The Catalina, which made its first successful flight in 1935, is a long-range patrol flying boat that operated across the Pacific during World War II. It is an amphibious aircraft capable of taking off and landing on both land runways and the sea. With a long range of up to 20 hours, it carried out reconnaissance, anti-submarine operations, and bombing missions. Roaming the vast ocean as the eyes and ears of the Allies, the Catalina is regarded as one of the most trusted maritime reconnaissance aircraft of its time.
The Catalina excelled not only in combat but also in missions to rescue those in distress. It saved countless lives on the open sea and earned the nickname "angel on the water," and even after the war it has been remembered as a historic aircraft symbolizing the South Pacific. In New Zealand, Catalina flying boats are still preserved as aviation heritage to honor their service at the time.
Catalina Sounds, a winery in Marlborough, New Zealand, takes its name from this flying boat. The winery sought to capture the pioneering spirit and image of free exploration of the Catalina that traversed the South Pacific during World War II in its brand. It then combined this with Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand's representative coastal landform, to complete the name "Catalina Sounds." The wine label also depicts a flying boat skimming above the sea to express the brand's identity.
Marlborough Sounds is a ria coastline located in the northeastern South Island of New Zealand. With its many bays and islands and lush forests, it is regarded as one of New Zealand's signature natural landscapes. Where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean, the area offers a cool maritime climate, abundant sunshine, and wide diurnal temperature swings, providing an ideal environment to preserve the acidity and aromas of grapes. These natural conditions underpin the distinctive, vivid fruit notes and minerality of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Catalina Sounds was founded in 2005 in the Waihopai Valley in southern Marlborough. Its flagship vineyard, Sound of White, sits at an elevation of about 200 meters, a relatively cool and dry site even within Marlborough. Grapes are harvested later than in other areas and, after a long maturation period, develop excellent acidity and flavor. The winery grows Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir here to produce its premium line. The name "Sound of White" was inspired by the snow-blanketed vineyards and mountain ranges in winter that create a pure white landscape, and the quiet that pervades it.
Matthew Ward, the winemaker at Catalina Sounds, is from Marlborough and built winemaking experience at New Zealand's Mahi, Seresin Estate, and Wither Hills. He later honed an international sensibility in major wine regions including Meursault in Burgundy, France, Oregon in the United States, and Germany.
Drawing on this experience, Ward pursues a style that adds complexity to the fresh fruit character typical of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Whereas standard Sauvignon Blanc emphasizes fresh fruit aromas through cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks, Catalina Sounds White Barrel presses whole clusters of handpicked grapes and ferments with native yeast. It then undergoes a slow fermentation for several months in 500-liter French oak barrels and ages on the lees for about 11 months. Partial malolactic fermentation adds a creamy texture and complexity. Rather than imparting excessive oak, the focus is on highlighting the grape's inherent minerality and texture. Thanks to this approach, the wine is regarded as having deeper structure and greater aging potential than typical Sauvignon Blancs.
Ginger and lime zest meld with melon aromas, followed by a mineral note reminiscent of wet river stones. On the palate, tangerine, grapefruit, and juniper berry flavors harmonize with a supple texture, finishing long. It pairs well with smoked or grilled fish, salmon rillettes, goat cheese, cream pasta, and pesto pasta. It won the top honor in the New World white wine category at the 2026 Korea Wine & Spirits Awards.