Everybody likes a glass of a cold Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough on a hot summer day. It is summer food-friendly, and many flavors go very well with it. Usually, it is an easy pairing solution for hot-weather food such as salad, cold cuts, fruits, and raw veggies. However, we often order it to pair with seafood appetizers, too, regardless of the season.
This time we went a little further and picked a more exciting bottle of Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough – Staete Landt Duchess Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020.
When Abel Tasman first discovered New Zealand back in 1642, the name he gave to this land mass was “Staete Landt” which means “Land (discovered in honor) of the Governors (Staete) (of the Dutch Republic)”.
Today “Staete Landt” is the name of an emerging wine company founded by winemaker Ruud Maasdam and his family. The link between their new home and New Zealand’s discovery by one of their predecessors was obvious: the perfect combination of their heritage and their future.
Staete Landt Duchess Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020
This unique wild barrel-ferment style sauvignon blanc is wonderfully rich and complex. Nutty, yeasty, and savory characters contrast with notes of gooseberry and passion fruit. Noticeable minerality and malo create a full-body impression, yet the complexity fascinates the palate. Yes, it is grassy, acidic, and full of exotic fruit flavors. Of course, it is more elegant and layered than your usual $15 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc that we all tend to order by the glass. You just have to trust us because we’ve had many of them dining while traveling!
Food Pairing Ideas
Our usual pairing for sauvignon blanc is sushi. However, sushi with spicy sauces and flavors might kill this delicate wine palate. In this case, we would recommend sashimi.
Fresh vegetables cooked in butter will also pair well.
Another great pairing, in our opinion, would be oysters. We love them raw, but Oyster Rockefeller will also pair nicely!