As a wine
blogger, I’m aware that my palate preference is going to be quite different from
many other people. Not better, not worse – just different. However, I think it’s
very important for me to say that when I take the time to write about a wine,
it’s because it has moved me in some way or resonated with me – besides the fact
that I think it tastes good.
It’s been awhile since a wine has rocked my socks off, and The Supernatural Wine Company Supernatural 2014 Sauvignon Blanc from Hawke’s
Bay, New Zealand did just that. It was so much fun for me. It had all the appeal and expected flavours
you would get from a NZ Sauvignon Blanc, but an added twist. This wine has been made with a clear in
vision and outcome in mind. This unique Sauvignon Blanc comes from a unique
place, and made in a unique way. Here’s why I adore it….
The Region
Hawke’s Bay
is located on the Eastern side of the north island of New Zealand. Most of the vineyards in this area are grown
on flat alluvial soil, but the vines in which the 'Supernatual' grapes grow face northward,
having slopes of about 30 degrees. The soil consists of a combination of lime-rich
clay, overlain with volcanic topsoil. This is quite distinct and plays a key
role in contributing to the wine’s vibrant acidity and minerality.
The Philosophy
The vines
have been farmed organically since 2009 and in 2015, the company became certified
organic. Their goal is to make some of
the world’s best sauvignon blanc organically and naturally, with minimal
intervention.
When you go
out and snag a bottle of this awesome wine, you’ll notice that not only is the label cool, but it has a fun
closure too. So….why the crown cap? Gregory
Collinge, owner and ambassador of the Supernatural Wine Company explains, “The
practical reason is that it's a very effective seal for low intervention wines,
preventing oxidation and infection, but still allowing the wine to develop in
the bottle. The other reason is style –
when we were setting up the brand, we were not enamoured with screw caps which
is the predominant seal here in New Zealand and we were taking our inspiration
from the beer brands. The crown seals
are 29mm and used in Champagne for turning bottles. Beer caps tend to be 26mm.”
The
Winemaking
With indigenous
yeasts, a pied du cuve formula is used (putting grapes in a barrel to ferment
naturally) to start the fermentation. The
2014 vintage is predominantly Sauvignon Blanc, with a kiss of Pinot Gris. Grapes were left on their skin for six hours
before a gentle pressing. It was then
left overnight at 15°C before racking off heavy lees. Finally, there was extensive lees contact and
stirring for six months before being lightly filtered and bottled with the
least amount of sulphur possible. All of the 2015 skin- fermented wines in their
portfolio are unfined. These winemaking
techniques give the sauvignon blanc atypical characteristics such as round
texture, savoury notes, and candied lemon flavours. Instead of the wine cutting right through to
citrus, which is what you might typically get in a sauvignon blanc, this takes
your palate on a little journey to some magical place where there is unlimited
amounts of sunshine and lemon meringue pie.
How often do you find that in a wine, eh?
(Photo: Winemaker Hayden Penny - Supernatural Wine Co)
The
Supernatural Wine Company is an ambitious and dedicated team with
a lot of love and passion for what they do.
The fact that they are trying to create beautiful products while at the
same staying true to their values in allowing the terroir and grapes express
themselves naturally, is noble and admirable.
I truly believe it is because of that love and discipline, that their
wines shine.
To find out
more about this company, or where you can get other wines from their
portfolio, click on the links following my tasting note.
The
Supernatural Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Grapes: Sauvignon
Blanc (97.5%), Pinot Gris (2.5%)
Alcohol: 14%
SAQ: 12594521
Price:
$28.30
Agent: Ward
et Associates
