Astrolabe Kekerengu Coast Albariño 2025

Salty Albariño

Albariño is the leading white grape variety of the Atlantic coast of Galicia in northwestern Spain. It's known as "a wine that suits the sea," imbued with sea breeze and ocean minerals.

Commercial planting of Albariño in New Zealand began in 2009. Although the cultivated area is gradually expanding, it is still considered a rare variety.

Simon Waghorn of Astrolabe has focused on this variety since its early days, continuously making wine from grapes grown in Kēkerengū Coast, the southernmost region of Marlborough.

Kēkerengū Coast as a Wine Region

Located south of Blenheim, Kēkerengū is a narrow coastal strip sandwiched between the sea and mountains. Far south of Marlborough's main sub-regions like Wairau Valley and Awatere Valley, it boasts an extremely maritime climate.

Cold southerly winds blow across the entire Marlborough region, making this area quite cool.

The Albariño vineyards spread across low river terraces with limestone-rich loam soil. These vineyards are the first to bud among all Astrolabe's growing sites. Nevertheless, harvesting is the last among all varieties.

Early bud break and late harvest. Yes, this long growing season brings unique complexity to the grapes.

About the Winemaking

After hand-picking, the grapes undergo whole bunch pressing. A portion undergoes malolactic fermentation in old barrels, followed by aging on lees. Without excessive manipulation, the unique character of Kēkerengū is bottled as is.

Tasting Notes

Pale gold in color.

Upon pouring, aromas of plum and white peach emerge.

On the palate, it's fresh and crisp. A refreshing minerality reminiscent of limestone and a hint of rock salt follow. The finish is remarkably long and salty.

Dry and kissed by the sea breeze—it's a wine with a unique character, like a memory of the ocean.

About Aging

While enjoyable now, it also has aging potential. By cellaring for 3-5 years, the fruitiness will mellow slightly, and the minerality and saltiness will be expressed more deeply.

Pairing

It pairs particularly well with dishes that are enhanced by rock salt.

• Sea Bream and Herb Carpaccio (The delicate umami of white fish harmonizes beautifully with the wine's saltiness)
• Octopus and Olive Ajillo (Olive oil and seafood complement the wine's minerality)
• Seafood Tempura (The savory crispness of the batter and the wine's acidity provide a refreshing contrast)

There's also a Sauvignon Blanc with a hint of sea air, also from the Kēkerengū Coast. We encourage you to compare the character of this region across different grape varieties.

→ Click here for Astrolabe Kēkerengū Coast Sauvignon Blanc

About the Winery "Astrolabe"

Astrolabe is a Marlborough winery established in 1996 by winemaker and owner Simon Waghorn with his wife and friends.

The name "Astrolabe" refers to a French ship that arrived on the Marlborough coast in the early 19th century, and it means "astronomical instrument."

When the winery was first established, they sold wine in small quantities without labels, but their high quality gradually became known. From 2001, they began releasing wine under the "Astrolabe" label. Exports to the UK also started, and their popularity has grown year by year.

A unique characteristic of Astrolabe, rare among NZ wines imported into Japan, is its use of grapes from the small region of Kēkerengū. Among these, the Sauvignon Blanc bearing its name can be considered a defining wine for this winery.

Additionally, 80% of their wine production is Sauvignon Blanc, and renowned NZ wine critic Bob Campbell MW highly praises them, stating, "Astrolabe is undoubtedly at the pinnacle of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc producers."

About the Marlborough Region

Marlborough is the heart of New Zealand's wine-producing regions.

With abundant sunshine and large diurnal temperature variations, favorable natural conditions for grape growing are all present, leading to over 80% of NZ wine being produced in Marlborough.

Among these, Sauvignon Blanc, characterized by its crisp acidity and abundant fruit flavors, boasts overwhelming production volumes and is widely loved globally for its unique character. For red wines, Pinot Noir, with its appealing rich berry fruit flavors, is popular.

Astrolabe Kēkerengū Coast Albariño 2025