New Zealand Winegrowers
New Zealand Winegrowers report
New Zealand Winegrowers was established in March 2002 as the joint initiative of the New Zealand Grape Growers Council, representing the interests of New Zealand’s independent grapegrowers, and the Wine Institute of New Zealand, representing New Zealand wineries.
New Zealand is a country of contrasts with dense, native forest, snow-capped mountains and spectacular coastline. With wine growing regions spanning the latitudes of 36 to 45 degrees and covering the length of 1000 miles (1,600km), grapes are grown in a vast range of climates and soil types, producing a diverse array of styles. The northern hemisphere equivalent would run from Bordeaux (between the latitudes of 44 and 46 degrees) down to southern Spain.
New Zealand's small population, distant location and agricultural economy have earned the country a 'clean, green' image. Visitors often describe it as 'an unspoiled paradise'. New Zealand's winemakers and grape growers are determined to keep it this way. Innovative practices in the vineyard and winery which deliver quality in a sustainable and environmental manner, ensure that New Zealand meets a growing world demand for wines that have been produced in a 'clean and green' fashion.
Tastings are provided in the UK to spread the good word of all things wine from New Zealand.
Trade Tasting March 2006
This year we held the tasting over two days. The first day was for the main New Release tasting which we combined with a Syrah and Red Blends seminar and food and wine matching. This latter event was predominately targeted at the on trade and included an informal debate to discuss the question: 'How can New Zealand increase red wine awareness in the UK On Trade?'
We also told the guests about our on trade survey which was posted out two days after the event. (Please see below for more details). On the following day (22nd March) we invited the Association of Wine Educators to taste the New Release wines and also repeated the Syrah and Red Blends seminar for them. We highlighted wines in the catalogue and also with an orange sticker by each bottle for those wines that were Independent and On Trade Focussed.
Julian Dyer Buyer, Sainsbury's
I have to say I find it a refreshing change to have a short and sharp tasting, with no suppliers present, so that you can taste everything you want to taste without distractions and do it efficiently. The main annual tasting is the opportunity to meet suppliers, and I get so distracted by suppliers vying for attention that I don't always get to taste everything I planned. C'est la vie.
Some short feedback for you. Pinot Noir - very impressive across the board. Sauvignon Blanc - again, good standards. Other varietals, eg Merlot and Cabernet, very variable. Mish mash of styles and some quite disappointing. Work to be done there. In general impressed with the line up, looking for another Pinot Noir, we are just about to list one at a high price point and looks like we will be taking on a mid priced Pinot too. Very good quality and very impressed.
Pierre Mansour Buyer, The Wine Society
The 2004 Pinot Noir are showing very well, they seem more developed than I expected however lovely wines. I liked tasting the Pinot's by vintage and was keen on the regional comparisons that could be made. The event is great as I'm left alone to taste.
Despite us highlighting that this tasting would show both white and red wines guests were not expecting to see the whites at the event and enjoyed an opportunity to taste these varietals. The sparkling wines in particular were very popular and created quite a talking point. Wineries are urged to submit more sparkling wines to future new release tastings. There were many positive comments on the entry point Pinot Noirs with particular praise going to wines in at the £6.99 - £9.99 price bracket.
Guests felt that there has been significant progress with Pinot Noir at this price point. The high end Pinot's showed very well although there were concerns about the price /quality ratio for some wines. Some commented that the 2005 and 2003 Pinot Noirs showed better than the 2004 examples with the 2004 wines developing at a much quicker pace no doubt due to the warmer 2004 vintage.
The Merlot Cabernet blends received mixed comments. Some names stood out in particular as great examples for these varietals. It was great to see a larger selection of Syrah's at the tasting which were favourably received. A key message that came through though is that New Zealand reds do have great potential to grow in the UK market. We can continue to enjoy high price points but only if we continue to merit them with the quality of our wines.
These comments are extracted from the post tasting update by New Zealand winegrowers. Any comments are not necessarily those of Barrels & Bottles.
We can also recommend...
21.5cl - ISO wine tasting glasses - box of 6 by Luigi Bormioli This is the standard sized wine glass and is ...
more...
Single bottle wooden gift box - adds a touch of luxury to any bottle Nominal Internal Dimensions : 330 x 92 x ...
more...
White wine version of the amazing i-wine ... the interactive blind wine tasting game. We obviously are not going to tell you ...
more...
