Kim Crawford Illuminate Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Marlborough, New Zealand

Kim Crawford Illuminate Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent expression of the Marlborough appellation of New Zealand—bright, crisp, but just 7% alc and only 70 calories per 5 fl oz! Owner/winemaker Kim Crawford produced his first wines under the Kim Crawford label in 1996, following stints with other wineries in South Africa, California, Australia and New Zealand. Kim’s winemaking philosophy is straightforward: "With every wine I make, I aim to let the natural flavour of the grape flow through into the final product. New Zealand grapes benefit from a natural fruitiness. My role as winemaker is to make sure that this succulence and richness is abundantly present in the wine you pour from the bottle." Bravo!

Kim Crawford Illuminate Sauvignon Blanc is made from grapes individually harvested from vineyard blocks in subregions throughout Marlborough. 'Spinning Cone' technology is used to reduce the alcohol from a portion of the base wine. This is a process of low vacuum distillation that can target removal of alcohol without impacting the aroma of the wine. The alcohol is reduced to below 1% on approximately 60% of the final volume, with 40% of the base blended back to achieve a final alcohol level of 7%. The wine is pale yellow with lifted aromatics of passion fruit and guava, with some citrus notes. On the palate it is elegant yet full flavored, its crisp acidity is highlighted with a refreshing herbal and citrus finish.

Enjoy Kim Crawford Illuminate Sauvignon Blanc over the next 3-4 years with fresh seafood and vegetables and summer salads.