Description

Kono Sauvignon Blanc

In the heart of New Zealand’s picturesque Marlborough region lies a remarkable story of heritage, passion, and the pursuit of excellence, welcome to Kono Wines, a Māori-owned, family-run business that blends tradition, innovation, and the vibrant flavors of the land. Our roots run deep, tracing back to the customary Māori landowners of Nelson, Motueka, and Golden Bay. We are more than a business; we are a collective of approximately 250 families united by a shared purpose: to protect, preserve, and enhance the land our ancestors once tended. Their legacy, the fruits of their labour, echoes through time, inspiring us to carry it forward. Centuries ago, our ancestors were providores trading the bounty of their gardens and forests across the rugged landscape of Te Tauihu, understanding the delicate balance between nature and nurture and reveling in the flavours that emerged from their toil. Fast-forward to the 21st century: as the world discovered the zesty allure of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, we saw an opportunity to blend tradition with modernity. In 2006, our first bottle of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc emerged from our vineyards, and since then, our commitment to quality has never wavered. Today, we produce over 1.5 million bottles of our award-winning Sauvignon Blanc, with Kono Sauvignon Blanc recognized eight times as a Best Value Wine by Wine Spectator, a true expression of the stunning Marlborough region.

Winemaking

Machine harvested grapes are transported to our winery located in Marlborough’s Awatere Valley. Once at the winery the grapes are pressed using modern membrane presses, with both the free-run and harder pressings combined in stainless steel tanks then chilled and settled until clear. The juice is then racked and warmed before being inoculated with selected yeast cultures. The ferments are controlled through temperature manipulation to retain aromatics in the wine and stopped with just a very small amount of balancing residual sweetness. Blending occurs in early June, after which the resulting fresh and lively wine is stabilised and filtered without the need for fining, ready for bottling from mid-July.

Viticulture

Grapes for this wine are grown on a range of both Kono owned sites and vineyards from dedicated growers located throughout the main viticultural areas of Marlborough. The Waihopai, Awatere, and Rapaura sub-regions are all represented in this blend, bringing a unique flavour profile to the finished wine. The 2022/2023 growing season was characterised by generally cloudy, wet weather over the summer months, however dedication in the vineyard kept disease pressure at bay with the autumn months delivering optimal harvest conditions. With a slow and long ripening season, fruit was able to be picked at the perfect ripeness with classic flavours and the ideal levels of acidity and balance in the fruit.

Tasting notes

Distinctly Marlborough, this pure and bright Sauvignon Blanc has a vibrant fruit-driven nose bursting with citrus and tropical fruit. On the palate, luscious flavors of lemon zest and guava combine with notes of currant leaf and fresh bell pepper. Finely balanced with zesty acidity, an underlying minerality, and just a hint of residual sweetness, this crisp and fresh wine leads to a long, dry, and persistent finish.

Kono Sauvignon Blanc Notes To Your Senses:

• APPEARANCE: Straw yellow with hints of green
• AROMA: Vibrant and fruit-driven bursting with citrus and tropical fruit
• TASTE: Luscious flavors of lemon zest and guava combine with notes of currant leaf and fresh bell pepper
• FINISH: Long, dry, and persistent
• ABV: 13%