2018 Matua Sauvignon Blanc with Yellow Fin Ahi Ceviche
Yes this is one of my “off California wines” stories for the month of June. Why? I had the perfect food for this wine. It is also important to understand what are the main differences between Sauvignon Blanc in the USA (specifically Northern California) verses New Zealand? Briefly, in Northern California it tends to be more fruit aromatic with minerality notes with the sharp citrus taking a second row. Over the years, wineries either pushed the fruit-forwardness or lowered it with barrel aging. Others push the citrus flavors along with floral bouquets.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
In New Zealand the grapes come mostly from the southern island of New Zealand. Here the Sauvignon Blanc tends to be herbaceous and fruit forward with decidedly tropical fruit flavors dominating the palate. Authorities in New Zealand claim their sandy soils impart good drainage causing the grapes to grow fuller-bodied and more fruit-forward. Yet once you taste a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, the sharp acidity and citrus produces a love it or leave it demarcation. It is critical to understand what food you are pairing a Sauvignon Blanc, be it European, USA or New Zealand. I always keep Sauvignon Blanc’s from both Northern California and New Zealand on hand depending on food choices.
The Wine
Matua started producing Sauvignon Blanc in 1974 as the first winery in New Zealand in the Marlborough area. Today, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is world famous for its unique, fresh flavors, lime zest and lemongrass. They use grapes from all over Marlborough to provide a blend of extremely crisp tropical flavors from the entire region. This is an “inexpensive” wine but when looking for a crisp citrusy wine, it is always a “go to” wine. Big robust and lip smacking Sauvignon Blanc at its best!
The Food and Wine Pairing
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Paired with freshly made Yellow Fin Ahi Tuna ceviche. Ceviche is a relatively easy dish to construct, but this recipe has 18 ingredients with many needing to be juiced or minced. Prep time requires some patience but the reward is worth the effort. The wine with its citrusy flavors and the Ahi tuna with similar characteristics but with fruits of mango, papaya and pineapple resulted in a wonderful “Yin/Yang” dynamic.
While this is fairly inexpensive wine approximately $10, it is a most enjoyable wine with the right food! It will make my annual Best Wines Tasted in 2023!
Sláinte,
Michael