The Myth of Motu Nui Sauvignon Blanc
This month, we’re heading to Chile for The Myth of Motu Nui Sauvignon Blanc, DO Aconcagua 2025 – a bright, aromatic and refreshing white inspired by one of the most fascinating stories from Easter Island.
The wine takes its name from Motu Nui, a tiny volcanic islet just off the coast of Easter Island and an important site in the island’s Polynesian mythology. Motu Nui was central to the legendary Tangata manu (or bird-man) competition, in which representatives would brave the waters to retrieve the first sooty tern egg of the season. The sooty tern, still featured on the wine’s label, now thrives peacefully on the island.
The wine itself is shaped by a very different Pacific influence. The Sauvignon Blanc grapes come from three sites in Chile’s coastal Leyda and San Antonio D.O., just 10km from the Pacific Ocean. Cool coastal breezes slow the ripening process, allowing the grapes to retain their natural citrus freshness while developing vibrant aromatics. In the winery, the focus is on keeping that freshness and purity intact. The grapes are cool fermented in stainless steel before spending a couple of months on their fine lees, adding a little extra texture and depth. The wine is then bottled early to preserve its bright, primary fruit character.
In the glass, expect a bright, aromatic and crisply textured Sauvignon Blanc, with the cool coastal climate giving it an expressive character reminiscent of the Sauvignon Blancs of New Zealand’s Marlborough region. Fresh, lively and wonderfully aromatic, it’s a perfect example of how Chile’s coastal vineyards can produce Sauvignon Blanc with both intensity and finesse.
For food, keep things simple: anything light and fresh would work great, think a goat’s cheese salad or grilled fish with lemon!