The powerhouse that is New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is facing some stiff competition from across the Tasman, with new figures indicating Aussie Sauvignon Blanc has become a driving force of its own in the Australian liquor market.

According to recent IRi MarketEdge Liquor figures, Australian Sauvignon Blanc is in value growth of 18 per cent versus New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc which has seen a decline of two per cent in value over the past two years. Additionally, Australian Sauvignon Blanc is in strong volume growth of 28 per cent while New Zealand has grown only five per cent over the past two years.

With Sauvignon Blanc still holding the position of Australia’s most popular wine varietal by value, the figures demonstrate an incredibly positive story for Australian wine amidst a highly cluttered market.

James Evers, chief winemaker at Adelaide Hills winery Nepenthe, said although New Zealand still holds the lion’s share when it comes to the Sauvignon Blanc category, the Australian growth suggests people are catching on to the fact that the Australian style of wine, in stark contrast to its New Zealand counterpart, is more approachable, tropical and textural.

“There has never been a better time for Australia to take back what is ours and reclaim our country’s most popular wine style as our own!” Evers said.

Evers, who together with Nepenthe Wines recently launched its 2016 Altitude Sauvignon Blanc, said the wine offers consumers a distinctive Australian-style take on what they typically know as Sauvignon Blanc, which could give New Zealand winemakers a real run for their money.

“Our Sauvignon Blanc is designed for our climate, our food and our way of life and consumers can taste its versatility,” Evers said. “Australian winemakers can see the power of this varietal and are throwing everything but the kitchen sink at the winemaking process to make our style more exciting for consumers.”