Seresin Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Region and Vineyards

The Seresin Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from the Raupo Creek Vineyard, situated in the Omaka Valley in Marlborough, New Zealand. This vineyard is farmed according to biodynamic and organic principles, certified for its sustainable approach. Located in a north-west facing aspect, the vineyard benefits from high sunshine hours and minimal rainfall, ensuring ideal conditions for grape ripening.

The soil in the Raupo Creek Vineyard is clay-rich, which imparts richness and texture to the wine, giving it additional weight on the palate. The vineyard is managed with a focus on natural practices, enhancing the fruit's ability to express the terroir. This vintage was particularly challenging due to significant rainfall before harvest, but careful vineyard management and crop thinning helped maintain the fruit's quality.

Winemaking

The Seresin Sauvignon Blanc  was made using a combination of natural fermentation and extended lees aging to add depth and complexity. The grapes were harvested from four different parcels of the Raupo Creek Vineyard, pressed, and then allowed to settle naturally overnight.

Fermentation took place in a mix of stainless steel tanks and older French oak barriques, with each parcel undergoing natural fermentation over a period of 8 to 16 weeks. 27% of the blend was fermented in barrels, and 47% aged in barrels, enhancing the wine's texture and subtle complexity. No new oak was used, preserving the wine's freshness. After 7 months on the lees, the parcels were blended, stabilized, and filtered.

The final blend includes 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Sémillon, contributing to the wine’s unique structure and age-worthiness. The wine is suitable for vegans and is certified organic.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale straw with hints of green.
• Aroma: Expressive aromas of ripe tropical fruit, citrus zest, and subtle herbal notes, layered with hints of stone fruit and mineral nuances.
• Palate: The palate is textured and layered, with vibrant acidity balancing the rich, ripe fruit. Tropical fruit flavors such as passionfruit and guava are supported by savory, herbaceous notes, with a long, refreshing finish.
• Finish: The wine finishes with a vibrant acidity and lingering tropical fruit, showcasing both its freshness and complexity.

Did You Know?

The Seresin Estate practices biodynamic viticulture, a holistic approach that goes beyond organic farming by aligning vineyard work with natural cycles, such as the lunar calendar. This method enhances both the health of the vineyard and the expressiveness of the wines, contributing to the complexity and balance found in the Seresin Sauvignon Blanc.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Goat cheese salad with citrus dressing: The wine’s vibrant acidity and tropical fruit notes complement the creamy tang of the goat cheese, while the citrus enhances the fresh, herbal elements.
• Grilled asparagus with lemon and olive oil: The wine’s herbal and savory characteristics pair beautifully with the earthy flavors of asparagus, balanced by a touch of lemon zest.
• Seared scallops with a herb butter sauce: The richness of the scallops is lifted by the wine’s refreshing acidity and bright fruit flavors, while the herb butter enhances the savory complexity.
• Sushi with wasabi and soy: The wine’s clean, vibrant palate and tropical fruit notes work well with the fresh flavors of sushi, balancing the umami of soy and the spice of wasabi.

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.