Rimapere ‘Single Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Grape Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Growing Region: Marlborough - NZ
Director / Winemaker: Anne Escalle
I need to get back down to Marlborough again soon and spend some quality time in the vineyards & winery with Anne and the crew. This picturesque estate was purchased by the Edmond de Rothschild Heritage Group in 2012. The 24-hectare property is located in the renowned Rapaura district at the heart of the Marlborough wine region. Benjamin de Rothschild (who sadly passed away in 2021) decided to create a world-class Sauvignon Blanc under the name Rimapere. Rimapere means ‘Five Arrows’ in Māori, a term that pays tribute to both the Rothschild family coat of arms (five arrows, symbolising the five sons of dynasty founder Mayer Amschel Rothschild) - and the traditional New Zealand culture.
Rimapere uses the turquoise colour on their label, inspired by the mesmerising hue seen in the Wairau River that runs near the vineyard. This area’s cool climate is perfect for ripening high quality Sauvignon Blanc grapes that translates into a confident expression. The single vineyard used for this wine practices both sustainable viticulture along with being organically certificated for this vintage. A small portion of fruit for this wine was hand-picked, and the rest mechanically harvested for speed and retention of all those vibrant fresh characters. After a controlled vinification in stainless steel tanks (between 12° - 16°C) for 2-3 weeks. The wine was allowed to develop with minimal intervention for around 4 months before tasting and bottling.
★ A bright pale straw colour with a light lime hue illuminates your glass. On the signature Marlborough aromatics, you have citrus and grapefruit notes, along with white blossom and a deft note of lemongrass. These leap carefree onto the upbeat palate showcasing those citrus, grapefruit, green capsicum flavours and a small splash of passionfruit engage, celebrating a vivaciousness, a signature of Marlborough and with the distinctive Rapaura flint and mineral seam. These are kept focused towards the finish line by a varietal kiss of acidity and culminating with a clean and energetic dismount.
This 2024 Rimapere ‘Single Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc has 13% Alc./vol. Classic Dry Style. Chill gently and serve in an appropriate light-aromatic shaped wine glass at 7°- 8°C • *NZ$30.00
CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Review 4/12/24)
Drinking perfectly this summer season; plus, should hold nicely for another 16 - 18 months.
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with steamed fish served w/ asparagus on a bed of risotto, a range of simple seafood dishes like mussels in white wine & parsley, ceviche, sushi, pesto & lemon pasta, and lightly seasoned vegetarian cuisine - enjoy.