Marlborough producer, Yealands Estate Wines has launched New Zealand’s first ‘Sauvignoir’, (Soh-vin-nwar) a lighter, fruit driven red wine made primarily from Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

Yealands Estate Wines Owner and Founder Peter Yealands, who has gained a reputation for doing things differently, says the wine has been developed to meet a growing consumer demand for innovative Sauvignon Blanc wine styles.

"Whilst we are having enormous success with our Sauvignon Blanc on the international stage, we need to be mindful that consumer wine tastes continue to evolve and trying new wine styles is part of what makes wine consumption enjoyable for many. I am pleased to be leading the charge with this new and innovative wine style."

Interest in the 2012 Peter Yealands Sauvignoir has been significant, with the entire volume from the first vintage already allocated.

"Demand for the Sauvignoir has been overwhelming. Our customers see this as an opportunity to generate further interest and attract new buyers to the Sauvignon Blanc category."

The wine has been in development for over 12 months, during which time red grape varieties from all over the globe were experimented with, the goal being a vibrant red coloured, full flavoured wine with a crisp, refreshing finish.

"There has been a lot of speculation over the composition of the wine with some inventive ideas discussed. Whilst we have looked at new varieties and processes, our Sauvignoir has very much been made using traditional wine making practices and then blended with a small amount of Teinturier, a red grape variety from Chile, providing the resulting vibrant red colour of the wine."

Yealands says Teinturier will only be used in the short-term, until a replacement can be grown on their Awatere vineyard.

The Sauvignoir is a light, fruity red wine that should be served chilled. In New Zealand, the 2012 Peter Yealands Sauvignoir ($18.95) is available in Countdown stores nationwide.