Kaitui Sauvignon Blanc – 2025

Kaitui Sauvignon Blanc 2025. Palatine limestone, inspired by New Zealand, dry and full of tension.

Kaitui Sauvignon Blanc 2025 is the pure Sauvignon Blanc from Palatine winemaker Markus Schneider. Dry, fermented in stainless steel, with 12.5% ABV. No oak-aged wine, no blend, no sweet terrace wine.

The Kaitui 2025 is the white wine that made Weingut Schneider famous throughout Germany. A Sauvignon Blanc inspired by the fresh wines of New Zealand, but grown on Palatine soil.

A glass on a warm evening smells of lime zest and freshly mown grass. Then comes the fruit: passion fruit, blackcurrant, a hint of lemongrass.

Green and exotic at the same time

The character of the Kaitui is defined by two vineyard sites. The majority of the grapes come from cool, high-altitude limestone plots. They provide the taut acidity and green notes of lime, lemongrass, and grass. A smaller portion is grown in the warmer hills and provides riper, tropical notes.

In the glass, both sides come together in a wine that starts crisp and continues with exotic fruit. On the palate, it is clear and straightforward, with acidity carrying it through to a long finish.

If you are looking for a soft, round white wine, the Kaitui is not for you. Its strength is tension. For drinkers who appreciate Sauvignon Blanc precisely for its green aromatics, it is a reliable companion throughout the year.

Harvested in three stages

One reason for its complexity is the timing of the harvest. The winery does not harvest the Sauvignon in a single day, but in several passes. The first, early harvest brings the grassy, green aromas. The main harvest provides juicy fruit and aromatics. Finally, fully ripe grapes are added to provide the exotic note.

In the cellar, the grapes are gently pressed and fermented in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature. No oak is used, so that the fruit remains unadulterated.

Wine critic Yves Beck awards the 2025 vintage 94 out of 100 points and praises a fresh, precise, and intense bouquet that nevertheless remains balanced.

Where the name comes from

Kaitui is a word from the language of the Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, and means tailor, referring to the craft. Markus Schneider has long appreciated the Sauvignons from there. With the name, he builds a bridge from his home in the Palatine to the other side of the earth, where the grape variety has found a second home.

Originally, Sauvignon Blanc comes from the Loire Valley and Bordeaux. In Germany, it is a young variety by comparison; in the Palatine, it has found its place for several decades. Markus Schneider is one of the winemakers who planted it there early on.

Goat cheese, asparagus, and shrimp

The green aromatics and lively acidity make the Kaitui a partner for fresh, herb-focused cuisine. Fresh goat cheese with chives and lemon zest is a classic combination. Grilled green asparagus with Parmesan is equally suitable, as is a salad of avocado, cucumber, and coriander.

Its exotic side shines with shrimp with garlic, chili, and lime. It also pairs well with mild Thai curry or steamed fish with ginger.

From experience: Serve the Kaitui at eight to ten degrees. A little warmer in the glass opens up the fruit further without losing its freshness. It shows itself best in its early years.

More Sauvignon from Markus Schneider

How Sauvignon Blanc with oak aging tastes is shown by the Fumé Sauvignon Blanc. Blended with Viognier, it is in the Hullabaloo 2025, the proceeds of which benefit charitable projects. You can find all the winery's wines in the Markus Schneider collection.

The Kaitui 2025 at a glance

• Producer: Weingut Markus Schneider in Ellerstadt
• Region: Palatine, Germany
• Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc, dry
• Aging: Stainless steel
• Alcohol content: 12.5% ABV
• Rating: Yves Beck, 94 out of 100 points
• Volume: 750 ml

A Palatine Sauvignon with a New Zealand name that brings more tension than volume.