It’s amazing what one can find if you’re hunting for a chance at fame. After shooting an episode for my new series of Thirsty Work (Saturdays 3.55pm TV3) on innovations in glass technologies, I decided I’d like to know out more about how old bottles were made. I Googled ‘glass casting’ and a whole raft of ‘casting calls’ rolled across my screen. Was I interested in becoming Miss Teen Wanganui perhaps? A reality TV show wants to know if I married anyone behind bars and feel like telling my story. Females with long, shapely legs might want to apply for a commercial in Auckland and promotional models are being sought for the Hooters Car Wash in Tauranga. I could be an A1GP girl in the Waikato or an extra in ‘one of our favourite medical dramas’. Would I want to sell my ‘spooky story’ to That’s Life magazine or be a breastfeeding model for a maternity company? Hmmm I think that ship’s sailed, but there is a TV production company in the UK who’d like to know if I’ve ever tried DIY cosmetic surgery, ever dated someone in a coma or is my stepson actually my daughter’s dad.
Not exactly wine related, but it opened up a whole new world and now I’m hooked. Every day for a giggle, I check to see what ‘talent’ the media world wants. I’m also addicted to checking the news headlines on the hour. This morning I stumbled across an article saying people carrying the coldsore virus were more at risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Darn. Yet my evening internet news tells me that regular, moderate consumption of red wine and marijuana may actually help ward off the dreaded Alzheimer’s and other age-related memory loss. Apparently the naturally occuring polyphenols in red wine block the formation of proteins which build the toxic plaques thought to destroy brain cells. Combine this with a dose of THC, (the main psychoactive substance in cannabis, thought to reduce inflammation in the brain and stimulate the formation of new brain cells) – and you’ve got a ‘sharp for life’ recipe for mental health. Although this runs completely counter to what was drummed into me growing up, that drugs of any kind will rot your brain. It’s all very confusing. And yet I’m relieved because at least, according to the scientists, while pashing that dodgy guy when I was 15 might not have been such a good idea, all I need to do to counter the effects is to drink some more red wine and develop a taste for the illegal, then I’ll be absolutely fine…
Stonecroft Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $25 ★★★★
Inky-dark and magenta-black hued, this organically produced cabernet shows a distinctly earthy vein running through it, while being supplemented by dried herbs, leathery, gamey notes and bold, bracing acidity. It’s young and tightly coiled, so if you’ve got time, decant it. Otherwise grab the biggest glass you can find and swirl the heck out of it – oxygen is this wine’s friend. Serve with tender eye fillet wrapped in prosciutto. www.stonecroft.co.nz
Soho Revolver Waiheke Island Merlot Cabernet Franc Malbec 2014 $38 ★★★★
When a wine wins a ‘Pure Gold’ medal at the Air NZ Wine Awards, it means it’s consistently scored more than the minimum gold score of 55.5/60. One sip and you’ll see why this wine’s done exactly that. Saturated with dark plum and concentrated berryfruit, complex savoury spices and cigar box complexity on the palate, this is a dense, robust red that’s drinking deliciously now but will reward another year of six in the cellar. Luscious with rich, meaty lasagne. www.sohowine.com
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So you’re staring down the barrel of September thinking “Spring just can’t come fast enough” then fret not. These three will bring it on home instantly…
Stoneleigh Wild Valley Marlborough Chardonnay 2015 $18.99 ★★★★
Here’s a saucy chardonnay bursting with smoked pineapple, roast peach, caramelised characters, anise and white pepper. Using only ‘wild’ or indigenous yeasts in the ferment, can give a white wine more funk factor and greater complexity. So in the mid-palate of this wine there’s added layers of fresh, juicy acidity, hint’s of smoke and spice and it boasts a long, slightly creamy finish.
De Morgenzon DMZ Chenin Blanc 2015 $25 ★★★★½
This is the first time I’ve ever tried South African Chenin and if this is the standard, I’m a total convert. Grown in the upper reaches of the Stellenboschkloof Valley in the Stellenbosch region, the vines which – no joke- they play baroque music to 24/7, have produced a creamy apple, crème caramel and nashi-scented wine with tangy, honeyed stonefruit flavours. Food wise, no question, it’s got to be fennel-crusted roast pork with lashings of apple sauce. www.finewinedelivery.co.nz
Paper Road Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2014 $21 ★★★½
Grown and made in Opaki, just north of Masterton, this gently fruited velvety-plush pinot boasts a hit of sweet rosehip tea, ripe cherry and smooth, slippery raspberry notes on the finish. For lovers of sweet fruit and soft spices, this will absolutely hit the mark with a spicy warm lamb salad.
www.paperroad.co.nz
