Hand Picked

It’s White Wine Day

August 1, 2018 by admin

The 3rd of August celebrates White Wine Day! Of course, there are many varieties of white wine, but at Fairbourne, we concentrate on just one… Sauvignon Blanc! Our Sauvignon Blanc stands out from the crowd because we make it somewhat differently, we make premium, handpicked, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

The difference between hand harvested Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and that harvested by machine is monumental. Flavour and palate texture from hand-harvested Sauvignon Blanc is far more expressive, and the wine has greater length. Sauvignon Blanc grapes have very “wild/savage” characters. Hand harvesting lessens juice contact with the more aggressive and phenolic characters of crushed skins, bunch stalks and petioles. Therefore, hand harvested grapes can produce a more focused aroma spectrum and better express the nuances of the vineyard with a clear and powerful varietal expression.

If you’re going to celebrate White Wine Day, (something we feel should be encouraged), might we suggest that Fairbourne Premium Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc would make the perfect tipple!

Here are three tips to help you celebrate White Wine Day!

Remember to select the correct vessel! Not all wine glasses are created equal. When selecting your glassware, it’s important to consider that glass shape can provide a unique experience for drinking your wine. Check out an earlier blog post with more information on this.
Be sure to serve your Fairbourne Sauvignon Blanc at the optimum temperature. Chilling our Fairbourne Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc to serve between 14 and 16°C (52 and 61°F) will delight your taste buds!
Serve with food… Fairbourne Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is extremely versatile. It can honour simple seafood, such as fresh oysters and steamed mussels, as well as salmon. Additionally, it pairs with white meats like chicken and pork. Goat cheese, a delicious Chevre, and Sauvignon Blanc is a match made in heaven. The wine’s vibrant flavours also compliment spicy and ethnic cuisines.

Wherever, and however, you choose to celebrate White Wine Day; we’d like to raise a glass to you!

If you’re based in New Zealand Check out our list of stockists to find your Fairbourne Sauvignon Blanc, and if you’re in the U.K. head to your local Majestic Wines store.

25th May is Wine Day

May 11, 2018 by admin

We’re beginning to think that May might be the best month in the calendar, it just keeps on giving!

Not only was May 4th International Sauvignon Blanc Day, but May 25th is Wine Day! A day that celebrates one of the most loved and historical alcoholic tipples, wine!

At Fairbourne, we think wine should be celebrated every day! But if you would like to make an occasion of Wine Day on 25th May, here are a few tips to help you do exactly that…

Celebrate with friends – Raising a glass with friends to love, friendship, health, wealth, and happiness makes a special occasion truly joyful. It’s an art that has been practiced by many cultures around the globe from the start of recorded history. It’s also a wonderful way to make perfect memories!
Celebrate with food – Fairbourne premium, elegant and hand-picked Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, is supple across the palate with a generous mouth-feel, the vibrant and expressive fruit flavours lead to a smooth dry finish. It’s made to be enjoyed with food, and is extremely versatile. Fresh fish and seafood are natural accompaniments, but it will also pair beautifully with white meats like chicken, turkey, goose and pork. As an easy drinking wine you’ll find it’s compatible with fresh and fragrantly spiced cuisine.
Celebrate with the best – Fairbourne Premium Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, is terroir inspired from a single vineyard. That means it tastes like no other Sauvignon Blanc you will have tried because the ancient clay gravel soils where the vines grow, define its unique style. Unlike many other Sauvignon Blanc wines, our grapes are hand-picked for elegant and refined flavours. Sarah then works her magic, so that Fairbourne Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc consistently earns 5* reviews.

Wherever, and however you choose to celebrate Wine Day, we’d like to raise a glass to you! If you’re in the U.K. head to your local Majestic Wines store to find Fairbourne Sauvignon Blanc.

How to choose a stand out Sauvignon Blanc

August 8, 2017 by admin

There’s no doubt about it; New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has certainly tantalised the taste buds of the world. A flagship varietal that represents New Zealand in many overseas markets its popularity knows no bounds. Two years ago in the U.K., a survey of 400,000 people found the grape comes top in every British town, city and county – except (for some reason) Berkshire. Its fast rise up the hit parade in the U.S. show it to be a very serious contender to the housewife’s favourite, Chardonnay.

The popularity of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc can be attributed to many things, it has a versatility with food that makes it easy to pair with dinner party favourites, and of course it has a tantalising fresh acidity that is quite unique.

But how do you pick a superior Sauvignon Blanc? You pick Fairbourne of course! This is what makes it stand out from the crowd…

Fairbourne Premium Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, is terroir inspired from a single vineyard. What does that mean? Well, it means it tastes like no other Sauvignon Blanc you will have tried because the ancient clay gravel soils where the vines grow, define its unique style. The grapes are hand-picked for elegant and refined flavours.

Fairbourne Premium Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, is hand harvested. The difference between hand harvested Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and that harvested by machine is monumental. Flavour and palate texture from hand harvested Sauvignon Blanc is far more expressive and the wine has greater length. Sauvignon Blanc grapes have very “wild / savage” characters. Hand harvesting lessens juice contact with the more aggressive and phenolic characters of crushed skins, bunch stalks and petioles. Therefore, hand harvested grapes can produce a more focussed aroma spectrum and better express the nuances of the vineyard with a clear and powerful varietal expression.

Fairbourne Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc consistently earns 5* reviews. Bob Campbell – Master of Wine, Sam Kim and Raymond Chan have all scored five out of the previous six vintages with five stars. Reviews just in for the 2016 vintage are all 5* reviews.
Bob Campbell says impressive purity.
Raymond Chan describes it as sheer finesse.
Sam Kim extols its seductive savoury nuances.
Michael Cooper reckons it’s one of the best yet!
Read the latest reviews in full HERE.

Head to your local Majestic Wines store in the UK to find Fairbourne Sauvignon Blanc.

What’s in season? – In the UK… Jersey Royals!

May 5, 2016 by Russell

Here at Fairbourne Estate, our New Zealand summer may be coming to an end, but for all of you who enjoy our wine in the Northern Hemisphere yours is just beginning, and we understand it’s going to be a cracker of a weekend in the UK, where temperatures are set to sizzle up to 23C in weather hotter than the Mediterranean!

What better way to celebrate a beautiful early summer weekend than with a lunch time get together enjoying fresh, seasonal fare and great wine!

It’s about this time of year that delicious Jersey Royal New Potatoes are at their best… Their fabulous flavour comes from the unique growing conditions on the island of Jersey. The potatoes are often grown in fields too steep to be harvested mechanically, so are hand harvested, much like our Fairbourne Sauvignon Blamc grapes. Jersey Royals are a true seasonal delight, the crops are short-lived so enjoy them while you can.

We found this great recipe online, that includes Jersey Royals and delicious smoked salmon, we’re sure it will pair beautifully with Fairbourne Premium Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

Jersey Royals with Hot Smoked Salmon, and Watercress Salad in a Horseradish Dressing

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 2

Ingredients

500g Jersey Royal new potatoes
100g crème fraîche
1 tsp creamed horseradish
Juice of 1 lemon
2 spring onions, finely sliced
2 hot smoked salmon fillets, skinned and flaked
1 bunch watercress, rinsed

Method

Bring a pan of water to the boil. Add the potatoes and reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the potatoes for about 15 minutes or until tender
Mix together the crème fraîche and creamed horseradish. Add enough lemon juice and black pepper to taste
Drain the potatoes and leave to cool slightly. Add the spring onions and salmon. Stir in the crème fraîche mix until all the ingredients have a light coating. Toss in the watercress and serve, ether slightly warm or cold.

Head to your local Majestic Wines store in the UK to find Fairbourne Sauvignon Blanc; or shop online in New Zealand.

4 reasons that you should be drinking Fairbourne Sauvignon Blanc

April 22, 2016 by Russell

Fairbourne Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc was recently recommended in an article by the Fabulous Ladies’ Wine Society. The post is a great read and reveals the truth that Sauvignon Blanc enjoys its reputation and popularity with the ladies.Read the full article HERE.

Fortunately, there are still many of you out there with good taste. A survey carried out last year in the UK, of 400,000 people found the Sauvignon Blanc grape is top choice in every British town, city and county – (except for some strange reason Berkshire).

If you haven’t yet discovered the delights of Fairbourne Premium Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc… Here are 4 reasons you should.

Fairbourne Premium Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, is terroir inspired from a single vineyard. What does that mean? Well, it means it tastes like no other Sauvignon Blanc you will have tried because the ancient clay gravel soils where the vines grow, define its unique style.
The grapes used to make Fairbourne Sauvignon Blanc are hand-picked for elegant and refined flavours. Most new world Sauvignon Blanc, including Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, is machine harvested. The difference between hand harvested Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and that harvested by machine is monumental. Flavour and palate texture from hand harvested Sauvignon Blanc is far more expressive and the wine has greater length.
Fairbourne Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc consistently earns 5* reviews… As an example our 2014 vintage scored 5*, (between 93-100 on the 100 point scale, and between 18.5 to 20.0 on the 20 point scale), from esteemed wine critics Raymond Chan, Bob Campbell, Wine Orbit and Michael Cooper.
Our wine is extremely versatile. It has the capacity to honour plain, simple seafood, fresh oysters and steamed mussels, as well as salmon. Pair it with white meats like chicken and pork, and even if these are served with herb sauces or rubs the Sauvignon Blanc holds it own. The wine’s vibrant flavors also compliment spicy and ethnic cuisines.

You can buy yours HERE, and we’ll deliver free throughout New Zealand.

Or contact your local Majestic Wines in the UK.

3 Reasons to give Fairbourne this Christmas

December 14, 2015 by admin

fairbourne-gift-box ’tis the season to celebrate with friends and family, and we want to help you guarantee the perfect toast! Over the next week or so, in various food, life and style magazines you’ll likely read numerous articles giving a round up of different wines from New Zealand and around the world that make great gifts.

Now you might think we’re a little biased, and we’ll admit we probably are, but we believe the best wine gift you can give this Christmas is Fairbourne Premium Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Here’s why!

Fairbourne Premium Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, is terroir inspired from a single vineyard. What does that mean? Well, it means it tastes like no other Sauvignon Blanc you will have tried because the ancient clay gravel soils where the vines grow, define its unique style. The grapes are hand-picked for elegant and refined flavours.
Fairbourne Premium Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, is extremely versatile. It has the capacity to honour plain, simple seafood, fresh oysters and steamed mussels, as well as salmon. Pair it with white meats like chicken and pork, and even if these are served with herb sauces or rubs the Sauvignon Blanc holds it own. The wine’s vibrant flavors also compliment spicy and ethnic cuisines.
Fairbourne Premium Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, is a gift that will get better with age. Unlike many Sauvignon Blanc wines, Fairbourne will be as good, if not better if the lucky recipient decides to cellar their gift. Raymond Chan recently re-reviewed our Fairbourne 13, it kept its five star rating and Raymond said it was… “better with bottle age.”

Whether you decide to send a single or twin luxury gift box, a case of six of the 2013 vintage or a very special 6 bottle “vertical tasting” case (which includes one bottle of each vintage – 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013), we know that your friends and family will love Fairbourne. Plus we ship FREE throughout New Zealand.

Shop online HERE.

Fairbourne – A Super Savvie

October 1, 2015 by Russell

Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, has recently published a list of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc wines that he expects to be super savvies, and we’re pleased to say we’re on the list!

Bob says that he expects Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from 2015 to be a very special vintage, and we couldn’t agree more.

Read his article HERE.

Screen Shot 2015-09-30 at 11.26.54 am Sarah & I feel like we’re double dipping as far as vintage goes this year. Having had a wonderful New Zealand harvest earlier in the year, we’re thrilled to be ensconced in Chavignol, Sancerre for another harvest.

We’ve been part of the third earliest harvest in the region since 1976! We’ve been earning our keep… Picking is completed by picking into a bucket, once full, these are transferred to the Hotte, (pronounced ‘OT’).
Then the Hotte is emptied into the trailer. The Hotte carries an average load of 65-70 kg, 80 kg if full!

Sarah’s been helping with the processing, and getting a regular dose of cellar envy…

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It won’t be long before we head back to New Zealand and we’ll be bringing some “old world” knowledge from Sancerre; that we know will translate into another stellar Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc…

Five inspired Father’s day gifts for wine lovers…

August 25, 2015 by admin

fairbourne-gift-box Father’s Day, a celebration honouring fathers, celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds and the influence of fathers in society was inaugurated in the United States in the early 20th century to complement Mother’s Day. The day we celebrate this occasion in New Zealand, falls on the first Sunday in September. With that date (6th September) not far away, it’s time to think about how you’re going to spoil Dad this year.

We’ve done the research so you don’t have to… If your Dad loves wine, he’ll love these gifts… In no particular order;

For the cyclist – Bicycle Wine Rack – This handmade tan leather bicycle wine rack is perfect for taking wine with you on the go. It easily attaches to most bike frames with antique brass fasteners, while the hidden clamps hold the bottle securely.
For the gracious host – Wine Barrel Platters – Clever craftsmanship and a love of rustic charm, prove to be the perfect mix when working with beautiful retired wine barrels sourced from wineries throughout New Zealand.
For the perfectionist – Spiegelau White Wine Glasses – Perfect wine tastes better in the perfect glass; find out why HERE
For the collector – Smythson Mara Collection Hard Bound Cellar Book – The man who loves to collect fine wine will want to record it diligently. These cellar books are the most beautiful we have found.
Premium Hand Picked Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc – From Fairbourne – We’ll always save the best until last….

What is Terroir?

August 17, 2015 by Russell

Have you ever wondered what Terroir means? Look it up in a dictionary and you’ll be given a definition that reads something like this…

The complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, including factors such as the soil, topography, and climate.

But Sarah and I believe it’s more than that, as well as a sense of place, our interpretation of the word includes a sense of behaviour and a sense of culture.

Whilst it’s true that in terms of terroir, a wine’s flavour and structural characteristics can reflect soil types and climate; it can also reflect the nature of the winemaker and importantly the processes they adopt.

When we introduced Fairbourne to the discerning London market, the client was looking for a new world wine to bridge the gap between the popular “Marlborough style” and their serious Sancerre wines of the Loire Valley. Looking for a wine that represented where it was grown, the ability to age gracefully and some of the vibrancy of new world Sauvignon Blanc. Fairbourne was the wine they chose to meet that new market segment and we have been supplying for the past 6 vintages. Consistency is also sought after by buyers looking at super premium wines.

We committed Fairbourne to varietal specialisation and sustainably managed vines to grow consistent, site specific premium Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Our grapes are hand-picked from a single site and grown on a hillside vineyard with clay gravel soils. Restraint is the key influence of the Fairbourne winemaking philosophy. Grapes are fermented as site batches with neutral yeast to capture their individual fruit and site expressions. Fermentation is managed in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks over a four week period. The batches are carefully blended, including a small portion barrel fermented in new French oak, this creates a silky entry, which generously ascends across the palate with a supple texture and dry finish.

Because our wines are terroir inspired, it probably serves as no surprise, that Sarah and I have always been intrigued by Sancerre; we’re excited to be heading to the Loire Valley in a few weeks time to ensconce ourselves in a French harvest. We’ll be sharing our travels on the blog, so stay tuned… There will undoubtedly be some culinary delights to share!

LoireValley

3 tips to extending your Sauvignon Summer…

April 18, 2015 by Sarah

As the cooler months approach it’s often tempting to abandon your beautifully chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc for something warmer and red, but there’s no reason why you can’t continue to serve and enjoy our hand picked Fairbourne Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc throughout winter.

Here are our top three tips for an endless Sauvignon summer….

Enjoy with a weekend lunch… We’re so lucky with our New Zealand climate, we have some stunning winter days, so stay rugged up, but sit outside and soak up the rays, your Sauvignon will taste just like it does on a summer’s evening.
Change up your menu… Think about how you cook your fish, grilled salmon is beautiful for summer, but try poaching it in winter to release a whole different set of flavours. Spice things up, add fennel or star anise to chicken and pork dishes. A mid week Asian spiced stir fry with cruciferous winter veggies is a perfect match for Sauvignon Blanc.
Get things warmed up… Okay, not too warm! Our Fairbourne Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is best served chilled between 14 and 16°C (52 and 61°F), so in the winter months you might want to take it right up to the 16°C.