With July here, summer is in full swing. It’s the perfect time for chilled white wines and sparkling wines. A few weeks ago, I got a summer promotion message from my wine shop manager, and one of the deals was a box of six bottles of Pounamu Sauvignon Blanc for just $73. What a steal! 😆
I had already tried this wine before and always loved its label with beautiful leaves, stones, and the feathers of a blue bird. The price was fantastic, and the refreshing tropical fruit aroma and acidity make it perfect for this hot season. It seemed like the ideal wine to enjoy right now.
While sipping Pounamu Sauvignon Blanc, I got curious about the winery and did a bit of digging. I found out that it was made by Little Beauty Winery and that Little Beauty Sauvignon Blanc is considered a higher-tier wine from the same winemaker. This made me really excited to compare the two wines. I asked the wine shop manager if they could get this wine, and they happily offered to get it for me at a great price of around $30 per bottle. I was thrilled and bought four bottles.
Before I get into comparing these two wines, let me tell you a bit about each one.
Table of Contents
1. Pounamu : A Tale of Heritage and Excellence
Pounamu started in 2002 in New Zealand and is named after a rare green stone that symbolizes peace. Eveline Fraser, their amazing winemaker who used to be the Chief Winemaker at Cloudy Bay, brings a lot of expertise to the vineyard.
“Pounamu” is a Maori word that means greenstone or jade, a precious stone found on New Zealand’s South Island. This stone is very special for New Zealanders and is often given as a treasured gift. The name Pounamu honors this heritage and shows the winery’s unique identity.
The vineyard is in the Waihopai Valley, also known as “the land of the long white cloud.” This spot is great because it’s protected by the Southern Alps, keeping the vines safe from strong sea winds and giving them rich soil to grow in.
The wine’s label tells a beautiful story. At the center is a green pounamu stone in its raw form. This stone represents strength, persistence, balance, and source. Above it, three pebbles symbolize the stones in the soil where the vines grow, adding character to the grapes.
You’ll also see three young vine tendrils, called koru or young fern fronds, symbolizing new life, growth, and peace. To the right is the silver fern, a symbol of New Zealand. Below it, water droplets represent life. A blue feather in the center stands for the native New Zealand bird, the Tui, symbolizing harmony and confidence. On the left, a large grapevine leaf shines with sunlight, representing enlightenment and celebrating Marlborough’s sunny climate.
This label, centered around the pounamu stone, is so beautifully designed that it makes you want to know more and enjoy the wine even before you take your first sip.
Please check out below video about Pounamu Logo
2. Little Beauty Winery: Crafting Excellence
Little Beauty Winery, also in the Waihopai Valley of Marlborough, New Zealand, is known for its meticulous winemaking practices and distinctive approach to producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. Overseen by Eveline Fraser, formerly of Cloudy Bay, the winery’s commitment to quality and innovation is evident in their wines.
The Waihopai Valley, with its stony, free-draining soils and protection from the Southern Alps, provides great conditions for growing grapes. This helps create the vibrant aromas and complex flavors in Little Beauty Sauvignon Blanc.
Little Beauty Sauvignon Blanc captures the distinctive minerality and vibrant aromas of New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc. On the first sip, you’ll notice refreshing herbal notes, followed by rich aromas of grapefruit, mango, and tropical fruits, with hints of bell pepper and basil adding a refreshing complexity. The wine has a medium body, almost no tannins, light sweetness, and a crisp acidity that is pleasantly invigorating.
Little Beauty stands as a signature brand created by Eveline Fraser, New Zealand’s first female winemaker and former Chief Winemaker at Cloudy Bay. Founded by Fleur McCree, who studied viticulture and oenology at Lincoln University, the winery aims to showcase Marlborough’s unique terroir in every bottle.
The Shared Terroir and Winemaking Excellence
Both Pounamu and Little Beauty Sauvignon Blanc are produced in the Waihopai Valley of Marlborough, New Zealand. This area is known for its stony, free-draining soils that give the wines their unique flavors. Eveline Fraser, who has lots of experience from her time at Cloudy Bay, oversees the winemaking for both labels. The Waihopai Valley, protected by the Southern Alps, provides perfect conditions for growing high-quality grapes. Both Pounamu and Little Beauty Sauvignon Blancs are celebrated for their vibrant aromas and complex flavors, thanks to the exceptional terroir and careful winemaking.
3. Comparing Pounamu and Little Beauty Sauvignon Blanc
Both Pounamu and Little Beauty wineries make Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough, but they have some key differences in their styles and flavors.
(1) Flavors and Aromas
Pounamu :
When I first took a sip of Pounamu Sauvignon Blanc, I was hit with a burst of fresh tropical fruits like passion fruit, mango, and green papaya. There were also vibrant citrus notes of lime and lemon, mixed with a hint of fresh grass. The light mineral scent added a refreshing touch. This blend of flavors was incredibly well-balanced and made for a refreshing experience.
Little Beauty:
Tasting Little Beauty Sauvignon Blanc was a different journey. The aromas were more complex, with citrus and tropical fruits like passion fruit and mango, complemented by delicate floral notes. The taste was rich and layered, featuring tropical fruit and citrus flavors enhanced by a complex minerality and subtle hints of herbs like bell pepper and basil. It had a medium body, light sweetness, and a crisp acidity that left a lasting impression.
(2) Style and Finish
Pounamu :
Pounamu Sauvignon Blanc is all about freshness and balance. The strong fruit aromas and lively acidity give it a vibrant character that reflects the typical Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc traits. It finishes dry and crisp, with bright, fresh acidity, smooth texture, and a clean, refreshing aftertaste. This wine feels like a straightforward and lively companion for a hot summer day.
Little Beauty
On the other hand, Little Beauty Sauvignon Blanc brings complexity and depth to the table. The multi-layered flavors and aromas lead to a longer, richer finish. The excellent acidity balanced with fruit flavors gives it an elegant and sophisticated feel. Its medium-bodied texture and almost no tannins make it a more nuanced and refined choice, perfect for savoring and reflecting on.
(3) Summary
In summary, both wines are fantastic examples of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, but they cater to different moods and occasions. Pounamu is perfect for when you want something refreshing and lively, while Little Beauty is ideal for those moments when you want to indulge in something more sophisticated and complex.
In the next blog, I will delve into the unique and distinctive minerality of Little Beauty and compare it with another renowned Sauvignon Blanc, Henri Bourgeois Sancerre d’Antan from France. Stay tuned!