Brighten Up Your Summer With A Taste of New Zealand
Article and Photo by Kait Nienhuis
With the warm weather finally making an appearance, wine lovers are undoubtedly beginning to stock up on summer friendly wines. It goes without saying that white wines are exceptionally popular among consumers during the warmer seasons, so why not take the time to experience a particularly stunning varietal called Sauvignon Blanc. Or more specifically: New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
New Zealand has a producing area of 31,057 hectares with Sauvignon Blanc accounting for a majority of 14,735 hectares. International critics have rated New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blancs as the world’s best and are the country’s main grape varietal, with a production total of 63 per cent.
New Zealand’s upper regions produce fruitier Sauvignon Blancs with nectarine and peach characteristics. Bolder, zestier Sauvignon Blancs are produced in the lower regions with flavours of gooseberry, passion fruit and citrus.
Appreciate your palate by treating it to Astrolabe Voyage Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough (10421 - $19.95).This is an absolutely scrumptious wine. Pale yellow in colour, this wine screams aromas of grapefruit, gooseberry and zesty lemon. Bold flavours of passion fruit, gooseberry and citrus make the palate dance right through to the smooth finish. Delicious with fresh salads or seafood, but don’t be shy to just sip it on its own. www.astrolabewines.co.nz
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Guests indulged in more than 200 of New Zealand’s finest wines at the New Zealand Wine Fair held in Toronto on April 29. |
Because New Zealand is made up of islands, the vineyards benefit from the changing temperature effects from the sea. Grapes ripen slowly due to the country’s long and dry autumns and as a result, develop intensity and structured acidity. Although a leading producer of Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand also produces beautiful Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Riesling.
For those looking for a red to keep them company on a warm summer evening, try Villa Maria’s Private Bin Pinot Noir 2007, Marlborough (146548 - $19.95).This wine is a great everyday Pinot Noir, boasting a bright ruby colour, good structure, hints of cherry and plums and a nice, smooth finish. www.villamaria.co.nz.
Whether you’re looking to dazzle guests or just enjoy a refreshing glass of wine with your partner, New Zealand has a great selection of wines that will satisfy your palate and your pocket. www.nzwine.com. |
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