NZ & International Alternative Style Sauvignon Blanc

December 19, 2025 (Cuisine magazine Issue 233)

Though few in number, our non-traditional sauvignon blancs shine a light on an exciting new class, finds MARY-THÉRÈSE BLAIR

I GIVE MYSELF the credit for this class of sauvignon blanc existing within these pages, but also the fault for it being so small. I’ve been thinking for years how in the wine world we constantly talk about sauvignon blanc not being a one-trick pony. How we have to talk about styles that feature oak, time, native yeast and many other factors that don’t feature in the ‘traditional’ sauvignon style.

Then, when the time came I stumbled over what to call this category. I don’t want to offend, or suggest one regional style is like another, so I overthought, overwhelmed and put it in the ‘too hard’ basket until next year. This year I went for it, introduced it late, named it badly, explained it terribly, potentially offended people and got only a few entries.

There’s a saying, “He who has begun is half done,” so SHE has begun. The category exists and next year, I’m obliged to do better. For now, enjoy these few ‘other’ examples that eschew type and dare to put their own spin in sauvignon. You’ll be delighted you did.

top NZ & International Alternative Style Sauvignon Blanc

Misty Cove Limited Release Tamāhine 2024 (Marlborough)

MISTY COVE HASN’T been around for a long time, but it is making waves and some seriously good wine. This isn’t the first time I’ve written about their wines achieving a top spot and I’m confident it won’t be the last. Right now, wine – like many industries – is having a tough time and brands are trying to think outside the box but not quite hitting the mark. The old traditions that tie us subconsciously to staid and serious wine chat perseveres. The oft repeated adage that, “We take wine, but not ourselves, too seriously” has been repeated over and over with no real evidence to back it up.

The team at Misty Cove are walking the walk as a new(ish), fun brand that celebrates its unconventionality and newness. They try new things and appear to me to be OK with imperfection, with not getting it right every time. What they are is out there trying, experimenting, evolving and having a good time while doing it. It’s refreshing.

So we can’t talk about heritage, but we can talk about some cracking, well- priced wines being made with love and passion. Case in point, this limited-release sauvignon is a quiet style that shows freshness and complexity on the nose and through the palate. It’s youthful with tropical notes and a ripe lime citrus lift and hints of sweet oak. Well weighted with a fantastic texture and fruit that follows through the line of this wine to the finish. This is a sauvignon worthy of the non- typical top spot and I can’t wait to see how ageing rewards this savvy stunner.

| $35
→ more 1 View All Results in the Misty Cove Limited Release Tamāhine 2024 (Marlborough) Tasting

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