Fair shake of the savvy bottle!

For the past few years, one white wine style has dominated our social lives like no other.  Sauvignon Blanc did what no wine was able to achieve in 20 years by knocking Chardonnay off its perch to become Australia’s most popular wine style.

It’s been ALL about Sauvignon Blanc.  But not just any kind – Marlborough from NZ was the region of choice and Oyster Bay our favourite label.  It was impossible to attend a barbie or have a drink with the girls without having a glass.

But something is changing.  At our wine tastings, we’re starting to hear the voices of dissent.  “I’m so over NZ Sav Blanc, I need a new white wine to love.”  Is it just us or have you noticed the tide of favour turning too?  I have two theories why we’re ditching NZ Sauvignon Blanc faster than Gordon Ramsay.

Firstly, we’ve collectively reached our boredom threshold, with many suffering from repetitive Sav Blanc consumption after years of unquestioning service.  (Funny I’m yet to reach that point with Tim Tams).

My second theory is more sinister – we’ve been had. They hooked us in with some delicious examples in the beginning, but with the rise in popularity, supply couldn’t keep up.  So bottle shops today are flooded with unripe, cat-pee-and-leaves-smelling, commercial crap, pumped out by gigantic corporations banking on the consumer’s continued commitment to buy Marlborough.  “This is a safe bet, everyone likes a Marlborough Sav Blanc.”

WRONG.

We did like a Marlborough Sav Blanc, back in the days when the wines had regional character.  Not that there aren’t still good ones available, of course there are.  But I bet you won’t find them in your local bottle shop for under $25.

We’re experiencing a trend away from NZ Sav Blanc and a desire to try something new.  Like a Pinot Gris, a Riesling, or dare I say it – Chardonnay.  Even those who can’t bear the thought of ditching their fave style altogether, enjoy trying a Sauvignon Blanc from Orange, Margaret River or Adelaide Hills. Same same, but oh so different.

My prediction?  It’s the beginning of the end for Sauvignon Blanc.  A new IT wine is on the way, the only question is which wine style will it be?  My pick is Pinot Gris.  What’s yours?

For the past few years, one white wine style has dominated our social lives like no other.  Sauvignon Blanc did what no wine was able to achieve in 20 years by knocking Chardonnay off its perch to become Australia’s most popular wine style.

It’s been ALL about Sauvignon Blanc.  But not just any kind – Marlborough in NZ was the region of choice and Oyster Bay our favourite label.  It was impossible to attend a barbie or have a drink with the girls without having a glass.

But something is changing.  At our wine tastings, we’re starting to hear the voices of dissent.  “I’m over NZ Sav Blanc, I need a new white wine to love.” Is it just us or have you noticed the tide of favour turning too?  I have two theories why we’re ditching NZ Sauvignon Blanc faster than Gordon Ramsay.

Firstly, we’re reaching our boredom threshold, with many suffering from repetitive Sav Blanc consumption after years of unquestioning service.  (Funny I’m yet to reach that point with Tim Tams).

My second theory is more sinister – we’ve been had. They hooked us in with some delicious examples in the beginning, but with the rise in popularity, supply couldn’t keep up.  So today when we buy Marlborough Sav Blanc we’re at a high risk of receiving unripe, cat-pee-and-leaves-smelling, commercial wines made in huge quantities by corporations banking on the consumer’s continued commitment to buy Marlborough.  “This is a safe bet, everyone likes a Marlborough Sav Blanc.”

WRONG.

We did like a Marlborough Sav Blanc, back in the days when the wines had regional character.  Not that there aren’t still good ones available, of course there are.  But I bet you won’t find them in your local bottle shop for under $25.

So starts the trend to look beyond NZ Sav Blanc and a desire to try something new.  Like a Pinot Gris, a Riesling, or dare I say it – Chardonnay.

And for those who can’t bear the thought of ditching their fave style altogether? Try seeking out Sauvignon Blanc from Orange, Margaret River or the Adelaide Hills. Same same, but oh so different.

My prediction?  It’s the beginning of the end for Sauvignon Blanc.  A new IT wine is on the way, the only question is which wine style will it be?  My pick is Pinot Gris.  What’s yours?