Sauvignon blanc varies in flavour from lime, grapefruit, passion fruit and even stone fruit, depending on how and where it is produced. It has a grassy herbal character which makes it stand out from other white wines. This herbal streak can be a strong asparagus flavour, gooseberries or flinty mineral flavour which some describe as cat's pee (enough said about that).
What has made New Zealand popular is value for money. In spite of high logistic costs and a price hike in the last few years, NZ Sav Blanc is very good value. While an average Sancerre or Poully-Fume will set you back anywhere north of £12-£15 per bottle, the New Zealand equivalent will cost you half of that. What's not to like?
Oyster bay, Sauvignon blanc 2013
APPEARANCE
Clarity: clear. Intensity: pale. Colour: lemon
NOSE
Condition: clear. Intensity: medium to pronounced.
Aroma characteristics: grassy (light asparagus) and fruity (lime/grapefruit)
PALATE
Sweetness: dry.
Acidity: high acidity (it makes your mouth water)
Body: medium to full body
Flavours: grapefruit, lime with a hint of pear and the characteristic gooseberry/mineral flavour
Finish: medium to long
CONCLUSION
Very good and great value for money. Amazing balance of intense flavours with a medium to long finish. Try it with chicken and/or Asian food, fish is also good.
Oyster bay is a quite popular example of well made Sauvignon Blanc wines from the Malborough region in NZ (South island). It is widely available in the UK as its one of its biggest markets.
Morrissons has it on offer and its way below everyone else at the bargain price of £7.29
http://www.morrisonscellar.com/shop/oyster-bay-sauvignon-blanc-750ml-0988240
Majestic also has it on offer, two bottles at £7.99 each (£11.99 individually)
https://www.majestic.co.uk/Oyster-Bay-Sauvignon-Blanc-zid37047
Tesco is second best buying a case of six at £8.39 per bottle
http://www.tesco.com/wine/product/details/default.aspx?id=260222846
Asda sells it at £10.98 although the website shows it out of stock...
http://direct.asda.com/Oyster-Bay-Sauvignon-Blanc-2013/006748943,default,pd.html