MEDIA RELEASE
22nd October 2021
Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2021 has been announced a Champion at The Aotearoa Regional Wine Competition. Winners were announced yesterday, and Saint Clair are proud to be the recipient of the highly coveted Champion Sauvignon Blanc award.
The Aotearoa Regional Wine Competition is part of the New Zealand Agricultural Show run by the Canterbury A&P Association. The 2021 competition saw more than 240 of New Zealand’s best wines judged blind across two days.
The Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc was one of only four Sauvignon Blanc wines that achieved prestigious gold medal status. Saint Clair also received a gold medal for its Origin Pinot Noir 2020.
The 2021 vintage was one that was light on yield but has produced some spectacular wines. Saint Clair Family Estate have been excited to get their 2021 vintage Sauvignon Blanc wines into market as they are incredibly proud of the exceptional quality wines produced. Managing Director Neal Ibbotson comments; “it is always a thrill when your wine comes out on top. The results are a complete team effort from vineyard management and through the entire winemaking and production procedure. It is great to see our finest Sauvignon Blanc achieve this award upon release. We are excited for what the future might bring.”
Saint Clair utilises a unique quality assessment system. Where each vineyard/tank/wine are tasted blind by a panel of winemakers after fermentation. This system has been an incredible learning tool for building knowledge over the years. It has been a major contributor to the company’s ongoing success and reputation that has now developed to become a leading New Zealand wine producer. Produced only in small quantities, the Saint Clair Wairau Reserve is carefully selected through this process as the very finest. Over the year this wine has won more than 40 trophies and is arguably New Zealand’s most awarded Sauvignon Blanc.
The assessment process is time consuming and involves much debate and deliberation however it is a key part of the Saint Clair philosophy. This win is a true reflection of the teams’ commitment, dedication and uncompromising focus on quality.
