Published NZME Regional Newspapers Sat 1 Aug 2015 In all my years writing wine columns, one of the most common questions I’m asked, is whether it’s possible to find grape juice made from the types of grapes that make wine? Why? Believe me, once you’ve tasted the juice of a wine grape, it’s almost impossible … Read More
Spanish Drinkquisition
Published NZME Regional Newspapers Sat 25 July 2015 Armies of new Spanish wines are appearing pretty much everywhere I turn lately and this is brilliant news if you’re partial to spicy, smooth quaffers that won’t damage your wallet. A bunch of canny importers bought up large while our kiwi dollar was strong – so … Read More
Roast Day cometh!!
Published NZME Regional Newspapers Sat 18 July 2015 Sunday August 2nd is fast becoming one of my favourite Sundays of the year because I have full permission to abandon all arty farty food anxieties and get amongst a gloriously old school roast. Selaks New Zealand Roast Day is a fantastic initiative instigated by the … Read More
Pinot Trail Tales…
Cloudy Bay’s winemaker Nick Lane is racing around the country hosting the Cloudy Bay Pinot and Duck Trail, a series of events designed to showcase how pinot noir and duck dishes are a match made in heaven. Today he’s at Auckland’s Sapphire Room where three of the best chefs in town are preparing duck-centric dishes … Read More
Dandelion Vineyards Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz 2012
Dandelion Vineyards Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz 2012 $32 ★★★★½ Even if you were somehow blind to the bling on the label (gold medals for Africa here) you’d know as soon as you took the first sip that this wine is astonishingly tasty. It’s scented with red rose, dried herbs, cocoa and ripe black fruits, … Read More
Beso De Rechenna Reserva Brut Nature Cava
Beso De Rechenna Reserva Brut Nature Cava $22 ★★★★ Crafted from 80% macabeo and 20% chardonnay, this is a superb example of deliciously dry and bony bubbles, which boasts delicate breadcrust characters, snappy apple and pear, and a squeak of lime on the finish. Lovely stuff indeed. www.stvincentscave.com
Vega Barcelona Cava
Vega Barcelona Cava $16.95 ★★★½ Pillowy soft mousse and aromas of white peach, brulee and a hint of gentle chalkiness give good complexity to this Spanish sparkler. A blend of 30% Macebeo, 35% Xarello, 35% Parellada, this fizz is gently dry and boasts a clean, tangy green apple note on the finish. www.accentonwine.co.nz
RojoMojo Tempranillo 2013
RojoMojo Tempranillo 2013 $12.95 ★★★½ Here you’ve got a rich, heady, spicy, plum-driven 100% Tempranillo from the Campo de Cariñena that’s dangerously easy to drink. Tangy berries, cherries and savoury, leathery notes on the finish should make this a no brainer with burgers. www.moorewilson.co.nz
Mas Buscados Tempranillo Petit Verdot 2013
Mas Buscados Tempranillo Petit Verdot 2013 $16.95 ★★★½ The grapes are grown by three hombres called ‘Paco’ and the winemaker is Brent King, a gringo kiwi. With a grippy, grizzly mouthfeel awash with cherry, berry and pepper flavours, make sure you feed it with meat. For stockists contact importer Bennett & Deller 09 3789463 info@bdwine.co.nz
Valtier Reserva Tempranillo Bobal 2007
Valtier Reserva Tempranillo Bobal 2007 $17.95 ★★★★ Bobal is a Spanish native, which makes up 50% of this deliciously mature, Valencia-grown blend. It’s a smooth, vanilla-dusted red, oozing liquorice, cedar and dark fruit. Superb value. www.lacantina.co.nz