The answer for Howard Park Wines is adjusting production techniques on its Margaret River and Great Southern vineyard to get something a little different into the bottle.
"[NZ Sauvignon Blanc has] been very successful, but it's not something Australia could replicate because we aren't New Zealand," said Natalie Burch, Operations Manager and Director for Howard Park Wines. "So producers, like ourselves, who have Sauvignon Blanc planted have looked at how to differentiate ourselves and make the wines more interesting to drink."
The aim for Burch Family Wines, is to create exceptional quality savvy b that's also food friendly.
"The main difference is oak," Burch said. "We tend to do a little barrel fermentation in French oak or extended lees/skin contact. It softens the fruit acidity of the wine a little and adds more richness and complexity."
Nepenthe, located in South Australia, is another winery trying to get more Aussies buying and drinking locally made sauvignon blanc. Chief Winemaker James Evers believes our grapes tend to offer more tropical flavours and texture than those grown in New Zealand.
“Though New Zealand still holds the lions share when it comes to the sauvignon blanc category, the Australian growth suggests that people are catching on to the fact that our style of wine, in stark contrast to its New Zealand counterpart, is more approachable, tropical and textural,” Evers said.
“Our sauvignon blanc is designed for our climate, our food and our way of life and consumers can taste its versatility. Australian winemakers can see the power of this varietal and are throwing everything but the kitchen sink at the winemaking process to make our style more exciting for consumers.”
Demand for Australian-made sauvignon blanc has risen in recent years, as has the amount Australian winemakers are planting and sauvignon blanc is now the second-largest white variety produced here.
"Domestic sauvignon blanc production has increased steadily as surging demand for popular New Zealand sauvignon blancs has prompted local wineries to try to emulate their success," IBISWorld Senior Industry Analyst, Andrew Ledovskikh explained.
As local demand and production grows, innovation in the wine industry is expected to become a bigger focus as Australian winemakers become more eager to reclaim the white wine market.
“It’s a very exciting time in the industry; overall, the wines Australia are making now are better than we’ve ever made before because it is hypercompetitive,” says Burch. “There’s so much to try and enjoy. It’s a great time to be an Australian wine drinker.”
Share the content
