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New Zealand wine has loved large success on the world stage over the previous 20 years. The nation is a comparatively small producer, 14th in world phrases, however it enjoys the second highest common worth per bottle and has recorded 25 years of consecutive export development.
Sauvignon has been the motive force behind that success story, now accounting for 71 per cent of all wine produced and 88 per cent of all exports. That doesn’t go away a lot room for all the opposite grapes. However followers of Sauvignon Blanc will likely be shocked to be taught that yields in Marlborough are down by some 30 per cent in 2021. Maybe it’s time to solid the web a bit of wider and have a look at different grape varieties.
The cool dry local weather in Marlborough and different wine areas of New Zealand is ideal for producing all kinds of different white wines, all sharing that contemporary purity of fruit, and crisp lime acidity. They’re good for summer time ingesting with or with out meals. The three most planted white varieties after Sauvignon Blanc are Chardonnay (6 per cent), Riesling (1 per cent) and Pinot Gris (5 per cent). Along with these, Gewürztraminer, and extra lately Grüner Veltliner and Albariño, present promise.
The usual of winemaking is constantly excessive in New Zealand, and offered you keep away from the very most cost-effective wines, you might be unlikely to go improper, both with Sauvignon Blanc or the opposite grape varieties. Brancott Property, Oyster Bay, Villa Maria and others, together with non-public labels, are repeatedly supplied at €10-€12 a bottle and signify good worth for cash. I tasted all the entry-level vary of Villa Maria white wines for this text and there wasn’t a dud bottle.
I’d put Riesling and Chardonnay on the high of my buying listing. New Zealand Riesling tends to be vibrant and brilliant with ample pure fruits and a dry end. As the value will increase there are some excellent wines. Look out for names similar to Rippon, Pegasus Bay, Felton Highway, Framingham and Muddy Water.
Within the rush to get pleasure from Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay has definitely been neglected. Producers similar to Kumeu River, Felton Highway, Ata Rangi, Neudorf and Craggy Vary all produce world class Chardonnay. There are others too. As for Pinot Gris, it tends to be made within the wealthy and rounded Alsace model, quite than the lighter Italianate Pinot Grigio. Right here once more, there are some excellent wines. In addition to the wine under, I’m a giant fan of Pinot Gris from Huia, Greywacke, Neudorf and Dry River.
As for the crimson wines, Pinot Noir has been rising yearly but solely quantities to a mere 7 per cent of complete manufacturing, whereas different reds together with Merlot Cabernet and Syrah mixed make up lower than 4 per cent.
Villa Maria Marlborough Riesling 2020
12%, €11 down from €16
Scrumptious contemporary pure crimson and inexperienced apple fruits with a crisp dry end. An incredible aperitif or with gentle summery salads. Nice worth at €11.
Stockist: SuperValu, supervalu.ie
Paddy Borthwick Pinot Gris 2019, Wairarapa
14%, €17.95
Succulent wealthy cantaloupe melons with a smoky contact and good refreshing acidit, traditional Pinot Gris. Attempt it with creamy hen curries, together with Thai inexperienced prawns or hen tikka masala.
Stockist: Wines Direct, Mullingar, winesdirect.ie
Forrest Property Albariño 2019, Marlborough
13%, €19.95
Mouth-watering peaches and apricots reduce by means of with a vigorous zesty citrus acidity. The plump fruits would go nicely with scallops.
Stockist: Jnwine.com
Babich Headwaters Winery Chardonnay 2019, Marlborough
14%, €29
Medium to full-bodied with smoky toasted hazelnuts, creamy nectarines and crimson apples with lime zest. Drink this alongside creamy mushrooms, turbot or barbecued prawns.
Stockists: Avoca, Ballsbridge and Rathcoole, avoca.com; Blackrock Cellar, Blackrock, blackrockcellar.com; Clontarf Wines, D3, clontarfwines.ie; Deveney’s, D14, deveneys.ie; D-Six Wines, D6; peggykellys.ie; Higgins, Clonskeagh, higginsfflicence.ie; Redmonds, D6; redmonds.ie; Sweeneys D3, sweeneysd3.ie; Mitchell & Son, D1, Sandycove and Avoca, Kilmacanogue and Dunboyne, mitchellandson.com; Lotts & Co. D4, lottsandco.ie; SC Grocer, Deansgrange, hcgrocer.ie.
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