WINO 101

Hello Friends and Wine Lovers!

Welcome, once again, to the Carpe Vinum Weekly Tasting Report! This week I am happy to report the wonderful, luxurious wines of New Zealand, to which you may retort “Hurrah!” in support of these wines of great importance. Yes, I am often surprised by the wines from this small, isolated, dual-islanded country out in the South Pacific. Shall we learn a bit more about them? Absolutely!

The first vines in New Zealand were planted well-over a few centuries ago, yet it’s taken just about that long for the industry to get its bearings and hone in on what works best. The latitudes between the North and South islands range from the Northern Hemisphere equivalent of Morocco to Bordeaux, yet the climate is adjusted by cooler oceanic breezes, and increased precipitation due the mountainous terrain. The result is a bit like the climate in Oregon, for the most part. And what grows the best here? Pinot Noir.

The same goes for New Zealand. The New Zealand Pinots are getting worldwide acclaim, but still remains in the shadow of a more famous New Zealand varietal: Sauvignon Blanc! The Sauvignon Blancs of the region have astounded people with their complexity, finesse, and sturdy acidity. Like Pinot Noir, the Sauvignon Blanc requires a cooler climate to develop well. It begs the question: “If Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc do so well in New Zealand due to the climate, why does Oregon grow so much good Pinot Noir but very little Sauvignon Blanc?”  To which my answer is a resounding “Ah, um. . Hey!  What’s that over there. . .?”

Statistically speaking, Chardonnay is the primary variety grown in New Zealand which, like the rest of the world, is due to its popularity. That actually puts Sauvignon Blanc in the second place, and Pinot Noir in third. This tasting will not feature any Chardonnay, considering I have yet to see anyone here show an interest in that varietal. That certainly doesn’t break my heart, considering all the other wonderful wines I’m able to put in here.

So there are 2 Sauvignon Blancs this week (Yes, white wines! Those of you holding out for the white wines, here’s your chance!), 2 Pinot Noirs, 2 Bordeaux-style, and a Syrah! New Zealand makes a Syrah? Oh, yes. . and it’s delicious. Get this one now, since Schubert’s next release of Syrah doubled in price.

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

New Zealanders!!
Dog Point 2005 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough
Sacred Hill 2004 Pinot Noir, Hawke’s Bay
Sherwood 2004 Pinot Noir, Marlborough
Villa Maria 2004 Private Bin (Merlot, Cab. Sauv., Malbec, Cab. Franc), Hawke’s Bay
Te Mata 2002 Woodthorpe Cabernet/Merlot, Hawke’s Bay

And a Bit More!!
Neudorf 2003 Sauvignon Blanc, Nelson
Schubert 1999 Syrah, Martinborough

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

Next Friday tasting Petite Sirah!

And apologies to anyone upset by my misspelling of Pittsburgh, last week. . mostly Stealers fans, I imagine. . .

M