2022 Catalina Sounds Sauvignon Blanc

The Valmorbida family, owners of Joval Family Wines, didn’t start out in the wine business. Rather they were food importers from Italy who, when they immigrated to Australia, found themselves missing the food of their home country. Thus, was born a food and beverage company that became known for importing Italian olive oil, espresso, and tomatoes. 

In 1978, with the purchase of Mitchelton Winery, the Valmorbidas expanded their business interests to include wine. John Valmorbida, whose father Carlo was the Italian-born patriarch of the family, gave John control of the winery’s business-side, and it was there that John saw the value in bringing more wine brands into the fold. 

Joval Family Wines has properties throughout New Zealand and Australia, but what they did not have was an outpost in the region where Sauvignon Blanc is king, Marlborough. 

Catalina Sounds Winemaker Matthew Ward

The winemaking efforts at Catalina Sounds are led by Matt Ward, a Marlborough native, who has held the position for the last three years. Prior to joining Catalina Sounds, Matt worked as the head winemaker at Wither Hills and Mahi Wines and also worked harvests in the United States at Penner-Ash, and in Burgundy’s Domaine De Montille, which in the Côte-d’Or’s enchanting Meursault commune.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

New Zealand is famous for its Sauvignon Blanc, and Marlborough, a region on the country’s South Island that lies just north of Christchurch, is famous for its interpretation of this white Bordeaux grape. In fact, the grape is so prolific here that it accounts for almost 90% of the country’s Sauvignon Blanc production.

As a commercial wine region, Marlborough is relatively new to the wine scene. Intrepid grape growers began experimenting with Sauvignon Blanc in the early 1970s, and it didn’t take long for them to recognize the potential in this sunny, cool-climate enclave.

Marlborough is divided into three sub-regions: Waihopai Valley, Southern Valleys, and the Awatere Valley, and Catalina Sounds sources their fruit from all three Marlborough districts, each with their own unique terroir. 

Half the grapes in the 2022 Catalina Sound Sauvignon Blanc come from the Sound of White vineyard, which lies within the Southern Valleys sub-region, and which Catalina Sounds owns. The remaining fruit is sourced from grower-owned vineyards in Fairhall, Rapaura, and Spring Creek. In addition to Sauvignon Blanc, the winery also has plantings of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris in this vineyard. The planting at 650 feet above sea level elevated sits within its own microclimate, which helps the grapes achieve their bracing acidity.

Marlborough vs. Loire Sauvignon Blanc

Perhaps the two most recognized Sauvignon Blanc regions are France’s Loire Valley and New Zealand’s Marlborough district. While the grape thrives in both wine regions, the resulting wines have noticeably different profiles due to the varying climates. 

Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire is subtle in its “greenness.” A slight grassy quality immediately comes to mind during blind tastings, as do green apples, peaches, and a steel flintiness.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, on the other hand, has an intense nose and palate. The same grassiness is present, but the volume of the aromas and the palate are really turned up. These wines are also known for their notes of tropical fruit, in addition to citrus and green fruits.

Both wines are known for their refreshing acidity, minerality, and zest-filled finish.