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“Move Over French Wine!” — Jules Taylor, the ‘Queen of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc,’ Steps Forward
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
Jules Taylor, born in Marlborough, New Zealand, rose from local roots to global fame as a leading maker of Sauvignon Blanc. Marlborough, where commercial viticulture began only in 1973, produces intensely aromatic Sauvignon Blanc characterized by grass, asparagus, citrus, gooseberry and passionfruit notes. Taylor trained in viticulture at Lincoln University and gained winemaking experience in Italy, Australia and Austria before returning home. She became head winemaker at Marlborough Valley Cellars, working on brands like Kim Crawford, and launched her own label in 2001. Her Sauvignon Blanc—released in 2005—showcases ripe citrus, passionfruit and lively acidity, often fermented cold with lees aging for body and minimal oak. Taylor won New Zealand Winemaker of the Year (Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine) and the 2025 IWSC Winemaker award, and helps lead Appellation Marlborough Wine, which requires wines to be made from 100% Marlborough grapes and pass blind tasting by a panel of peer winemakers before release. Her range includes Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gruner Veltliner and late-harvest sweet wines, plus limited single-vineyard “On The Quiet” and a husband-made label, The Better Half Wines. The article also explains Marlborough’s main subregions—Wairau Valley (warmer, gravel soils, tropical fruit notes), Awatere Valley (cooler, clay and windy, herbaceous styles) and Southern Valleys (clay soils, elegant Pinot Noir)—and pairs Taylor’s wines with foods like oysters, ceviche, grilled fish, and roasted meats.
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