A Whole Bunch of Sauvignon - Whole Bunch Wines Wine Tasting
May 3rd was International Sauvignon Blanc Day. So, you know Whole Bunch Wines had to show up with a line up of world-class Savvy B's in a range of styles, from across the world. Let's take a look at the full list of wines which our lucky guests got to sample.
We're always hosting THE BEST tastings, so make sure you see what's coming up right here.
No Fine Print Lil' Fizz
One of the staff favourites kicked off the tasting. This is a unique and exciting style of sparkling wine from No Fine Print, some truly talented Californian winemakers. However, we hold our hands up, this isn't 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Instead, 74% of Sauvignon Blanc is blended with 16% Chardonnay and 7% Pinot Noir.
All of the grapes are vinified separately. Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir are fermented in stainless steel. Whereas the Chardonnay is fermented in a mix of stainless steel and neutral barrel. The wines are then blended before being produced via the a charmat method.
The Charmat method involves the wine being mixed into a stainless steel pressure tank with sugar and yeast. Then, further fermentation occurs in this closed system, so the carbon dioxide cannot escapes and this creates the bubbles.
In terms of taste, you'll have a slight pang of sweetness, that is balanced out with tart notes of green apples and vibrant pangs of pink grapefruit and fresh lime.
Montes Sauvignon Blanc
Next up, we move to the sometimes overlooked nation of Chile. Sometimes consigned to cheap supermarket plonk, but there is gold in these waters. The wines of Aurelio Montes are a particular example of quality Chilean wine. Indeed, Aurelio is widely credited with pioneering Chile's revolution in quality wine.
This wine is light, fresh and has a real zip to it. It is your everyday Sauvignon Blanc, but done better. It comes from their 'Limited Selection' range which encourages growers and winemakers to take high-quality grapes and develop wines which truly express the terroir in which they are grown.
This wine is unoaked and deeply aromatic with notes of white flowers and a perfumed aroma. However, it also has a really notable minerality that comes through on the palate. Beyond that, big citrus notes flow through this infinitely drinkable wine.
Domaine des Brosses Sancerre
You can make a case that Sancerre is the king of Sauvignon Blanc. This rarified region within the Loire Valley gives birth to truly exceptional wines of the highest standard. The Girard family have six different parcels of Sancerre vineyards. Their hillside vineyards are located on classic clay and chalk soils, giving the grippy, mineral style expected of true Sancerre.
Pale golden in colour, this Domaine des Brosses Sancerre has ripe citrus aromas paired with herbaceous notes. It is structured yet balanced palate reveals the consecrated minerality and freshness of an excellent Sancerre.
Greywacke Wild Sauvignon
A New Zealand icon had to make it into a wine tasting about Sauvignon Blanc. There are few more iconic than Greywacke. Greywacke was created in 2009 by Kevin Judd, the person responsible for the ground-breaking early wines produced in Marlborough.
This is a somewhat natural and funky style of wine, but it retains the structure and complexity of REAL wine. The Wild Sauvignon has an added layer of complexity thanks to wild yeast fermentation and ageing in old French barriques.
It is a mixture of nectarine and quince with hints of almond, orange and ginger, lashings of herbs and Asian spice with a whisper of smokey lap-sang tea. On the palate, a flinty dryness and long crisp finish that keeps on giving.
Gabriëlskloof Amphora Sauvignon Blanc
We're rounding the wine tasting out with an amphora aged Sauvignon Blanc from one of our favourite new finds of 2024. Amphora is like a big clay pot and is one of the oldest methods of ageing wine in the world, dating back to Georgia around 8000 years ago.
Gabriëlskloof was founded in 2001, but at this time the land was dedicated to wheat and sheep. Slowly, wine was introduced and now there are over 60 hectares of vines. The winemaking is innovating and precise, as well as sustainable, with a focus on indigenous yeast and WHOLE BUNCH fermentation.
As you'd then expect, this wine is whole bunch pressed and fermented with indigenous yeast in locally made clay pots. The slight oxidation from the porous clay allows for a rich texture and subtle nutty quality of the nose. Look for notes of white pear, peach, smoke, wet stone and grapefruit. Unique and quite simply, fantastic.
Don't Miss Out!
Make sure to check out our wine tastings and monthly wine club, if you want to try great wines like the ones mentioned in this blog post. Links below:
- Manchester Wine Tastings and Events
- Sauce Subscription (Monthly Wine Club)