03/07/05 Monday question - N.Z. Sauvignon Blanc

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran and today we are answering questions from our email. A listener writes to ask: "Linda, you often recommend Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, what is so special about it?" Today we will begin a three part series about wines from New Zealand. During the last twenty years New Zealand has had one of the fastest growing wine industries in the world. The British are having an ardent love affair with it, and the appetite and consumption for New Zealand's wine among the residents, seems to be doubling annually. The climate is conducive to growing, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, which dominate the plantings. Red grapes are focused upon Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. And to answer the listeners question "what is so special about New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc"? I would have to say, most honestly, that it is because it is different  it does not taste like anything else in its category. The acid is crisp and unique. The fruit is luscious and definitely speaks to a different terroir or place of cultivation. When those things are respected, and the winemaker does not over manipulated the wine, there are some truly unique and special results. Check it out and taste the difference for yourself! Join us tomorrow as we continue our series about the wines of New Zealand. Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at Vine to wine dot net and thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.