When you’re looking for a wine that is guaranteed to delight, look no further than the diverse array of wine varieties and styles from New Zealand. Although New Zealand produces only 1% of the world’s wine, I know that you’ll find one to appreciate and thoroughly enjoy. How about Sauvignon Blanc (the variety that put New Zealand on the wine map!), Chardonnay, Gewurtztraminer, Pinot Gris or Riesling? Then again, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blends, or Syrah are magnificent. But the list isn’t complete. You may prefer Albarino, Gruner Veltliner, Tempranillo and more, all grown in lesser quantities.
The core to New Zealand’s success is its temperate maritime climate (no vineyard is more than 80 miles from the ocean) with abundant sunshine and cool nights, passion of the wine producers and winemakers, and distinctive characteristics of the wines. The wine regions, each with unique soils, extend 1000 miles from the subtropical Northland down to Central Otago, known for the world’s most southerly vineyards.
In the past few weeks, I was sent five wines (as samples) that are reasonably priced, flavorful and food friendly. Pure pleasure indeed!
Whitecliff Wines from Marlborough
The largest wine growing region in New Zealand is Marlborough, located on the northern part of the South Island. Marlborough brought international attention to New Zealand with its magnificent Sauvignon Blanc released in the 1980s. Yet, a vast range of varieties is cultivated in the region thanks to diverse soils and meso-climates.
The name Whitecliff was inspired by the 100 feet high white cliffs on the edge of the original vineyard site on the family estate. The wines I tasted were from the 2019 vintage, apparently one of the best years that winegrowers had seen in decades. An unusually hot summer resulted in lower fruit yields and prompted harvest to occur about two weeks earlier than average. It was completed within three weeks with only one brief rainfall.
The wines from Whitecliff are “produced with enjoyment in mind.” Whitecliff Sauvignon Blanc Winemaker’s Selection 2019 ($16) burst with intense tropical notes of mango, passionfruit, tangerine, orange blossom, lemon zest and elderflower on both nose and palate. Snappy acidity was a punctuation mark to this fresh, lively wine.
The Whitecliff Winemaker’s Selection Pinot Noir 2019 ($20) was rich and vibrant. I noted aromas and flavors of dark cherries, milk chocolate, red berries, prunes, bramble, black pepper and spice. Framed by lovely acidity and moderate tannins, this is a beautiful example of unoaked Pinot Noir from the region.
Decibel Wines from Martinborough
Martinborough is one of three sub-regions of the Wairapara Valley, and the most southerly in the southern part of the North Island. With optimal growing conditions similar to Burgundy, Pinot Noir cultivated in this cool, dry climate is lauded, as are the area’s wines of Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah. Around the village of Martinborough are small vineyards of family-owned producers that cultivate grapes on free-draining soils
“Could you taste a wine and feel inspired? Could you smell a glass of wine and want to move to the other side of the world? It happened to me when I discovered New Zealand wines. My story and my wines are all about the people who inspire me, the places I’ve been and the music I love,” states Daniel Brennan, American musician turned New Zealand winemaker and founder of Decibel Wines. Daniel works with growers in Martinborough, Gimblett Gravels, Wairarapa, all on New Zealand’s The North Island, officially known as Te Ika-a-Māui (Māori). His vision is to produce wines using classic practices and minimal intervention, and that offer a community- based attitude.
Beautiful hues of salmon and apricot were a lovely entry to Decibel Rosé Crownthorpe Vineyards 2019 ($16). Of 100% Pinot Noir, I found aromas of white florals, steely minerality and stone fruit. The palate opened with bright acidity and elements of spice, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, dried apricot and white peaches on the nose and plate.
Decibel Pinot Noir Single Vineyard 2017 ($35) is from a northeast facing dry-farmed vineyard sitting a bit higher than the usual river terrace soils found in most of Martinborough. I was impressed with aromas of dark cherry, forest floor, vanilla and toasted hazelnuts, then flavors of strawberries, cherries, cola and spice. Moderate acidity and lush tannins surrounded this textured wine that spent 10 months in French barrels and one year in the bottle before release.
Malbec? Yep! Decibel Gimblett Gravels Malbec 2017 ($25) is of Malbec cultivated on the famous Gimblett Gravels appellation of “specific soils laid bare from the constantly shifting Ngaruroro River over millions of years.” The last shift that occurred in 1867 left rocky soils and combined with the Heretaunga Plains weather and classic winemaking techniques, the soils have helped produce this outstanding expression of Malbec. Aromas of eucalyptus, sweet spice, black pepper, cherries, vanilla and salinity led to flavors of ripe red fruit, mocha, mint, blueberries, earth and chalk on a foundation of vibrant acidity and firm tannins. The Malbec was aged for 12 months in oak and bottled in June 2018.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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Liz Barrett