New Zealand is famous for two things these days: hobbits and sauvignon blanc, and both are bringing honors home to the kiwi nation. This past spring, New Zealand’s own Matua Sauvignon Blanc was named a “Hot Brand” by Impact Magazine, a publication from Shanken Communications. What does it mean to be a “Hot Brand?” First, it means the wine has depletions of more than 250,000 cases in the U.S. in a year. Second, the brand has to grow 15 percent or more in the previous calendar year to be a “Hot Brand,” and third, it must show sustained double-digit growth over several years.
Matua Sauvignon Blanc does all that, and more, and now it stands poised to utterly dominate the $8 - $11 wine category. Last year, Matua 2016 Sauvignon Blanc finished 40th on the Wine Spectator Top 100, which is chosen from about 18,000 blind-tasted wines, according to the company, who added, “Here at Matua, sauvignon blanc is pretty special. That’s because back in 1974, we produced New Zealand’s very first sauvignon blanc. Ten years later, they were making it in Marlborough. Now, Marlborough sauvy is world-famous for its unique, fresh flavors. For this wine, we’ve chosen grapes from across Marlborough, giving you the best crisp and tropical flavors Marlborough has to offer all in one sip.”
Consumers and reviewers are taking notice. The Wine Spectator rated Matua Sauvignon Blanc at 90/100 and called the wine “Succulent,” with “fleshy peach and nectarine flavors … accented by key lime, mango and ruby grapefruit notes. Shows nice intensity on the long, expressive finish.”
In addition to the incredible reputation for quality Matua has acquired, the company is also embracing forward-thinking innovations, like the “Chill Check” label, which reacts to cold in order to let consumers know when the wine is appropriately chilled for service. Matua Chief Winemaker Greg Rowdon says in a statement that the idea is simple: “It’s all about enhancing freshness and drinkability, making it simple for people to recognize the best temperature to release and enhance flavors, without having to consult a confusing table or chart.” The label changes color as the Sauvignon Blanc reaches the optimal serving temperature, with various features, including a New Zealand Ta Moko, becoming more prominent on the label as the bottle chills.
“We’re thrilled with the recognition we’ve earned from
Impact Magazine,” Treasury Wine Estates’ Chief Marketing Officer Michelle Terry said in a statement. She added, “It’s a combination of this innovative approach to marketing and the outstanding quality of the wines that’s driving this success.”
Call your Breakthru Sales Consultant to find out Matua’s steady growth could mean a benefit to your bottom line.