WINO 101

Hello Friends and Wine Lovers!

This week we’re staying on the Southern side of the Equator, again. . .considering that it’s such a long flight, and the jet-lag. Oy! So now we’re going from the “down under” of Australia over to New Zealand. (”Down Under and Over”, you could say. Nobody else says that, but maybe we could start.)

The New Zealand wine trade is a relatively young industry in the grand scheme of things. Considering that the first exports to the US from New Zealand started in the late 1970’s, it’s pretty easy to assume that there has been much discovery over the last few decades. Such as the discovery of what they do best. In the last decade, or so, New Zealand wines have become almost synonymous with their most well-known varietal of Sauvignon Blanc. This might make a bit of sense, considering their location is the Southern Hemisphere latitude equivalent  of ranging from Bordeaux through Southern Spain (the main Bordeaux white varietal being Sauvignon Blanc). Add in the factors of the ocean breezes, and cooler ocean currents from the Antarctic, the climate is a bit cooler, and created wonderfully crisp white wines, and stellar Pinot Noir, as well. (And being in the Southern Hemisphere, that close to Antarctica, means they have penguins. And that’s gotta be worth something.)

So what I’ve assembled here is a good cross-section between the two islands of New Zealand, and between the multiple varietals they grow down there. I also have the obligatory tasty Sauvignon Blanc, which is perfect on a sunny, warm day. . .which it is not, at this time. Perhaps tomorrow the sun will come back, but this is the Rose Festival time of year, here in Portland. (I’ve nicknamed it the Rain Festival, since I think it actually does have an effect on the weather systems in the Willamette Valley.) I think I’d rather stay dry, inside with these awesome NZ wines!

So Friday, June 3rd, between 4:30 and 9:00 PM it’s:

Down Under and Over to New Zealand!
Omaka Springs 2003 Pinot Gris, Omaka Valley
Spy Valley 2004 Sauvgnon Blanc, Marlborough
Greenstone Pointe 2003 Pinot Noir, New Zealand
Te Mata 2002 Cab/Merlot Woodthorpe, Hawke’s Bay
Sileni 2002 Merlot/Cab Franc, Hawke’s Bay

Also New Zealand!!
Okahu 2000 Ninety Mile (Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Merlot), North Island
Babich 2002 Winemaker’s reserve Pinot Noir, Marlborough

A stellar deal at $10 for the First 5, and $6 for the Extra 2 Premium Pours
Hope to see you here!
Seize the Wine!

Next Friday tasting is The Wines of Southwest France!

M