Villa Maria ‘Seaspray’ Sauvignon Blanc 2022/23, Marlborough

If you think all Marlborough Sauvignon tastes the same, this characterful wine will make you think again. Villa Maria have been at the helm of the New Zealand Wine industry for 60 years, so it's safe to say they're experts in Sauvignon. The Seaspray vineyard is perched on the rugged eastern coastline of the Awatere Valley, where the vines are freshened by gusts of sea air. That means a slow growing season, where grapes develop astounding concentration and punch. Expect lively acidity and flavours of kaffir lime, capsicum and fresh herbs, plus a distinctive briny seashell character. As for a food match? Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is always a winner with seafood. In 2022, this wine won an IWC award for the 2021 vintage.