Koreans Take to Sauvignon

Members of the New Zealand community in Seoul, including Trade Commissioner Graeme Solloway (left) recently celebrated a New Zealand vintage winning the best white wine trophy at this year’s Korea Wine Challenge. The Woven Stone Sauvignon Blanc 2011 produced by Ohau Wine Group earned the special distinction out of some 700 wines in the competition held in June. For New Zealand wine importers it was an occasion to celebrate success in Korea’s tough and highly competitive wine market. New Zealand wines work well with Korean cuisine, says New Zealander Joshua Hall, a wine writer based in Seoul. “Because of its brilliant acidity and wonderful freshness, sauvignon blanc pairs well with Korean dishes such as tofu kimchi and barbecued shellfish,” Hall said.