Seresin Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Region and Vineyards

Marlborough, New Zealand's most renowned wine region, is celebrated for producing Sauvignon Blancs that have redefined the global style. Within Marlborough, the Southern Valleys—and particularly the Omaka Valley—stand apart for their clay-rich soils and warmer microclimate, which yield wines of greater texture and savoury nuance compared with the intensely fruit-driven styles of the Wairau Plain.

The fruit for this wine comes exclusively from Raupo Creek vineyard, Seresin's estate in the heart of Omaka. Farmed organically and biodynamically, the vineyard is designed as a self-sustaining ecosystem, with cover crops, livestock, and natural composts enriching the soils. Its gentle northwest-facing slopes benefit from high sunshine hours and low rainfall, producing small, concentrated berries that translate into wines of finesse and depth.

Winemaking

Seven parcels were harvested from Raupo Creek and pressed before the juice underwent natural settling. Fermentation was conducted exclusively with wild yeasts, divided between small stainless-steel tanks and older French oak barrels and puncheons. A small portion (10%) underwent barrel fermentation, adding roundness and depth, while five months on lees built texture and subtle complexity. Importantly, no new oak was used, preserving the clarity of fruit expression.

The final blend is 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Sémillon, the latter lending herbal, savoury complexity and aiding longevity. With minimal residual sugar (0.8 g/L), a fresh acidity (TA 6.4 g/L), and moderate alcohol (12.5%), the wine is finely tuned, both vibrant and poised, offering balance rather than intensity.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale straw with green glints, youthful and bright.
• Aroma: Expressive nose of white passionfruit, lemon balm, and citrus zest, supported by a leafy, savoury edge and subtle floral undertones.
• Palate: Textural and layered, with concentrated fruit framed by slate-like minerality and taut acidity. The inclusion of Sémillon brings depth, while lees ageing adds creaminess and length. The finish is precise, dry, and elegantly persistent.

Did you know?

The inclusion of Sémillon in the blend nods to classic white Bordeaux, where Sauvignon and Sémillon are traditionally combined. In New Zealand, this is rare, but at Seresin it is used to temper Sauvignon Blanc's exuberance, lending savoury complexity and enhancing age-worthiness.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Fresh oysters with mignonette - the saline minerality and citrus zest mirror the briny freshness of oysters.
• Herb-crusted goat's cheese - the vibrant acidity cuts through the richness while echoing the herbal tones.
• Grilled snapper with lemon and fennel - the wine's texture and savoury edge complement delicate white fish.
• Vietnamese chicken salad with lime and mint - the aromatic brightness and crisp acidity highlight fresh herbs and spices.

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.