The Magic of Mt. Beautiful Wine

Several weeks ago, I received and tasted five enchanting wines (sent as samples) from Mt. Beautiful, located in North Canterbury, on the South Island of New Zealand. To be honest, if they had been part of a blind tasting, I never would have guessed their country of origin; the palate profiles didn’t meet my paradigm of a typical New Zealand wine. Instead, I noted wines of restraint and harmony that were intriguing. Mt. Beautiful’s consulting winemaker, Sam Weaver, is on the record as describing the winemaking style as “clean wines with drive and length of flavor. They show abundant fruit, but the reins are pulled in for more balance”. Exactly.

 

Mt. Beautiful was founded by world-renowned scholar, entrepreneur, and New Zealand native, David Teece, and his wife, Leigh. A two-year search to discover a region where they could achieve their dream to “bring the best of New Zealand to the world” was realized.  The winery is found in the majestic, rugged region of North Canterbury, located about an hour and a half north of Christchurch and at the top of the North Canterbury appellation, became that special place for which the couple longed.

“The vineyard sits in a unique spot between two braided rivers that is punctuated by a deep, old riverbed which divides it, affectionately called “The Chasm.” With 23 different soil types and numerous microclimates, the vineyard team has chosen rootstocks and clones with care, matching each to the most suitable parcel. The Kaikoura Seaward Mountains and the Wairau River borders the winery to the North. The vineyard rests under its namesake, Mt. Beautiful, that crowns the coastal range to the East and protects the vineyards from the ocean winds”. Mt. Beautiful

Three contiguous farms were purchased and planted to vines from 2003 to 2005. Mt. Beautiful became the first commercial size vineyard to be planted outside of an established New Zealand wine region in 20 years. Currently, it remains the only winery in the area – there are no sites in the area that mirror its unique terroir. In fact, the closest commercial winery to Mt. Beautiful is 37 miles away…

The first vintage, a small production, was in 2007. Since then, thanks to the maturation of the vineyards, the volume has steadily increased. In 2015, a new winery was built, heralding another chapter in the story of Mt. Beautiful.

The Wines of Mt. Beautiful

The delectable wines I tasted are certified-sustainable, estate-grown, and true examples of those that are terroir-driven. With each sip, I appreciated unique qualities that set these charming wines apart from so many others. And yes, they’re affordable, too.

Mt. Beautiful Pinot Gris 2015 ($18.99) – The aromas ring true with this refreshing Pinot Gris. Featuring a rich and intense bouquet of white flowers, jasmine, lilac, and stone fruit, I couldn’t wait to have my first sip. Lively acidity enveloped textured notes of bright citrus, apples, apricots, peaches, pears, honey, spice, and herbs…the path was paved to a satin-like finish. The Pinot Gris grapes were hand harvested, whole bunch pressed, and fermented in a mix of old oak barrels and stainless steel tanks then aged on the lees. Although this wine is a delightful pairing with any endeavor (a good read on the back porch or with your best friend), you may consider sipping a few glasses with a creamy pasta dish, grilled chicken with a flavorful sauce, or picnic sandwiches.

Mt. Beautiful Sauvignon Blanc 2016 ($15.99) – Fresh and bright, this Sauvignon Blanc retains the profile of a New Zealand variety… to some extent. On the nose, I appreciated intense aromas of grapefruit, juicy citrus, snappy lemons, lime and tropical fruit. The flavorful palate burst with notes of ripe tropical fruit and a welcome (at least to me!) restraint from the grassiness so often associated with New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Framed with crisp acidity, the creamy entry was a delight, as was the lingering, fruit-filled finish. This wine was fermented with a variety neutral and aromatic yeasts and components were aged on the lees for eight months before blending and bottling. Pair a glass or two of this Sauvignon Blanc with your favorite chicken dishes or hot crabcakes.

Mt. Beautiful Riesling 2015 ($22.99) – Riesling is considered Mt. Beautiful’s “baby” in that it was the first wine produced and launched to the public. Lucky us! Intense aromas of petrol, stone fruit, pear, pink grapefruit, menthol, and herbs wafted from the glass – I was hooked! The off-dry palate was just as mesmerizing…notes of stone fruit, florals, sweet almonds, ripe apples, juicy citrus, and lingering acidity were memorable…and ever-so balanced. The Riesling grapes from two unique vineyard blocks were hand harvested on two separate occasions to ensure sufficient bright acidity in the wine. After pressing and fermentation, the wine was aged on light yeast lees for four months before racking, blending, and bottling. A lovely pairing? Sushi, spicy Thai dishes, or New Zealand scallops prepared in your favorite dish will be cause for delight.

Mt. Beautiful Chardonnay 2015 ($21.99) – Chardonnay lovers will be more than satisfied with this keeper from Mt. Beautiful. 2015 was an excellent vintage for Chardonnay in North Canterbury and it shows. I noted enticing elements of green apples, white peaches, yellow flowers, and vanilla on the nose. The palate offered flavors of roasted almonds, stone fruit, minerality, mouthwatering acidity, and a creamy mouthfeel leading to a clean, mineral-driven finish. Chardonnay grapes were picked in three different batches according to ripeness then pressed and fermented separately in barrels and tanks. Finally, the wine, in both barrels and tanks, was aged for nine months on yeast lees before blending, after which it was lightly fined and filtered prior to bottling. Start roasting the chicken or preparing the Coquille St. Jacques while you have a generous pour of this luscious Chardonnay.

Mt. Beautiful Pinot Noir 2015 ($27.99) – Generous aromas of luscious red fruit, blueberries, blackberries, violets, and vanilla were a dazzling entry to the deliciousness in the glass. There, I discovered notes of zesty spice, both red and black fruit, and earth surrounded with bright acidity and gentle tannic structure. Aged for ten months in French oak barrels, this Pinot Noir from, by all accounts, a sterling vintage year, will be a delectable complement to spring lamb dishes, spinach and arugula salad, crispy duck, finger sandwiches, and a conversation with your friend to plan a trip to Mt. Beautiful!

You noticed the striking label on each bottle, of course. Featured is the handwriting of Allan Teece, deceased father of owner David Teece. While serving in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in North Africa, Palestine, and Italy from 1940-1945, he wrote letters to his family. Now, the script on the letters has become a visual inspiration for the design of the Mt. Beautiful label.

I have no doubt that Mr. Teece is proud of his son and daughter-in-law who are honoring his homeland. David and Leigh are assuming the roles of devoted guardians of the land and ardent supporters of their community as they bring a bit of New Zealand’s “magic to the world” in the form of their exceptional wines.

Cheers! ~ Cindy