Strong fruit flavor, yet dry

A "dry" Sauvignon Blanc found locally

The year is 2025. We set out on a journey to eight New Zealand wine regions in search of a wine that combines the fruitiness and refreshing taste of New Zealand with an independent character and a perfect match for Japanese cuisine .

That's where we came across this Sauvignon Blanc. It's from Marlborough. Thanks to the cooperation of the importer, we were able to import it exclusively for Bokumo Wine.

It is gorgeous when poured into the glass, and shows a mature, mature expression when you sip it. The finish is dry.

Compared to a typical Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, it has a more pronounced dry aftertaste, making it a wine that is easy to balance with food .

Cultivation and brewing

The grapes are sourced from organic vineyards in Marlborough's lower Wairau Valley. 2023 was blessed with ideal, dry, and sunny weather, allowing for excellent ripeness and rich aromas. The harvested grapes were carefully handled and slowly fermented at low temperatures in a combination of stainless steel and French oak. The selection of aromatic yeasts and sur lie aging result in a pure, clean, and richly textured wine.

Tasting

The aromas are of gooseberry, blackcurrant leaf, passion fruit, bell pepper, and tropical fruit. It has the gorgeous fruitiness typical of Marlborough, but is subdued and not overly flashy. The taste is dry. The slight thickness from aging in barriques, along with the sharp acidity and minerality, are beautifully balanced for a clean finish. "Refreshing and pure, yet smartly toned" - this is a Sauvignon Blanc for adults.

Pairing

It goes well with seafood, as well as Japanese home cooking and Japanese cuisine.

• Oyster and scallop carpaccio
• Tempura (especially whiting and shrimp)
• Grilled salted white fish with yuzu and sudachi

Smoked salmon salad with citrus and herbs, or roasted herb chicken are also good options. I also personally recommend pork shabu-shabu as a pairing dish.

Customer feedback

When we served it at the counter at Bokumo, customers commented...

• "The aroma is distinctly New Zealand, but the aftertaste is dry."
• "It's fruity, but has a refreshing aftertaste."
• "The minerality that lingers in your mouth makes you crave seafood."
• "Compared to other Sauvignon Blancs, it feels a bit more adult-oriented."

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I think this Sauvignon Blanc has the elegance that is typical of New Zealand, but also fits in well with the Japanese dining table .

About the Winery "Garde & Morris"

Ben Morris and Frida Gard are a family-run boutique winery with a unique dual winemaking structure in both New Zealand and Sweden. Their handcrafted wines are highly acclaimed in Sweden's finest restaurants and state-run wineries.

Founding background and history

Winemaker Ben Morris was born in New Zealand and studied organic winemaking at Lincoln University. After graduating, he gained experience as a "flying winemaker" in France and California, before moving to Sweden with his wife Frida in 2006 to launch his own brand.

Frida, a native of Sweden, leads sales and distribution in the Swedish market, and the winery's name, Gard, comes from her surname, reflecting their partnership.

Cultivation and winemaking policy

In terms of cultivation, we partner with small, excellent grape growers across New Zealand and grow grapes using a natural approach that minimizes the use of pesticides and chemicals.

In brewing, we aim to make natural wines with minimal human intervention in order to bring out the unique characteristics of the terroir and grape varieties to the fullest.

Sustainability and Cultural Context

Environmental considerations and sustainable production are key principles at Gard & Morris.

By cultivating in accordance with organic farming methods and thoroughly eliminating unnecessary additives in brewing, we produce high-quality wine while reducing our environmental impact.

This winery, run by Ben from New Zealand and Frida from Sweden, truly serves as a bridge between the two countries.

This wine, which combines the best of both cultures, pairs beautifully with Swedish cuisine and is highly acclaimed by local restaurants.

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.

Gardo & Morris Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2023

item	Content
Winery Name	Gard & Morris
Country of origin	new zealand
Origin	Marlborough
kinds	white
Grape varieties	Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage	2023
Alcohol content	13.5%
capacity	750ml
others	Biogro Certified Sustainable Certified FSC® certified
remarks	screw cap