Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc is a wine that has become synonymous with quality and consistency. This New Zealand-based winery has been producing world-class Sauvignon Blanc since the late 1990s, and its wines continue to be some of the most sought-after and critically acclaimed in the world. In this article, we will explore the history and philosophy of Kim Crawford Wines, the characteristics of its Sauvignon Blanc, and why it is a must-try for any wine lover.
Kim Crawford Wines was founded in 1996 by Kim Crawford, a winemaker from New Zealand. The winery quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality Sauvignon Blanc, and it has since expanded to include other varietals such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
The winery is based in the Marlborough region of New Zealand, which is known for its cool climate and stony soils. These conditions are ideal for growing Sauvignon Blanc grapes, and the region is now the largest producer of the varietal in New Zealand.
Who is Kim Crawford?
Kim Crawford is the founder of Kim Crawford Wines, a New Zealand-based winery known for producing world-class Sauvignon Blancs. Crawford was born in New Zealand and developed a passion for winemaking at a young age. He began his career as a winemaker in New Zealand and later moved to California, where he worked at a number of wineries before returning to New Zealand to start his own winery.
In 1996, Crawford founded Kim Crawford Wines in the Marlborough region of New Zealand. The winery quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality Sauvignon Blancs and has since expanded to include other varietals such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Crawford is known for his commitment to quality and sustainability, and his focus on single vineyard selection has led to the production of wines that are consistently of the highest quality. He is also a renowned winemaker and his wines have received numerous awards and accolades.
Crawford continues to play a vital role in the winery and is actively involved in the winemaking process and the management of the vineyards. His experience and passion for winemaking have been instrumental in the success of Kim Crawford Wines.
The Philosophy of Kim Crawford Wines
Quality over Quantity: Kim Crawford Wines is committed to producing high-quality wines and does not compromise on quality for the sake of quantity.
Sustainable Practices: The winery uses sustainable practices in the vineyards and winery to minimize its impact on the environment.
Single Vineyard Selection: Kim Crawford Wines selects the best grapes from a single vineyard to produce its wines, ensuring that each bottle is of the highest quality.
The Flavor Profile of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is known for its intense aromas and flavors, which are influenced by the cool climate and stony soils of the region where it is grown. Some of the most common flavors and aromas found in New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc include:
Tropical fruits: Passionfruit, guava, and grapefruit are common flavors found in New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, giving the wine a bright and fruity character.
Citrus: Lemon, lime, and grapefruit are also common flavors found in the wine, adding a refreshing and zesty character.
Herbs: Notes of fresh herbs, such as basil and thyme, can also be found in the wine, adding complexity and depth.
Minerality: The stony soils of the Marlborough region, in particular, can impart a mineral character to the wine, giving it a distinct and unique flavor profile.
Gooseberry: This is a specific character of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, it gives the wine a distinct and unique flavor, that can not be find in other regions.
Overall, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is known for its intense and expressive flavor profile, which is characterized by its bright acidity and tropical fruit and citrus flavors. These flavors and aromas make it an easy-drinking and refreshing wine that is perfect for any occasion.
The Characteristics of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc
Intense Aromas: Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc is known for its intense aromas of tropical fruits, such as passionfruit and grapefruit.
Crisp and Refreshing: The wine has a high acidity that makes it crisp and refreshing, perfect for hot summer days.
Long Finish: The wine has a long finish that lingers on the palate, making it a wine that is easy to appreciate and enjoy.
Why You Should Try Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc
Consistency: Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc is a wine that is consistently of high quality, vintage after vintage.
Recognition: The wine has received numerous awards and accolades, including being named the best Sauvignon Blanc at the Decanter World Wine Awards.
Versatility: The wine is versatile and pairs well with a wide range of dishes, making it perfect for any occasion.
The Vineyards and Regions
Kim Crawford sources grapes from a variety of vineyards and regions in New Zealand to produce its Sauvignon Blanc. The majority of the grapes come from the Marlborough region, which is known for its cool climate and stony soils. These conditions provide the perfect environment for growing Sauvignon Blanc grapes, which are known for their intense aromas and flavors.
The winery also sources grapes from other regions such as Hawke’s Bay, Waipara and Gisborne. These regions have different terroirs and climates, which contribute to the unique characteristics and complexity of the wine.
The Winemaking Techniques
The winemaking techniques used by Kim Crawford for its Sauvignon Blanc are designed to retain the wine’s natural acidity and flavors. The grapes are carefully hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed to extract the juice. The juice is then fermented in stainless steel tanks at cool temperatures to preserve the wine’s freshness and aromatics.
The wine is then aged for a short period of time on its lees, which adds complexity and a creamy texture to the wine. This technique is called sur lie aging.
The Different Styles
Kim Crawford produces several different styles of Sauvignon Blanc, each with its own unique flavor profile. The winery’s “Classic” Sauvignon Blanc is unoaked and is known for its intense aromas and flavors of tropical fruits and citrus. The “Reserve” Sauvignon Blanc is aged in oak barrels, which add complexity and depth to the wine’s flavor profile. The oak also adds vanilla, butter and toast-like flavors to the wine.
Food Pairing Recommendations
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc is a versatile wine that pairs well with a wide range of dishes. It’s high acidity and intense flavors make it the perfect match for seafood, especially oysters, scallops, and fish. The wine also pairs well with salads, herbs, and vegetables such as asparagus and green beans. When it comes to cuisine, Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc goes well with Asian flavors such as ginger and lemongrass, and spicy dishes such as Thai and Mexican.
Aging Potential
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc is best enjoyed young and fresh, within 2-3 years of the vintage. The wine’s bright acidity and intense aromas and flavors begin to fade as it ages, so it is not typically aged for long periods of time.
Purchase and Storage
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc can be found in wine shops and online retailers. When purchasing the wine, look for a recent vintage (within 2-3 years) and check the label for the region and winery. To store the wine, keep it in a cool, dark place, such as a wine cellar or refrigerator. The ideal temperature for storing wine is around 12-15°C. Once opened, a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc should be consumed within 3-5 days.
Critical Reception
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc has received numerous awards and accolades from wine critics and experts. The wine has been rated highly in blind tastings and competitions and has been consistently praised for its quality and consistency. Wine critics have noted the wine’s intense aromas and flavors, crisp acidity, and long finish, which make it easy to appreciate and enjoy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc is a wine that is synonymous with quality and consistency. The winery’s commitment to quality and sustainable practices, along with its focus on single vineyard selection, has led to the production of a wine that is consistently of the highest quality. The wine’s intense aromas, crisp acidity, and long finish make it easy to appreciate and enjoy, and it has received numerous awards and accolades for its quality. If you are looking for a Sauvignon Blanc that is sure to impress, give Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc a try.
Hi, I’m Rachel Edwards and I enjoy a glass of wine as much as the rest of them. Well, maybe slightly more.
My parents own a vineyard in Napa Valley and were constantly making new wines for the locals to try. Their brand was one of the most popular across the US at one point. My sister and I loved running up and down the vines, picking the grapes for our parents, and even helping with the ideas.
Since moving out of the family home, my love for wine has not waivered - in fact, I consider myself somewhat of a connoisseur. I’m always the one to bring the wine to our girly gatherings, family meals, and picnics - let me know what we’re doing, and I’ll supply the goods.
