Massimo’s bright acidity and citrus overtones exemplify New Zealand’s signature grape – grown in the most prestigious Sauvignon Blanc appellation - Marlborough - at the northern end of the South Island. Protected from the strong sea winds, Marlborough is gifted with the warmest climate on the South Island of New Zealand. The Southern Alps dissipate the prevailing westerly winds and help to create a rain shadow effect–reducing rainfall and cloud cover which equates to valuable sunshine. The soil is variable, consisting of alluvial gravel or alluvial silt loams over gravel sub-soils. All are well draining and there are also some areas of chalky, limestone-rich loam. The vineyards are all relatively new—as grape growing in Marlborough didn’t even begin until 1973. Once started, and then tasted—the world discovered a premier league style—tangy and mouth-wateringly dry.