New Zealand Surprises

New Zealand is one of the most exciting wine making regions in the world. With a landscape worthy of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, it’s hard to think of a more varied geography in such a small total area. From mountains, to coastline to volcanoes and calderas, New Zealand has spectacular geography and microclimates making it a perfect location to grow wine grapes. Grapes are grown from north to south on both islands. The north island is known to be less mountainous than the south island and is home to more than 3/4ths of New Zealand’s population. Listed from north to south, the most famous wine regions include: Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Martinborough and Wairarapa on the North Island and Marlborough and Central Otago on the South Island.

The most esteemed viticultural region thus far is Marlborough. With a very favorable dry and sunny aspect, Marlborough is the growing region that put New Zealand wines on the map. Fresh, grassy and vibrant Sauvignon Blanc takes center stage here and it tastes like no other Sauvignon Blanc in the world. With snappy acidity and the most intense aromatics, it’s unmistakable in the glass. While large corporations own most of the wineries in Marlborough, there are a few small producers still making their wine the way that they did back in the 1970’s when the commercial New Zealand wine industry began. A perfect one to enjoy would be Lake Chalice. Lake Chalice sources fruit from all of the main sub regions of Marlborough in order to maintain a consistent style known for lifted aromas of passion fruit and exotic citrus. In addition to making incredible wine, Lake Chalice supports the Wingspans Birds of Prey Trust, which works to preserve New Zealand’s raptors and their label is clearly marked by a raptor.

Sauvignon Blanc is widely known to be the star variety of New Zealand; there are several areas where incredible red wines are also being produced. In Hawkes Bay on the North Island, Bordeaux and Rhone varieties thrive in the rocky gravel and alluvial soils formed by the five rivers that empty into Hawkes Bay. It was the very first area where grape vines were planted and the history and discovery of the best sites for each variety have the longest length of study. It is the second largest wine-producing region in New Zealand and is well known for quality producers. One such producer includes Mai Mai. Their Syrah is a stunning example of what Syrah can do in the stony soils inland from the bay. With all of the very best aspects of Syrah including forest floor, black fruits, smoke and meat- it’s a natural pairing with anything grilled.

700 miles south of Hawkes Bay on the north island, you can find some of the world’s most exciting Pinot Noir. Central Otago is a picture of extremes in comparison to the maritime wine regions in New Zealand where water aspects moderate the temperatures throughout the growing season. In Central Otago, the grapes are grown on the mountainsides in narrow valleys and are exposed to the largest shifts in temperature on a daily and seasonal basis. “The first vines were planted using holes blasted out of the north facing schist slopes of the region, creating difficult, highly marginal conditions.” What Central Otago lacks in moderation, creates the very type of wines that are beginning to make the wine world sit back and take notice. No longer being compared to Burgundy or California, New Zealand Pinot Noirs have traits all their own. Fruit driven with a distinctive acidity, full bodied and distinguished by earthy and savory flavors with hints of wild herbs and spice. Often New Zealand Pinot Noir is known for maturing early, making it a gorgeous choice when trying to pick out a bottle when selections in your cellar are not quite ready or you are picking up a bottle to enjoy from a current vintage.

If you want to try some of the best Pinot Noir from Central Otago, look for bottles from Carrick Vineyards and Felton Road. Both producers are committed to the environment, practice biodynamic viticulture and maintain the benchmark for other producers in the area. Felton Road is known for being a darling of the critics in regards to quality and extract. Carrick Vineyards produces powerful Pinot Noir known for its incredible aromas of forest fruits and wild herbs. Both of these Pinot Noir producers are perfectly paired with the heartier flavors of autumn; think savory Cassoulet or Julia Child’s Boeuf Bourguignon.

On Friday, September 26th, Grapes & Grains is very proud to welcome Mr. Francis Hutt to the shop for an educational seminar of the wines of New Zealand. He is the winemaker for Carrick Wines. We will not only be learning about his Pinot Noir, but also a Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir from Lake Chalice in addition to the Mai Mai Syrah. All of the wines featured during Mr. Hutt’s visit are family produced and imported by Pacific Prime Wines. Pacific Prime is dedicated to bringing small family produced wines to the American consumer.

Join us on the 26th between 5 pm and 7 pm if you are interested in exploring the red wines from New Zealand. New Zealand’s public relations theme pretty much sums it up, “The best is yet to be discovered.” It will be very interesting to watch how the winemaking landscape evolves over the next few decades in New Zealand. There’s no doubt in my mind that there will be many lovely surprises along the way. We hope that you’ll enjoy the first few surprises from Pacific Prime Wines as much as we do.

Christin Aarons, CSW, AAS is the Wine Buyer at Grapes & Grains fine wine, craft beer, and small-batch spirits shop in Barrington, RI.

G&G focuses on creating an experience through trying something new. With a truly knowledgeable staff and inviting atmosphere, G&G is sure to bring about a memorable experience.

Any questions, comments or suggestions on the Monthly Wine Review? Email Christin at Caarons@grapesandgrainsri.com