Hunter's Wines, a pioneering estate in Marlborough, New Zealand, presents their Offshoot Sauvignon Blanc Pét-Nat 2022. This expression deviates from conventional sparkling wine production, embracing the ancestral method, or *pétillant naturel*. The process involves bottling the wine before primary fermentation is complete, allowing the residual sugars to ferment in bottle, creating natural effervescence. This minimal intervention approach typically results in a wine that is unfiltered, often displaying a slight haze, and free from added sulphites or dosage. It offers a direct and unadulterated reflection of the Sauvignon Blanc varietal, showcasing Marlborough's characteristic aromatic intensity alongside a unique textural dimension imparted by its natural carbonation.
Tasting notes
The 2022 Offshoot Pét-Nat presents a pale, slightly cloudy straw hue, indicative of its ancestral method production. On the nose, vibrant aromas of passionfruit, lime zest, and green apple are interwoven with subtle autolytic notes of brioche and a hint of saline minerality. The palate is exhilaratingly fresh, with a fine, persistent mousse that carries flavours of crisp gooseberry, grapefruit, and a delicate herbaceous undertone. Its dry finish is clean and invigorating, marked by a refreshing acidity and a lingering complexity derived from its natural fermentation.