Sancerre and Hawke’s Bay are united in the launch of Metis, a Sauvignon Blanc dubbed by its producers as ‘the finest in New Zealand’ and an ‘icon’ for the future.

The wine, which will be supplemented by a Pinot Noir from 2012, is the brainchild of Sancerre’s Pascal Jolivet and John Hancock of Trinity Hill.

It has now been taken on by Carte Blanche Wines in the UK and was featured in the company’s inaugural tasting on Thursday (16 September).

Jolivet and Hancock describe the style of Metis as ‘very much in the mould of Sancerre’, terroir-driven, concentrated and mineral, but reflecting its origins in Hawke’s Bay and in particular Mangatahi and Porangahau.

Carte Blanche MD Ben Llewelyn said he believed Metis was the best Sauvignon Blanc currently being produced in New Zealand, adding that he expected it to reinforce the reputation of Hawke’s Bay.

Jolivet added: ‘We have worked hard to create a wine that has combined the very best of New Zealand and France, and I feel that Metis is a style that will appeal to those who demand subtlety, complexity and finesse.’

And Hancock said: ‘We all believe we are looking at an icon in the future of this country’s wine roll-call.’

News item from Imbibe.com, 17-09-2010