The new Porcupine Ridge South Island Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc may have been made in New Zealand, but it carries the fingerprints of one of South Africa’s most respected wine producers, creating a bottle that spans nearly 11,000 kilometres and two very different winemaking traditions.
The journey began at ProWein, one of the world’s largest wine exhibitions, held annually in Düsseldorf, Germany. Conversations between wine professionals sparked an idea: what would happen if the vibrant, fruit-driven character of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc could be combined with the winemaking philosophy behind one of South Africa’s most popular wine brands?
For Boekenhoutskloof founder Marc Kent, the answer was worth exploring.
Marc Kent
Known for creating wines that consistently punch above their weight, Kent travelled to New Zealand’s South Island last year to work alongside a respected family-owned wine business in Marlborough, a region synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc.
.The new wine celebrates the traditions of both countries while remaining unmistakably Marlborough in style.
South Island vines
On the nose, it offers intense aromas of gooseberry, tropical fruit and fresh herbs. The palate delivers layers of passionfruit, kiwi, lime and citrus, supported by bright natural acidity and a crisp finish that makes it an ideal companion for seafood, summer salads or simply a warm afternoon with friends.
For wine lovers, the release offers an opportunity to experience one of the world’s great wine regions through the lens of a familiar South African label.
Typical NZ winelands
For travellers, it is a reminder of the connections that increasingly link the Southern Hemisphere’s wine destinations. Both the Cape Winelands and Marlborough are defined by dramatic landscapes, maritime climates and a deep commitment to producing wines that reflect their surroundings.
Cape winelands
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The result is a wine with an unusual passport. It is New Zealand in origin, South African in inspiration and international in outlook.
Porcupine Ridge South Island Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is available online from inVINcible, select retail outlets and Boekenhoutskloof at R180.