Sauvignon Blanc is celebrated worldwide for its freshness and aromatic lift - but on the Mornington Peninsula, it takes on a uniquely refined and textured expression. The maritime influence of Port Phillip Bay, Westernport Bay and Bass Strait lengthens the ripening season, preserving vibrant aromatics while developing depth and savoury complexity. At Montalto, this results in Sauvignon Blanc of brightness, intensity and individuality, shaped by cool-climate fruit and innovative winemaking.
Montalto Sauvignon Blanc balances the classic varietal spectrum with a distinctive Peninsula twist:
· Fruit spectrum - passionfruit, guava, lychee, gooseberry, banana passionfruit.
· Complexity - grassy characters, coffee grind, pepper, and subtle smoke.
· Texture - creamy oak integration, silky palate weight, wet-stone minerality.
The result is a Sauvignon Blanc that is vibrant, layered and textural - a food-friendly alternative to lighter, more linear styles.
Montalto Fumé Blanc 2024
A bold, barrel-fermented expression of Sauvignon Blanc. Aromas of guava, lychee and tropical fruit are layered with savoury notes of salsa, coffee grind and pepper. The palate shows banana passionfruit, grassy tones, creamy oak, wet-stone minerality and a slippery, silky texture. A unique cool-climate Fumé Blanc with both vibrancy and refinement.
Montalto Sauvignon Blanc - particularly the Fumé Blanc style - is recognised for its innovative winemaking and textural complexity, standing apart from conventional examples and earning praise for its balance of fruit purity and oak integration.
Montalto Sauvignon Blanc and Fumé Blanc pair beautifully with:
· Fresh oysters, prawns and grilled calamari.
· Goat’s cheese, asparagus and leafy green salads.
· Roast chicken or pork with citrus glaze.
Serve well-chilled at 8 - 10°C to highlight freshness and aromatics.
The best way to explore Sauvignon Blanc is at the source. At the Montalto Cellar Door (open daily, 11am - 5pm), enjoy a guided tasting of our estate wines, including the Fumé Blanc 2024. Extend your experience with dining:
The Restaurant at Montalto - seasonal multi-course set menus by Head Chef Adam Johnston, showcasing produce from our extensive estate gardens.
The Piazza at Montalto - a relaxed, open-air dining option with vineyard views, perfect for sharing wine and food.
What does Montalto Sauvignon Blanc taste like?
Expect tropical fruit (guava, lychee, banana passionfruit) layered with grassy characters, coffee grind, pepper and a savoury, smoky complexity from barrel fermentation.
What is a Fumé Blanc?
Fumé Blanc is a Sauvignon Blanc style fermented and matured in oak barrels. At Montalto, it adds creamy texture, smoky notes and depth to the classic fresh, aromatic profile.
Is Montalto Fumé Blanc dry or sweet?
Montalto Fumé Blanc 2024 is a dry style, balancing vibrant fruit with savoury complexity and crisp acidity.
What food pairs best with Sauvignon Blanc?
Seafood, goat’s cheese, chicken and green vegetables are excellent matches, with Fumé Blanc’s oak texture also suiting richer dishes.
How is Mornington Peninsula Sauvignon Blanc different from other regions?
The Peninsula’s cool maritime climate preserves freshness and aromatics while allowing more complexity and texture compared to warmer-climate styles.