New Zealand launched itself on the wine-making scene with some radically different wines back in the late 70s and early 80s. It's industry was largely focussed on the Marlborough region and Sauvignon Blanc was its key variety.
It still is in many respects, with 80%+ of its exports coming from that variety. However, it is much more than a one-trick pony, with areas of production ranging from around Auckland in the North down to Central Otago in the centre of the South Island.
As ever with Swirl, Sniff, Spit we're looking to show diversity, quality and to introduce some producers you may not have heard of.
Bracket 1 Sav Blanc
2012 Catalina Sounds Sauvignon Blanc @Catalina_Sounds
2012 Te Whare Ra Sauvignon Blanc @TeWhareRaWines
2012 Geisen 'The August' Sauvignon Blanc @GiesenWines
Bracket 2 Aromatic Whites
2011 Te Whare Ra Gewürztraminer @TeWhareRaWines
2012 Maude Pinot Gris @MaudeWines
Bracket 3 Martinborough Pinot
2010 Escarpment Pinot Noir @LarryMcPinot
2009 Kumeu River Village Pinot Noir @ n/a
Bracket 4 South Island
2011 Terra Sancta Estate Pinot Noir @TerraSanctaWine
2010 Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir @PegasusBayWine
Bracket 5 - Syrah/ Cabernet
2009 Ata Rangi 'Celebre' @Ata_Rangi
tbc
Showing posts with label Central Otago. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Central Otago. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Monday, April 9, 2012
Swirl, Sniff, Spit - Authentic, Natural, Organic and Biodynamic
What does it all mean? With Swirl, Sniff, Spit's tasting on the 17th April we'll be looking to explore the and understand some of these terms. Plus we'll discuss some of the characteristics of these wines and see what makes these terms some of the most polarising in the wine industry.
Wines are subject to change, and vintage subject to confirmation.
Bracket 1
1. Mitchell Riesling 2010, Clare Valley, SA. Twitter: @MitchellWinery
2. Shobbrook Riesling 2011, Eden Valley, SA. @nakedbunchwines
Bracket 2
1. Cullen Sem Sauv Blanc, Margaret River, WA. Twitter: n/a
2. Dog Point Section 94 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, NZ. Twitter: @DogPointWines
Bracket 3
1. Holly's Garden Pinot Gris 2010, Gippsland, VIC. Twitter: @moondarra
2. Domaine Lucci Riesling Gris, Adelaide Hills, SA. Twitter: n/a
Bracket 4
1. Hochkirch
Pinot Noir @nakedbunchwines
2. Shobbrook Nouveau
Mourvedre 2011, Barossa Valley, SA. @nakedbunchwines
Bracket 5
1. 'Mule' Sangiovese, Innocent Bystander, Mclaren Vale, SA. Twitter: @IBWine
2. tbc
Bracket 6
1.
Gemtree Obsidian Shiraz, McLaren Vale, SA. @MikesGems
2. Battle of Bosworth Puritan Shiraz, McLaren Vale, SA. Twitter: @BosworthWines
3. Blind Corner Shiraz
2010, Margaret River, WA. @blindcorner
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Session 3 - Pinot Noir
"A seductive, yet fickle mistress", or "sex in a glass". Pinot Noir has been christened thus and a number of other names, many of which reference its reputation as one of the most challenging of varietals to grow. Pinot Noir is "the heartbreak grape".
As ever, Swirl, Sniff, Spit has pulled together a global line-up designed to showcase what is great and good about this most "romantic of varietals".
Bracket 1
Bracket 4
As ever, Swirl, Sniff, Spit has pulled together a global line-up designed to showcase what is great and good about this most "romantic of varietals".
Bracket 1
Blanc de Noir: Henschke Lenswood Blanc de Noir NV
Rose: De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate Grown Pinot Noir Rose 2010
Bracket 2
Tasmania: Frogmore Creek Pinot Noir 2008
Adelaide Hills: Vinteloper Pinot Noir 2010
Bracket 3
Mornington Peninsula: Stonier Reserve Pinot Noir 2008
Yarra: Hoddle's Creek Estate Pinot Noir 2010
Bracket 4
NZ Martinborough: The Escarpment Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008
NZ Otago: Quartz Reef Pinot Noir 2008
Bracket 5
Bourgogne AC: Louis Jadot Bourgogne Rouge AC 2008
1er Cru: Camille Giroud Volnay 1er Cru 2006
Bonus: David Clark Passe-Tout-Grain 2008 (Pinot/ Gamay blend)
Bonus: David Clark Passe-Tout-Grain 2008 (Pinot/ Gamay blend)
Bracket 6
Oregon: Evesham Wood Eola-Amity Pinot Noir 2009
Chilean: Casas Del Bosque Gran Reserva Pinot Noir 2009
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Session 2 - Chardonnay - Round Up
As the world is focusing on the great varietal Chardonnay on International Chardonnay Day - 26th May 2011 - it seems timely to get this wrap from the 2nd Swirl, Sniff, Spit session.
The line up featured stellar examples and highlighted much that is right and good about Chardonnay. All we needed was some Blanc de Blanc Champagne to round things off!
Pair 1
1. Stefano Lubiana Primavera 2010, Tasmania
Slatey, a nod of grapefruit. But the magic happens with the taught line that just extends.....Many have Stefano Lubiana amongst the top tier of Australian Chardonnay producers, this showed why.
2. Christian Moreaux 2009, Chablis AC, France
Racy, balanced and exhibiting lemon with some flinty aroma and flavour. Smooth, long and refreshing.
Pair 2
1. De Bortoli Reserve Chardonnay 2008, Yarra Valley, Australia @DeBortoliWines
No new oak, matured in four and five year old old oak. Creamy, dairy, yoghurt - almost a touch of Cottage Cheese - from full malo. Elegance and length. Superb!
2. Eldridge Estate Estate Chardonnay 2008, Mornington Peninsula, Australia @EldridgeEstate
Pineapple, grapefruit and peach through the middle. Comely, familiar yet not overworked. Good presence of toasty oak, again not overdone. Quality shining throughout.
Pair 3
1. Witches Falls Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2009, Granite Belt, Queensland, Australia @TheWineryWitch
Bouquet of melon and vanilla, oak here supports, not dominates the fruit. Not quite as defined, giving glimpses of where it will be with further vine age.
2. BK Wines Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay 2009, Adelaide Hills, Australia @BKWines
Wild yeast fermented in 50% new oak with leese stirring for 9 months. Aromatic florals - very Adelaide Hills according to some attendees familiar. Fruit is concentrated and powerful, peach leading a line with some supporting citrus.
Pair 4
1. Fraser Gallop Estate Chardonnay 2009, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia @FraserGallopEst
Lemony, buttery, peach. It has it all but the fruit quality shines. A backbone of acid keeps it all going and holds it in check.
2. Forrest Hill Estate Chardonnay 2009, Mount Barker, Western Australia @ForestHillWines
tight on opening, slowly unfurling to deliver typical stonefruit. Represents its place well, cool climate acid presented with a driving line. Length, impressive, extensive; the wine and the line.
Pair 5
1. Felton Road Chardonnay 2009, Central Otago, New Zealand @FeltonRoadWine
Toasty, nutty oak here. It's a Chardonnay for those who want quality but want Chardonnay with all elements present. good texture, with some opening fink and grapefruit.
2. Man O' War Vineyard Valhalla Chardonnay 2009, Waiheke Island, New Zealand @ManOWarNZWine
Reductive on opening. Shakes this sulphuric cloak off to deliver lovely minerality. Taut and complex, struck match as mentioned. Citrus and pear with nutty complexity.
Pair 6
1. Domaine Christian Moreau 1er Cru Chablis 2009
Very light, green tinged. Oak present - barely. Minerally lime, tart citrus. Balance, elegance
2. Domaine Bouchard Per et Fils Beaune de Chateau 1er Cru 2009
Beautifully structured, with intense chalky minerality. Comes from four different 1er Cru vineyards, where reds are the norm in Beaune. Delicate ripe pineapple and citrus flavours. Had me going "Wow, more please Vicar".
The line up featured stellar examples and highlighted much that is right and good about Chardonnay. All we needed was some Blanc de Blanc Champagne to round things off!
Pair 1
1. Stefano Lubiana Primavera 2010, Tasmania
Slatey, a nod of grapefruit. But the magic happens with the taught line that just extends.....Many have Stefano Lubiana amongst the top tier of Australian Chardonnay producers, this showed why.
2. Christian Moreaux 2009, Chablis AC, France
Racy, balanced and exhibiting lemon with some flinty aroma and flavour. Smooth, long and refreshing.
Pair 2
1. De Bortoli Reserve Chardonnay 2008, Yarra Valley, Australia @DeBortoliWines
No new oak, matured in four and five year old old oak. Creamy, dairy, yoghurt - almost a touch of Cottage Cheese - from full malo. Elegance and length. Superb!
2. Eldridge Estate Estate Chardonnay 2008, Mornington Peninsula, Australia @EldridgeEstate
Pineapple, grapefruit and peach through the middle. Comely, familiar yet not overworked. Good presence of toasty oak, again not overdone. Quality shining throughout.
Pair 3
1. Witches Falls Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2009, Granite Belt, Queensland, Australia @TheWineryWitch
Bouquet of melon and vanilla, oak here supports, not dominates the fruit. Not quite as defined, giving glimpses of where it will be with further vine age.
2. BK Wines Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay 2009, Adelaide Hills, Australia @BKWines
Wild yeast fermented in 50% new oak with leese stirring for 9 months. Aromatic florals - very Adelaide Hills according to some attendees familiar. Fruit is concentrated and powerful, peach leading a line with some supporting citrus.
Pair 4
1. Fraser Gallop Estate Chardonnay 2009, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia @FraserGallopEst
Lemony, buttery, peach. It has it all but the fruit quality shines. A backbone of acid keeps it all going and holds it in check.
2. Forrest Hill Estate Chardonnay 2009, Mount Barker, Western Australia @ForestHillWines
tight on opening, slowly unfurling to deliver typical stonefruit. Represents its place well, cool climate acid presented with a driving line. Length, impressive, extensive; the wine and the line.
Pair 5
1. Felton Road Chardonnay 2009, Central Otago, New Zealand @FeltonRoadWine
Toasty, nutty oak here. It's a Chardonnay for those who want quality but want Chardonnay with all elements present. good texture, with some opening fink and grapefruit.
2. Man O' War Vineyard Valhalla Chardonnay 2009, Waiheke Island, New Zealand @ManOWarNZWine
Reductive on opening. Shakes this sulphuric cloak off to deliver lovely minerality. Taut and complex, struck match as mentioned. Citrus and pear with nutty complexity.
Pair 6
1. Domaine Christian Moreau 1er Cru Chablis 2009
Very light, green tinged. Oak present - barely. Minerally lime, tart citrus. Balance, elegance
2. Domaine Bouchard Per et Fils Beaune de Chateau 1er Cru 2009
Beautifully structured, with intense chalky minerality. Comes from four different 1er Cru vineyards, where reds are the norm in Beaune. Delicate ripe pineapple and citrus flavours. Had me going "Wow, more please Vicar".
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Session 2 - Chardonnay
Love it or loathe it, Chardonnay is quite a polarising variety. Many say "I don't like Chardonnay", but which one? As with many of the great varietals, Chardonnay can be greatly influenced by the of the winemaker. Many of the great wines of the world are made with Chardonnay: Champagne, the great whites of Burgundy, icons of Australia such as Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay, Oakridge 864 Chardonnay, Cullen Kevin John...I could go on.
This line up of Chardonay at the second Swirl, Sniff, Spit event is designed to showcase what is great and good about this most noble of varietals.
Pair 1
1. Stefano Lubiana Primavera 2010, Tasmania
2. Christian Moreaux 2009, Chablis AC, France
Pair 2
1. De Bortoli Reserve Chardonnay 2008, Yarra Valley, Australia @DeBortoliWines
2. Eldridge Estate Estate Chardonnay 2008, Mornington Peninsula, Australia @EldridgeEstate
Pair 3
1. Witches Falls Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2009, Granite Belt, Queensland, Australia @TheWineryWitch
2. BK Wines Picadilly Valley Chardonnay 2009, Adelaide Hills, Australia @BKWines
Pair 4
1. Fraser Gallop Estate Chardonay 2009, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia @FraserGallopEst
2. Forrest Hill Estate Chardonnay 2009, Mount Barker, Western Australia @ForestHillWines
Pair 5
1. Felton Road Chardonnay 2009, Central Otago, New Zealand @FeltonRoadWine
2. Man O' War Vineyard Valhalla Chardonnay 2009, Waiheke Island, New Zealand @ManOWarNZWine
Pair 6
1. Les Heretiers Du Comte Lafon '09 Macon Villages, Macon, France2. Burgundy 1er Cru TBC
This line up of Chardonay at the second Swirl, Sniff, Spit event is designed to showcase what is great and good about this most noble of varietals.
Pair 1
1. Stefano Lubiana Primavera 2010, Tasmania
2. Christian Moreaux 2009, Chablis AC, France
Pair 2
1. De Bortoli Reserve Chardonnay 2008, Yarra Valley, Australia @DeBortoliWines
2. Eldridge Estate Estate Chardonnay 2008, Mornington Peninsula, Australia @EldridgeEstate
Pair 3
1. Witches Falls Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2009, Granite Belt, Queensland, Australia @TheWineryWitch
2. BK Wines Picadilly Valley Chardonnay 2009, Adelaide Hills, Australia @BKWines
Pair 4
1. Fraser Gallop Estate Chardonay 2009, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia @FraserGallopEst
2. Forrest Hill Estate Chardonnay 2009, Mount Barker, Western Australia @ForestHillWines
Pair 5
1. Felton Road Chardonnay 2009, Central Otago, New Zealand @FeltonRoadWine
2. Man O' War Vineyard Valhalla Chardonnay 2009, Waiheke Island, New Zealand @ManOWarNZWine
Pair 6
1. Les Heretiers Du Comte Lafon '09 Macon Villages, Macon, France2. Burgundy 1er Cru TBC
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)