It’s my sixth day in New Zealand and I haven’t had a chance to write anything. I really didn’t appreciate how far away everything is. We have already taken three internal flights and driven over 1,000 kilometers. We have been to wineries around Auckland, Hawkes Bay, Martinborough, Marlborough, Canterbury, and now Central Otago.
I am really knackered. It’s a four hours of sleep, 30 wines a day trip. We barely have time to eat.
However, it has been worth it. There’s something incredibly honest and invigorating while visiting and tasting with top winemakers of New Zealand. It’s why I have been using the hashtag #onlyinnewzealand while tweeting.
Perhaps it’s because New Zealand is a relatively new winemaking country – at least with modern table wine. Winemaking didn’t really take off here until the 1980s. And many quality producers are only establishing themselves now. They speak about their wines and winemaking in a straightforward, almost wide-eyed way. I guess it’s because they know no limits yet. Their future will behold better and better wines.
John and Nick Buck at Te Mata in Hawkes Bay have been in the winemaking saddle for about three decades but they still hold true to themselves. And they are exploring new wines and pushing to make better wines every harvest. Most of the winemakers I have met have a special attitude, which is hard to describe. Perhaps pioneering spirit describes it?
Whatever it is, they make unique wines through a combination of unique soils and blinding light that gives their wines ripeness yet freshness. The grapes have a long ripening under intense sunshine in a cool climate. The acidity in NZ wines – regardless if they are white or red – is spellbinding. It even gives a crunchy, almost chalky, texture to the wines.
Everyone takes about Pinot Noir being THE unique wine of New Zealand. Of course, Sauvignon Blanc – as bad as it can be here – is what most consumers know New Zealand for. But I think that Chardonnay is amazing and I have had a number that are at grand cru Burgundy quality level, with all the density and complexity one could hope for.
Anyway, there are a couple more days to discover the premium New Zealand wine world. And I am already late for another appointment.
Stay tuned. Be well. (Photo: Tasting with Helen Masters at Ata Rangi.)
I have just sent you an e-mail whilst you are still in NZ .If you haven't already ,any chance of popping over to Waiheke Island ?
Destiny Bay is the one to go .
Best regards, Alberto Cenci - Squisito Fine Wines Ltd