High-quality SB with depth

Folium Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2023

Folium is a small winery in Marlborough run by Japanese winemaker Takeki Okada.

The foundation of this style lies in his experience at Clos Henri , the winery he worked at before going independent. Clos Henri was chosen by Henri Bourgeois, a prestigious winery in the Loire region of France, as the base for his overseas expansion. Despite being based in Marlborough, he has inherited the Loire philosophy of prioritizing rich, savory flavors rather than pursuing the typical flamboyant aromas.

Okada-san trained there and mastered winemaking that doesn't rely too much on fruitiness. This style is present in all of Folium's wines, but I feel it is particularly evident in this Reserve.

This wine, made from old Sauvignon Blanc vines planted in 1996, has a layered flavor that gradually unfolds, supported by a crisp acidity. The finish is deep and lingering. While not fruity, it is a "Sauvignon Blanc for adults" that is full of flavor.

Taste characteristics

The first thing you taste is a refreshing lemon-like flavor, gently enveloping it with the fullness of pear. Towards the end, a calming herbal note reminiscent of chamomile emerges, giving the wine a unique depth. The fruitiness is mild, but the umami flavors are layered one on top of the other, drawing the drinker in. This wine can be described as having an exceptionally high quality.

Pairing

The appeal of this wine is its gentleness and rich flavor, and it pairs well with food to bring out its nuances.

• White fish carpaccio: Thinly sliced ​​fresh sea bream or flounder with a touch of olive oil and citrus. The acidity of the wine brings out the sweetness of the fish, leaving a refreshing aftertaste.
• Grilled Chicken: Chicken thighs simply grilled with salt and herbs. The aroma and juiciness are beautifully brought together by the acidity and depth of the wine. It pairs particularly well with rosemary and thyme.
• The light bitterness of the fried asparagus and zucchini resonates with the chamomile-like nuances of the wine. The acidity washes away the richness of the frying oil.
• White mold cheese (Camembert or Brie): The milky texture blends well with the flavor of the wine, creating a smooth blend. Aged cheeses are a good match.

Folium Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2023 is a wine with a solid depth, yet an understated style.

With a background in wine philosophy inherited from the Loire, this wine combines the fruitiness that can only be found in Marlborough, creating a unique presence.

About the Folium Winery

Folium Vineyard is an 8-hectare winery established in June 2010 in Brancott Valley, Marlborough, in the northeast of New Zealand's South Island.

The winery is led by Japanese grower and brewer Takeki Okada, and is engaged in the production of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir wines.

Marlborough's climate is ideal for growing fine Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, with large day-night temperature differences during the growing season allowing the grapes to accumulate aromatic and flavour compounds whilst maintaining high natural acidity.

The winery's soil was formed by the movement of glaciers and ancient rivers during the Ice Age. The Brancott Valley's clay-rich soil provides just the right amount of restraint for grape growing. The soil retains sufficient moisture even in dry summers, allowing the grapes to grow in balance. Furthermore, the vines are planted at a higher density than in other Marlborough vineyards, resulting in the production of more concentrated, flavorful fruit.

They also place importance on environmental considerations, and were certified by the organic farming certification organization "Biogro" in 2014. They are known for practicing organic farming methods in order to maintain New Zealand's clean environment.

Okada says, "The quickest way to make high-quality wine is to grow high-quality grapes." He strictly limits yields in the fields and adjusts the amount of sunlight by properly managing the leaves. In the fall, he is particular about carefully hand-picking all the fully ripe fruit.

Folium Vineyard's philosophy is based on the belief that winemaking begins in the vineyard. In order to maximize the individuality of the harvested grapes, we strive to minimize human intervention during the winemaking process, producing wines that reflect the unique characteristics of Folium Vineyard's land.

This Japanese producer's careful approach has enabled them to take advantage of the characteristics of the Marlborough land and produce wines of unique quality and character.

Okada and our sommelier Iwasu

About Marlborough

Marlborough is the heart of New Zealand's wine region.

Marlborough has ideal natural conditions for grape growing, such as abundant sunshine and large temperature differences throughout the day, and produces over 80% of New Zealand's wine.

Among them, Sauvignon Blanc, characterized by its crisp acidity and overflowing fruitiness, boasts an overwhelming production volume and is loved worldwide for its unique character. In red wine, Pinot Noir, with its rich berry fruit flavor, is also popular.

Folium Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2023

item	Content
Winery Name	Folium
Country of origin	new zealand
Origin	Marlborough
kinds	white
Grape varieties	Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage	2023
Alcohol content	13.5%
capacity	750ml
remarks	cork stoppers