Have you ever found yourself sipping a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and wondering, “Where does that passionfruit flavour come from?” It’s a question that many new wine lovers have considered. 

It’s a great question—one topic we have never brushed on before. After all, passionfruit is a tropical flavour, and it seems only natural that it should be an ingredient added into Sauvignon Blanc. But here’s the thing, passionfruit doesn’t actually get added to the wine at all. Instead, it’s the result of the unique combination of elements in the vineyard.

The tropical flavours that have many reaching for a second sip emerge naturally from the terroir—the distinctive mix of soil, climate, and topography—that defines the vineyard where the grapes are grown. It’s this magic blend, combined with the specific grape variety, that shapes the final flavour of the wine. So, when you’re sipping on a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, you’re experiencing the terroir and the grape variety in its purest, most delicious form.

Marlborough's terroir is unique because it is one of the few regions in the world with a maritime climate, which allows Sauvignon Blanc to express both tropical and green characteristics. Of course, our talented winemakers incorporate certain techniques to further enhance these natural flavours. We could go into more detail but that’s a story best told by the professionals.

For those who may be thinking, “Passionfruit? All I taste is wine,” you’re not alone! Many first-time wine drinkers, especially with Sauvignon Blanc, might initially find that most wines taste the same—acidic and alcoholic. However, with a bit of training and a broad range of wines to taste, things start to click. Gradually (over a safe duration of wine consumption), wine drinkers begin to recognise the distinct characteristics in each glass.

For those looking to train their palate and gain a true understanding of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and world wine knowledge, follow our team in completing a WSET certification, and learn how to truly appreciate how to sniff, swirl, and savour the subtle details in each wine. Sauvignon Blanc offers a range of flavours, from fresh tropical fruit to greener, tomato-leaf-like notes. The advice here? Don’t decide after just one sip. It’s worth trying both styles of Sauvignon Blanc to find the one that keeps you coming back for more.

So next time you’re enjoying a glass of Marlborough Sun Sauvignon Blanc, and that passionfruit flavour pops up, remember it’s not something that’s added—it’s a natural gift from the terroir.

Sip away and remember to live life in the Marlborough Sun.

Have you ever found yourself sipping a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and wondering, “Where does that passionfruit flavour come from?” It’s a question that many new wine lovers have considered. 

It’s a great question—one topic we have never brushed on before. After all, passionfruit is a tropical flavour, and it seems only natural that it should be an ingredient added into Sauvignon Blanc. But here’s the thing, passionfruit doesn’t actually get added to the wine at all. Instead, it’s the result of the unique combination of elements in the vineyard.

The tropical flavours that have many reaching for a second sip emerge naturally from the terroir—the distinctive mix of soil, climate, and topography—that defines the vineyard where the grapes are grown. It’s this magic blend, combined with the specific grape variety, that shapes the final flavour of the wine. So, when you’re sipping on a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, you’re experiencing the terroir and the grape variety in its purest, most delicious form.

Marlborough's terroir is unique because it is one of the few regions in the world with a maritime climate, which allows Sauvignon Blanc to express both tropical and green characteristics. Of course, our talented winemakers incorporate certain techniques to further enhance these natural flavours. We could go into more detail but that’s a story best told by the professionals.

For those who may be thinking, “Passionfruit? All I taste is wine,” you’re not alone! Many first-time wine drinkers, especially with Sauvignon Blanc, might initially find that most wines taste the same—acidic and alcoholic. However, with a bit of training and a broad range of wines to taste, things start to click. Gradually (over a safe duration of wine consumption), wine drinkers begin to recognise the distinct characteristics in each glass.

For those looking to train their palate and gain a true understanding of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and world wine knowledge, follow our team in completing a WSET certification, and learn how to truly appreciate how to sniff, swirl, and savour the subtle details in each wine. Sauvignon Blanc offers a range of flavours, from fresh tropical fruit to greener, tomato-leaf-like notes. The advice here? Don’t decide after just one sip. It’s worth trying both styles of Sauvignon Blanc to find the one that keeps you coming back for more.

So next time you’re enjoying a glass of Marlborough Sun Sauvignon Blanc, and that passionfruit flavour pops up, remember it’s not something that’s added—it’s a natural gift from the terroir.

Sip away and remember to live life in the Marlborough Sun.