Cimarosa New Zealand Marlborough, Sauvignon Blanc
Most of the wine we drink from New Zealand is still of course Sauvignon Blanc but also increasingly Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. New Zealand has a wider range of climates than it is usually given credit for and while these three varieties were on most tables at the wine fair there were also opportunities to taste Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Gruner Veltliner and Syrah.
Pinot Noir is still the star in red wine and it was interesting to taste the regional variations from the plum and chocolate flavoured ones from Wairarpa on the North Island to the bright red fruit flavours in Marlborough, to the black cherry and herbal notes from the wines of Central Otago. Central Otago is the world’s most southerly vineyard and has been made famous in recent times by the excellent wines produced by the actor Sam Neill. Pinot Noir was first cultivated in the 19th century but it was really only in the last decade or two that we in Ireland became aware of just how good it could taste. Sadly it is never a cheap wine and this is mainly due to the low yields necessary for producing any reasonable level of quality. The new duty rates have caused chaos in pricing and margins for shops and restaurants and this will not help New Zealand given that virtually all of their best known brands already cost over €12 — there are interesting times ahead.
