New World Classics: The New Zealand Issue
Me, plotting my route at the New Zealand Wine Pure Discovery tasting in Toronto.
Dearest subscribers, there are few wines as distinct in aroma and flavour as New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. It's what we professional drinkers call a 'gimme' in blind tastings of wine. Aromas of fresh cut grass and ripe tropical fruits seem to leap forward from the glass - the kind of dead-ringer that's so welcome in a high stakes exam!
That said, there are many factors that create subtle differences in taste. Factors such as the precise region of origin, the winemaker's technique, the vintage, and other factors that contribute to the overall quality level in a wine. This is what makes tasting a dozen or so NZ Sauvignon Blancs back to back so much fun.
And that's exactly what I did, with my dear friend (and photographer for the day) Charlotte, this past Wednesday at the Pure Discovery wine tasting put on by New Zealand wine growers.
But, it's not 1991 anymore and NZ isn't all about SB. We also tasted a ton of Pinot Noir, a few really good Chardonnay's, some Pinot Gris, Syrah, Merlot, and a rosé made of Pinot Noir and Arneis (a white wine grape indigenous to Italy).
For tasting notes, release dates, and info on how to order the few wines here that are not available at the LCBO, keep reading!
Stoneleigh is one of the most recognizable producers of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc found at the LCBO. Their 2018 Latitude Sauvignon Blanc - which will be released in just a few weeks- is a little less acidic, softer, and offers more texture than the Stoneleigh Marlborough SB which is a general list product at the LCBO meaning it is available year round, not in the Vintages section of the store.
The Latitude SB was a favourite from this tasting and really underscores the phenomenal value of New Zealand wines. This wine had all the hallmarks of a typical NZ SB but with a weight and complexity that certainly belies its retail price of $21.95. Plush flavours of honeydew and ripe pineapple are met with lively, zesty, and faintly spicy notes imparted by the wines high acid structure and notes of white grapefruit, minerals and herbal and grassy undertones.
Serve with a poached salmon Nicoise salad!
Greywacke (pronounced Greywacky) takes its name from the hard, dark coloured, sedimentary rock soil from which the grapes are grown. Their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, while not available at the LCBO, were cake-takers among their respective grape varieties, for Charlotte and I.
While Charlotte favoured the PN, I fell instantly and shamelessly in love with the Chard which, while distinct in its own right with unctuous notes of stewed yellow apple, over-ripe pear, roasted hazelnut skins, lemon curd, and brioche, reminded me of my favourite Burgundy - Meursault. This wine, first from left, is available for order through Pacific Wines and Spirits for a truly unbelievable price of $44 a bottle. You must, however, purchase by the case. Charlotte and I will be buying at least a case of this and I would be more than happy to help facilitate other orders so, should you have any questions about the process, please feel free to email me, as I remain at your service for all things wine!
When my bottles come in I'll be pairing this wine with grilled lobster with garlic-parsley butter and roasted fingerling potatoes.
This is the Greywacke Pinot Noir, also available for purchase, by the case, through Pacific Wine and Spirits. Packed with fresh fruit - cherry, blackberry, plum - and rounded out with lovely notes of earth and spice. This wine is as elegant as it is serious and it is just a pleasure to drink.
Serve with roasted beet and fennel salad.
This is the wine of Summer '19 folks! Te Henga from Babich Wines is highly aromatic with all the typical flavours and aromas of classic NZ SB. This fresh and zesty wine is made for summer sipping. And the best part? It will retail for $12.95 at the LCBO. Look for it to hit stores in the next 5-6 weeks - just in time for summer BBQ and patio season!
Pair with BBQ'd pork and pineapple skewers.
Te Awanga's 2017 Estate Syrah and Mister 2017 Syrah are as delicious as they are handsome. And, both are available for purchase, by the case, at $25 and $19.95 respectively, through Azureau Wine Agency.
For most, including myself, Syrah does not immediately come to mind when we think of New Zealand wines. These, from Hawke's Bay, are perfect examples of the fruit-juicy, ripe, spicy and youthful Syrah the country is known for.
Serve with pomegranate, arugula and ricotta pizza!
The People's Sessions wines were among the lower-alcohol wines featured at this tasting. The SB is available now at the LCBO with the rosé to follow at a later date. This Sauvignon Blanc is, uncharacteristically, medium sweet, and 9.5% alc./vol. It perfect for those who prefer sweeter wines and for those who want a 'lower-alcohol' option.
I might also suggest this as the base for a white wine spritzer. Pair with fruit salad or angel's food cake topped with fresh fruit.
When was the last time you wrote your sweetheart a love letter? That's what I thought! After all, it is an antiquated form of communication and it's definitely easier to text. Picking up a bottle of this wine for a night in might well be just as romantic a gesture.
Loveblock's 2017 Love Letter Estate Blend Sauvignon Blanc, while unavailable for us to taste at this event, is now available at the LCBO. It's a vegan wine with (I'm told) citrus aromas and the quintessential creamy and buttery flavours of a wine that has undergone malolactic fermentation.
Charlotte and I tried the Loveblock Orange and the Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc, if the quality of these is any indication, the Love Letter will be worth writing home about!
The Doctors' wines were among those featured as 'lighter in alcohol'. The Doctors' Rosé, the aforementioned blend of Pinot Noir and Arneis was mouthwateringly acidic and had juicy notes of watermelon, strawberry and hard candy. Off-dry and brimming with fresh fruit, this wine will be available in the next few weeks at the LCBO. The release of the Pinot Noir will follow in August.
I can't think of a better pairing for the rosé than spinach and goat cheese salad.
