New Zealand wine producer, Ohau Gravels, received a silver medal this week at the 2015 Berlin Wine Trophy – Germany’s largest international wine tasting. The award was received for its 2014 Sauvignon Blanc.

Ohau Gravels is located by the Tararua Ranges on the west coast of New Zealand and is the only commercial vineyard in the region. Its aim is to produce wines with a difference, in particular wines that are more aromatically expressive in style.

Sauvignon blanc accounts for 80 per cent of Ohau Gravels’ production and is renowned for being less acidic than most Marlborough SBs, while retaining the aromatic style this winery is well-known for.

Fermentation has been used with an aromatic yeast strain to enhance the varietal characters in this SB. Five per cent of the wine was further fermented in old oak barrels using indigenous yeasts to add complexity and texture.

Tasting notes: Pale bright gold in colour. Light floral aromas with a touch of limeskin and citrus. Citrus follows through onto the palate, along with grapefruit and grewacke flavours, and a limeskin-oil finish.

Ohau Gravels is currently looking for a distributor in Australia. If you would like to know more about Ohau Wines and/or are interested in discussing distribution, contact Steve Maguiness – Director at Ohau Gravels on 06 367 5051 or via steve@ohauwines.co.nz