Seresin Marama Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Region and Vineyards

Marlborough, located at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, is the country's flagship wine region, famed for its Sauvignon Blanc. While the Wairau and Awatere valleys are more widely planted, the Omaka Valley in the Southern Valleys is recognised for its clay-rich soils and slightly warmer, drier conditions. These soils lend greater texture and savoury depth compared with the more fruit-driven wines of the Wairau plain.

Seresin's Raupo Creek vineyard is farmed organically and biodynamically, reinforcing the estate's holistic philosophy that views the vineyard as a living organism. This approach encourages biodiversity, enhances soil health, and ensures wines express authentic terroir character. The site's clay-rich soils, combined with careful vineyard management, yield grapes of concentration and complexity, providing the foundation for a Sauvignon Blanc of unusual gravitas.

Winemaking

The 2022 Marama was sourced from a single parcel of Sauvignon Blanc at Raupo Creek and hand-harvested before whole-bunch pressing. Only the free-run juice was retained, settled, and racked to French oak barrels and puncheons. Fermentation occurred naturally with ambient yeasts, and the wine underwent full malolactic conversion while resting on its lees.

After 14 months of élevage in French oak, with 23% new barrels, the separate components were blended and lightly filtered before bottling. Extended lees contact and bâtonnage built both mid-palate weight and savoury nuance, while oak integration imparted a creamy texture and structural backbone. The result is a Sauvignon Blanc that transcends varietal typicity, leaning into a style closer to fine white Bordeaux or barrel-fermented Sancerre.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright straw with green reflections, indicating youth and vitality.
• Aroma: Expressive nose of ripe guava, passion fruit, and white peach, layered with flinty reduction, subtle smoke, and savoury hints of toasted hazelnut and struck stone.
• Palate: Concentrated and textural, with fleshy tropical fruit framed by vibrant acidity. Lees ageing imparts creaminess and depth, while oak adds discreet spice and grip. The finish is long, saline, and complex, carrying a refined interplay of fruit and savoury minerality.

Did you know?

Seresin Estate was founded by cinematographer Michael Seresin, known for films such as Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Midnight Express. His artistic background informs the estate's philosophy: crafting wines with soul, authenticity, and respect for nature.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Seared scallops with lemon beurre blanc - the wine's flinty minerality and creamy lees texture enhance the richness of the scallops.
• Goat's cheese and herb tart - the tangy freshness of the cheese is lifted by the vibrant acidity of the Sauvignon Blanc.
• Roast chicken with tarragon jus - oak-aged complexity and savoury depth complement roasted poultry and fresh herbs.
• Grilled asparagus with parmesan shavings - the wine's flinty, herbal undertones harmonise with asparagus, a classic Sauvignon pairing.

History of Seresin Estate

Seresin Estate was founded in 1992 by Michael Seresin, a New Zealand-born cinematographer known for his work in films like Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. His vision for Seresin Estate was inspired by his deep connection to nature and a desire to create wines that were in harmony with the environment. From the outset, the estate embraced biodynamic and organic viticulture, pioneering these practices in the Marlborough region.

Seresin’s first vintage was released in 1996, and the estate quickly gained recognition for its elegant, expressive wines. Michael Seresin’s philosophy has always been to work with nature, not against it. The estate is now fully certified organic and follows biodynamic principles, farming without the use of synthetic chemicals and aligning vineyard work with lunar and natural cycles.

Michael Seresin’s passion for sustainability and craftsmanship is evident not only in the vineyards but also in the winemaking process, where minimal intervention allows the natural character of the grapes and terroir to shine through.

Region and Vineyards

Seresin Estate is located in Marlborough, the most famous wine region in New Zealand, known for producing world-class Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. The estate’s vineyards are situated in the Wairau Valley and the Omaka Valley, where a combination of clay and gravel soils provides an ideal environment for grape growing.

Raupo Creek Vineyard in the Omaka Valley is the heart of Seresin Estate. This vineyard is farmed biodynamically and is certified organic. The clay-rich soils here contribute to the texture and depth of Seresin’s wines. The north-west facing slopes of the vineyard ensure high levels of sunshine, allowing the grapes to ripen fully while maintaining natural acidity.

Seresin also sources fruit from selected organic vineyards in the Wairau Valley, which add brightness and finesse to the wines. The region’s cool-climate conditions and varied terroir allow Seresin to produce wines that are balanced, complex, and reflective of their place of origin.

Wine Range

Seresin Estate is best known for its Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, but the estate also produces other varietals, each crafted with the same attention to detail and commitment to natural winemaking.

• Sauvignon Blanc: Seresin’s Sauvignon Blancs are known for their richness, texture, and complexity, often blended with small amounts of Sémillon to add depth and aging potential. Wines like the Marama Sauvignon Blanc showcase a more nuanced, oak-aged style, while the estate’s classic Sauvignon Blanc offers vibrant acidity and tropical fruit.

• Pinot Noir: Seresin produces a range of Pinot Noirs, from the fresh and approachable Leah Pinot Noir to the more structured and complex Sun & Moon Pinot Noir. The estate’s Pinot Noirs are celebrated for their balance of red and dark fruit flavors, fine tannins, and earthy undertones.

• Chardonnay: Seresin’s Chardonnay is an elegant expression of the varietal, with a balance of ripe fruit, minerality, and subtle oak influence. The wine undergoes natural fermentation and extended lees aging for added complexity.

• Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and other varietals: Seresin also produces small quantities of aromatic whites, focusing on the purity of fruit and expression of Marlborough’s cool-climate terroir.

Did You Know?

Michael Seresin, in addition to being a successful filmmaker, is a passionate advocate for organic and biodynamic farming. His belief in working harmoniously with nature extends beyond winemaking, as the estate also grows olive oil and vegetables, further reinforcing the estate’s commitment to sustainability and holistic farming.