Clos Henri : "Otira" Sauvignon Blanc 2021

The finesse and freshness of a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

The estate

Nestling in the foothills of the Wairau Valley in Marlborough, Clos Henri is a great New Zealand estate run by a Sancerre landmark: the Bourgeois family, winemakers for 10 generations. Eager to reveal the finest terroirs of Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, Rémi and Jean-Marie Bourgeois set out to explore the world to find their pearl. After a long search, the family decided to set up in New Zealand, founding Clos Henri in 2000. Today, the estate comprises 110 hectares of vines, 42 hectares of which are certified organic.

The vineyard

Rich in glacial soils, the estate has one of the most varied terroirs in the Marlborough Valley. Marked by three distinct geological periods, the soil is made up of layers of Aeolian clay and rolled pebbles.

Clos Henri Otira Sauvignon Blanc 2021 stems from the "Otira" plot, a rich terroir of rolled stones and glacial rocks.

Winemaking and ageing

Following a gentle pressing, 85% of the must was placed in stainless steel vats to begin fermentation, while the remaining 15% fermented spontaneously in old French oak barrels and 600-litre Austrian demi-muids.  The wine was then aged on its fine lees for eight months, before being placed in stainless steel vats and barrels for a further six months.

Grape variety

Sauvignon Blanc

Characteristics and tasting tips for Otira Sauvignon Blanc 2021 from Clos Henri

Tasting

Nose
The nose is fresh and intense, with white peach, preserved lemon and elderflower scents.

Palate
Delicate and structured, the palate unveils an intense freshness, graced by a lovely acidity and a full finish.