Prophetic words

Thirty years ago, founder of Montana wines Frank Yukich planted the first commercial vineyard of the modern era in Marlborough introducing the world to the delights of New Zealand sauvignon blanc. A commemorative sculpture has now been unveiled in Blenheim at the iconic Brancott Estate Vineyard celebrate 30 vintages, on it written the words: “Wines from here will become world famous.” Within ten years of its first vintage, Brancott Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc won the prestigious ‘Marquis de Goulaine trophy for Best Sauvignon Blanc’ at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in London. Additional prestigious accolades followed, including an ‘Intervin International Award for Wine Achievement’ in 1991 and the ‘White Winemaker of the Year Award’ at the London International Wine Competition, earned by chief  winemaker Jeff Clarke in 1999. Montana is now part of the multinational corporation Pernod Ricard.