CLOUDY BAY Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc
Cloudy Bay Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc 2023 is a barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand, made as an alternative, more complex expression of the region’s signature grape. Sourced from selected vineyards in the Wairau Valley, Te Koko is fermented with indigenous yeasts in French oak barrels, gaining texture and savoury depth over four to five months, then resting on fine lees in barrel for around 15 months before blending and bottling.
In the glass, Te Koko is initially reticent on the nose, but opens with air to reveal just-ripe mango, lemon verbena and juicy sun-warmed lemon. The palate is concentrated and mouth-watering, carrying a sun-warmed impression of meadow hay, preserved citrus and white nectarine, with layers of salted almond and gentle smoky minerality leading through to a long, focused finish. This combines the vibrant acidity of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with added weight, savoury complexity and subtle oak influence.
Bottled at around 13–13.5% ABV, Te Koko is positioned as a serious, age-worthy white wine that can be enjoyed now or cellared for several years. Cloudy Bay suggests versatile food matching, including Chinese-style crispy pork belly, vibrant spicy dishes and smoked salmon, where the wine’s structure, citrus freshness and smoky minerality can complement richer flavours. Te Koko is distributed internationally, including in markets such as Malaysia, Singapore and wider Asia, where New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has strong consumer recognition.
Q: What is Cloudy Bay Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc?
A: Cloudy Bay Te Koko is a barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand, made with indigenous yeasts in French oak barrels and aged on lees to create a more textured, savoury and complex style compared with classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Q: How does Te Koko 2023 taste?
A: Te Koko 2023 is initially subtle on the nose but opens to just-ripe mango, lemon verbena and sun-warmed lemon. The palate is concentrated and complex, with notes of meadow hay, preserved citrus, white nectarine, salted almond and gentle smoky minerality, finishing long and focused.
Q: What is the alcohol content of Cloudy Bay Te Koko?
A: The alcohol level is typically around 13–13.5% ABV, depending on the vintage (the 2023 release is listed at about 13–13.5% on most technical sheets and retailer listings).
Q: How is Te Koko made?
A: Te Koko is fermented in French oak barrels using indigenous yeasts for four to five months, then left to rest on fine lees in barrel for around 15 months before blending and maturation in the cellar, contributing to its creamy texture and savoury complexity.
Q: What foods pair well with Cloudy Bay Te Koko?
A: The producer recommends pairing Te Koko with Chinese-style crispy pork belly, vibrant spicy dishes and smoked salmon, as well as other richly flavoured seafood or white meat dishes, where its structure and smoky minerality can complement the food.
