and maybe limes. The finish is clean and crisp and lingers on the palate. This wine is complex and will probably bring out a large variety of taste sensations depending on the individual palate.

We enjoyed sipping this wine on the back porch before dinner, but it would pair well with a number of different dishes, such as poultry or shellfish, especially mussels or oysters.

The regular price for this wine is $17.99, but World Beverage 400 is offering a limited-time special on it at $14.99 per 750ml.

World Beverage 400
6190 Hwy. 400
Cumming, GA 30040
(678) 513-6284