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New Zealand Wines
A close neighbor to Australia, New Zealand consists of two islands - the North Island and the South Island. These islands enjoy a moderate, maritime climate that provides the vineyards cool nights. This helps produce fruit that is naturally high in acidity, giving New Zealand white wines their characteristic "zing." There are 10 major wine regions, including Auckland, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay and Martinborough on the North Island and Marlborough, Canterbury and Central Otago on the South Island. Of these, Marlborough is famous for Sauvignon Blancs, Hawkes Bay is known for Bordeaux Blends and Syrah and the Central Otago and Martinborough regions produce the best Pinot Noir in New Zealand.
New Zealand vintners are trendsetters in the wine world. They are leaders in utilizing metal screw-caps, which work well for white wines that are consumed young. They increasing employ organic farming and sustainability techniques, which have broad appeal with today's consumers.
New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs
Marlborough, the home of New Zealand's best Sauvignon Blancs, is the country's largest wine producing region. Sauvignon Blanc is the most widely planted varietal in New Zealand and accounts for more than 80% of the country's wine exports. New Zealand's largest export markets are Australia and England, followed by the United States. These crisp white wines have universal appeal, are abundant, receive good ratings from the wine industry and are very reasonably priced.
New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc's flavor profile has evolved from pungent green pepper and tart grapefruit flavors to a less herbal-more citrusy style, with ripe notes of lime, grapefruit, green apple, melon and white pepper. The Kiwi's use of stainless steel vats helps create a refreshing style of wine with bright acidity levels and juicy, fresh fruit flavors. This makes these wines an ideal thirst-quenching patio wine to enjoy during the hot summer months.
Food & Wine Pairings
Sauvignon Blanc's racy acidity makes it an ideal sipping wine or a beverage to be enjoyed with food. Acidity in wine cleanses the palate between bites of food, and its mouth-watering nature has you anticipating the next sip or nibble.
These wines work well with raw vegetables and dips or crisp, green leafy salads. Tomatoes, citrus and vinaigrette salad dressings used in Garden Salads, Greek Salads and Caesar Salads all pair well with this wine. Sauvignon Blancs also pair well with fish (Sole, Grouper and Sushi) and shellfish (Shrimp and Crab Salad). On the cheese side, Munster pairs nicely with this wine.
A popular warm weather dessert are tart and refreshing Key Lime Squares, which compliment the citrus flavors in Sauvignon Blanc.
Key Lime Squares
Makes 30 Squares
Crust
2/3 Cup Butter - melted
Cup Sugar
2 Cups Graham Crackers - finely crushed
Filling
3 Cups Sugar
6 Each Eggs - large at room temperature
1 Tbsp Lime Zest
1 Cup Key Lime Juice - fresh squeezed or bottled - not regular limes
1 Cup Flour
Confectioners' sugar for dusting
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
To make the crust, stir sugar into melted butter. Add the crushed graham crackers and mix well until all crumbs are moistened. Spread evenly into a 9 x 13" pan and press onto bottom and slightly up the sides to form an even crust. Bake in the 350 degree oven for 5 - 6 minutes until edge is lightly browned. Cool on a rack before filling.
For the filling, whisk the eggs, then add sugar, lime zest, key lime juice, and flour. Pour over the cooled crust and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the filling is set. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.
Cut into squares or triangles to desired size. These are rich and tart so a 2" x 2" square is a nice size. Dust with confectioners' sugar just before serving.
So, grab a glass from down-under to help quench your thirst with these vibrant, flavor-packed wines, at a price that is sure to put a smile on your face.
Suggested SAUVIGNON BLANC Wine Picks
Brancott, Marlborough - 88 pts. Wine Spectator
Coopers Creek, Marlborough - 90 pts. Wine Spectator
Kim Crawford, Marlborough - 89 pts. Wine Spectator
Cloudy Bay, Marlborough - 92 pts. Wine Spectator
Tohu, Marlborough - 89 pts. Wine Spectator
Babich, Marlborough - 85 pts. Wine Spectator