I am easily excitable when it comes to food and wine, and happy to admit it. So when given a spot at the New Zealand in a Glass, Pinot Noir master class here in Vancouver, well.. I jumped at it. Hosted by well known local wine guru, DJ Kearney, along with a panel of prominent Kiwi winemakers and producers, we sampled a selection of Pinots from some of New Zealand’s top regions, then headed to the tasting room to try the rest of the wines on offer.
Like so many of you, I have had the opportunity to try plenty of the delicious Sauvignon Blancs, along with a few Chardonnays, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noirs from New Zealand that are available here in Vancouver. Most of these wines have been pretty good, with a few standouts that I regularly add to my home arsenal. Having had an afternoon to ponder the Pinot Noirs from the seminar, I could not help but walk out of the tasting room feeling pretty impressed, knowing that there is truly something going on in New Zealand, something demanding a little bit more of my (and possibly your) attention.
What surprised me was the incredible purity and freshness that drove these wines, giving them all a sort of intrinsic kinship, something that said quietly but confidently, ‘I am New Zealand’. It was here though, that the similarities gave way to individuality, with each of the seminar wines chosen showing exceptional regional character with a profound level of transparency that allowed the terrior to shine through. Who would have thought that this small country, roughly a third the size of B.C. would have such a variance of climate, soil and viticultural practice? In fact, Pinot Noir plantings have increased by nearly 50% in the last 5 years, with demand still rising. Couple that with some of the world’s most strict and inclusive wine production sustainability policies, it’s quite obvious that in New Zealand there is a passion and an understanding for great wine intertwined with a sense of guardianship for the land.
Both the seminar and tasting were highly enjoyable and educational, so I thought i would share a few of the highlights with all of you. Below are a few of the New Zealand regions (from north to south) producing Pinot Noir.
MARTINBOROUGH – North Island
Oldest Pinot Noir region. Fuller, supple style with plum, chocolate and meaty flavour profile and racy acidity.
WAIRARAPA – North Island
Wider, younger region near Martinborough. Warmer climate, lifted cherry flavours, plus plum, tobacco and hints of eucalypt.
NELSON – South Island
Small region producing fragrant, complex, softly textured wines with bright cherry, strawberry and plum flavours.
MARLBOROUGH – South Island
The largest region for Pinot Noir and home to many of the well known Kiwi Sauvignon Blancs. Bright red fruit, raspberries and plums. Linear structure and even tannins.
WAIPARA VALLEY – South Island
Limestone soils in some areas. Red fruit, and darker plummy, sweet fruits, with hints of pepper and spice. Firm tannins and acidity.
CENTRAL OTAGO – South Island
The world’s most southerly wine region. Dense dark cherry, leather, spice and fresh herbs. Firm tannins and acidity.
So now that you’re are ready to get out there and try a few of these seriously quaffable, well crafted Pinot’s, here are a few of the standouts from a number of price-points to suit any wine lover.
Ara Select Blocks Pinot Noir 2012 – Marlborough – $25
Tohu Rore Reserve Pinot Noir 2012 – Marlborough – $45
Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2012 – Central Otago – $23
Marisco The Ned 2012/13 – Marlborough – $21
Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir 2011 – Waipara Valley – $48
Akarua Pinot Noir 2011 – Central Otago – $27
Kim Crawford Pinot Noir 2012 – South Island Multi Regional – $22
Gladstone Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011 – Wairarapa – $45
Felton Road Bannockburn 2012 – Central Otago – $70
