Sheesh, it’s BEEN FOREVER without a KIWI SB around here!!!

Winetraveler.com calls ‘em “charmingly addictive!”

Truth be told, it put out this fire in our souls like an extinguisher, like a slushie on a scorching day, like that squeeze of lemon or lime on a mountain of Fritto Misto…

We had not heard of Cirro before. They have ZERO presence in the US market but with a following in the UK and their home, New Zealand. That had to change, cause if we had ten thousand tongues, it’d satisfy all. Pure, zingy Sauvignon ‘Bliss’ Blanc.

While the style touches upon that classic tropical Marlborough overtness, it dials back towards the Loire sensibility with a deep and diverse citrus profile. The acidity is high while the mouthfeel is succulent, and the impressively long finish rounds out slickly with hints of mineral and zest.

Wondering why this truly stood out in an ocean of brands from this Sauvignon Blanc epicenter, we dove deeper into the regionalities of Marlborough, to reveal subtle but crucial nuances. The sources for Cirro are entirely from the Wairau Valley, a sub-region that truly stands out.

A little wine education tidbit, Wine Enthusiast points out in “Marlborough’s three main subregions are the Southern Valleys, Wairau Valley and Awatere Valley. The former has heavier clay soils, while the Wairau Valley is on an old gravelly riverbed with stony, skeletal soils, producing tropical versions of Sauvignon Blanc with passionfruit and grass flavors. while “Awatere borders the Pacific Ocean and Kaikoura mountains. Its elevation and cooler, drier climate produces more herb-flecked Sauvignon Blanc, often with notes of salt, tomato leaf, and jalapeño.”

Don’t know about you, but we go NUTS for fresh-squeezed passionfruit and fresh-cut grass in our well-chilled SB rather than tomato leaf and jalapeño. Those work far better in a dish to pair!

The rising popularity of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc comes at a price buyers pay when choosing one, dealing with a vast array of mediocrity. Well, we are proud to say, we picked a true cherry – or a kiwi if you will – for you, that no one else has, and still stayed under $20, thanks to our winery direct deal.

Pro tip: Cirro also makes a KILLER Rosé of Pinot Noir which we could not resist either, you’ll find a small stash of it in the Store here while it lasts…

Get in on these limited Wine Spies exclusives, or you’ll miss out, the choice is yours!

93 Points – Wine Orbit

“It’s fabulously fragrant, showing Granny Smith apple, kiwifruit, and lemon/lime zest aromas on the nose. The palate delivers splendid fruit intensity and vibrant acidity, finishing long and very tasty. Classically styled and flavorsome. At its best: now through 2022.”