Tasting: Oyster Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with Pizza

Name: Oyster Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Variety of Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Region/Country of Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand

Vintage Year: 2021

Price: $15

Winery Tasting Notes: The first Oyster Bay. Which happened to win the best Sauvignon Blanc in the world. Its brilliant clarity, extraordinary aromatic flavors, and refreshing zest are both thrilling and enthralling. It all starts in Oyster Bay’s Marlborough vineyards, in the region famous for introducing elegant, cool climate New Zealand wines to the world. Marlborough’s warm days and cool nights create an extended growing season allowing the grapes to develop strong, intense varietal characteristics while maintaining a balanced, crisp natural acidity. The result is a distinct wine that is always crisp, elegant, and refreshing. Stunningly aromatic tropical fruits and bright citrus notes, with a refreshingly zesty finish.

This wine pairs perfectly with lighter meals, a variety of fresh Asian flavors, and seafood. Made to be enjoyed within a year or two of the vintage (wine.com, 2022).

Wine Folly Notes: Wine Folly describes Sauvignon Blanc as very acidic and slightly sweet, which I agreed with completely. It is also described as having “strong herbaceous flavors” including honeydew, grapefruit, white peach, and passion fruit. I could taste the grapefruit and overall fruit taste very well. Further, I was happy to see that the average amount spent on a bottle of Sauvignon Blac is $15, since that is what I paid. I think trying Sauvignon Blancs from different countries (i.e., Romania, Spain, Moldova, etc.) will be exciting since I have mostly only had it from New Zealand. Also, given that it is recommend to drink Sauvignon Blanc with Asian food, I want to try that next (e-text, pg. 384-385).

My Review: I really enjoyed this wine and will probably purchase it again! As opposed to the tasting recommendation of pairing Oyster Bay with Asian food, I paired it with a charcuterie board (vegetable crackers, prosciutto, mushroom brie cheese, herbed goat cheese, gouda, and white cheddar), cranberry kale salad, and pizza with fresh mozzarella. The wine was good on its own, but I enjoyed it more with the food. It paired very nicely with the charcuterie board and pizza. The punch of fruity acidity was a good contrast to the salty cheese and prosciutto as well as marinara on the pizza. It allowed for each bite to be refreshing!