Pale straw color; grapefruit, citrus, lime, green apple, grass on the nose; grapefruit, lemon-lime, green apple, pear, passion fruit on the palate.
Dry; excellent acidity (3.12 pH); medium-plus body. Bright, clean fruit-forward. Blend of fruits from Awatere, Waihopai, and Lower Wairau valleys. Fermented in stainless steel; no oak or tannins. Delivers some classic Marlborough sauv blanc bell pepper and herbaceous notes, but by no means obnoxious. Bright, clean. Pleasingly long finish. 13% ABV
Classic Marlborough sauv blanc from Māori—the first people of Aotearoa/New Zealand—winery. Māori exemplify respect for the sea and have been kaitiaki (guardians) of the sea and land for generations. The winery notes: “Our Kono wine has been carefully prepared for you in the spirit of our traditions; a celebration of our harvest, our people, and our culture.”
“Kono” is a flex-woven food basket. A special basket, filled with special food for family and friends. It represents warmth of heart and generosity of spirit. The website continues: “An essential part of Māori culture is our desire to feed and nurture people. Sharing food is a traditional way of bringing people together. We demonstrate our love and respect for people by providing them with outstanding food and wine.”
Bruce Taylor is the chief winemaker. Anna McCarty is the winemaker. Murray Trower is the viticulture manager.
Kono Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 2021 is crisp, refreshing, vibrant easy-sipping winner. It is nicely balanced with zesty acidity and undercurrent of minerality. The fruit is so clean and direct there is the illusion of sweetness, but this is solidly a dry, great acidity, classic NV sauv blanc. Salad in a glass. Pair with shellfish; chicken; green vegetables, especially in salads; vegetarian fare in general; charcuterie board. Cheese—classic pairing is with goat cheese; asiago, gouda, gruyere, fetea. $14-15
Kono wines website, interesting video
