Wines Marlborough Greywacke - Wild Sauvignon - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Greywacke's Wild Sauvignon 2018 is a standout white wine from Marlborough, New Zealand, crafted from the region's iconic Sauvignon Blanc grape. This particular cuvée is notable for its use of "wild" fermentation, relying on indigenous yeasts in old oak barrels, which imparts additional complexity and texture compared to many of its more fruit-forward Marlborough peers. The result is a wine that balances vibrant aromas of ripe citrus, passionfruit and gooseberry with subtle notes of struck flint, smoky toast, and a creamy, nuanced palate. The 2018 vintage in Marlborough experienced a cooler growing season, which helped retain freshness and acidity while allowing the grapes to ripen fully, resulting in wines of remarkable concentration and balance.

The Marlborough region, located at the northeastern tip of New Zealand's South Island, benefits from a maritime climate. Warm days and cool nights enhance the grapes' aromatic expression and preserve vibrant acidity. Soils in Marlborough are predominantly free-draining alluvial gravels over silt and clay, contributing to the region's signature purity of fruit and mineral backbone. Since the 1970s, Marlborough has emerged as New Zealand's most important and internationally recognised wine region, especially famed for its distinctive style of Sauvignon Blanc, marked by exuberant, crisp flavours and bright aromatics.

For pairings, Wild Sauvignon's complexity and texture open up a wealth of culinary possibilities. Its zesty acidity and rounded mouthfeel make it an ideal partner for seafood, particularly New Zealand green-lipped mussels, pan-seared scallops or fresh oysters. It also works beautifully with lightly spiced Asian dishes such as Thai green curry or Vietnamese lemongrass chicken, as the wine's intense fruit complements and tempers heat and aromatic herbs. For a regional touch, try it with a goat’s cheese salad or grilled snapper with fresh peas and mint.

To best appreciate Greywacke Wild Sauvignon 2018, serve it chilled to around 10-12°C. This temperature highlights its aromatic intensity while allowing the wine’s layered texture and subtle oak influence to shine through. Consider decanting for 15–30 minutes to further reveal its depth and complexity.