Marlborough, an appellation like no other

Have you seen the Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) logo and wondered what it means? Would you like to know more about this New Zealand wine appellation and why preserving its reputation is important?  

As the global demand for wines from the Marlborough region of New Zealand grows, it is essential to safeguard Marlborough's unique wine identity. There is no place anywhere else in the world like Marlborough, and no other wine in the world that tastes like Marlborough, especially when it comes to Sauvignon Blanc. At Nautilus Estate of Marlborough, this is something that we believe is worth protecting, having been a part of the unique Marlborough wine region since 1985. 

The purity and flavour intensity of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc have earned it a phenomenal global reputation. With this global demand comes a proliferation of players and a range of quality expectations, which can put this hard-earned reputation at risk. AMW has been established to provide assurance to consumers who seek wines of provenance, authenticity and integrity. 

With somewhere in the vicinity of 75 – 90% of New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc coming from Marlborough, AMW was initially focused on Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, the most valuable and significant wine variety from New Zealand’s largest winegrape growing region. Certification now extends to other varietals. 

Having an appellation for Marlborough wine defines the geographical area that designates where grapes for a Marlborough wine can be grown.  

So, what is a Marlborough climate wine?  

In the world of wine, there is often much discussion of terroir (pronounced teh-wahr), which encompasses not only climate but also other environmental factors. Put simply, terroir is a French term that refers to the complete set of natural environmental conditions that affect a crop's quality. It encompasses a specific area's climate, soil and landscape, including factors like temperature, rainfall, soil composition and elevation of the area, all of which play a part in contributing to a unique “sense of place”, in this case in the final wine, which is representative of Marlborough terroir.  

The primary aim of AMW is to protect the origin, authenticity and integrity of wines produced in Marlborough. Only wines that meet stringent quality standards can carry the AMW logo on their label.  

AMW certification criteria include: 

• Wines must be made exclusively from Marlborough grapes, sourced from vineyards within AMW’s defined viticultural area. 

• Wines must be made from grapes that have achieved a minimum ripeness level of 18 Brix at the time of harvest (for Sauvignon Blanc). 

• Wines must be bottled in New Zealand. 

• Wines must come from vineyards certified by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, BioGro NZ, or an equivalent certification body. 

• Wines must pass a blind sensory assessment conducted by a panel of qualified, experienced winemakers. 

Wine certification in New Zealand plays an important part in the process and ensures sustainable winegrowing from New Zealand wineries, which display the AMW logo on their wines. 

AMW has over fifty members, including some of the region’s most iconic wine companies, including Nautilus Estate, which was a founding member.  

Appellation Marlborough Wine was introduced and trademark registered in 2018.  

Appellation Marlborough Wine ensures that wine drinkers receive a wine that genuinely represents the region’s winemakers and exceptional terroir, both now and into the future. 

Why buy an AMW certified wine?  

When choosing a wine carrying the AMW brand mark, consumers can be confident it is a wine of authenticity, integrity and provenance, as every part of the production process, from grape to glass, occurs under New Zealand regulation. Wines are made from 100% Marlborough grapes, grown sustainably from Marlborough vineyards and bottled in New Zealand. No exceptions. 

With a mantra of “origin, integrity, authenticity and sustainability", AMW makes choosing genuine Marlborough wines a breeze. The hard work is done, you just need to grab a bottle with the AMW logo on the label and enjoy the authentic Marlborough experience, the amazing “sense of place’ that is captured in the bottle for you to enjoy. 

Each year since 2022, Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) curates a standout collection of just twelve Sauvignon Blancs that exemplify the very best of Marlborough. These wines are selected for their excellence in origin, authenticity, and craft, collectively showcasing the region’s diverse subregions, winemaking styles, and terroirs — all underpinned by AMW’s rigorous certification standards.

We are delighted to share that The Paper Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc 2024 has been selected as one of only 12 wines included in the Appellation Marlborough Wine Annual Collection 2025.

If you’re after further information, check out appellationmarlboroughwine.co.nz

Well, what are you waiting for? The joy of drinking marvellous Marlborough wines with origin, integrity, authenticity and sustainability is yours to explore . . .