Mark Henderson previews some wine events around the country and samples some gruner and gewurztraminer.
Alexandra Basin Winegrowers New Releases Tasting
1pm-4pm, Sunday, October 23
Olivers Garden, Clyde
Many of our readership will be looking forward to a break away over Labour Weekend, and Central Otago will be a strong drawcard.
Wine lovers should mark Sunday, October 23 into their calendars as this is the date for the annual Alexandra Basin Winegrowers tasting in Clyde, now into its eighth year.
Always a convivial event with a chance to chat to the owners, there will be more than 20 local vineyards showcasing their wines.
For more information: Contact the Alexandra i-Site
Budburst: Natural Wine & Food Festival
11am-6pm, Sunday, November 13
Prefab Cafe & Hall 14 Jessie St, Wellington
A growing movement in wine in recent years has been that of ''natural'' wines, where a group of winemakers are eschewing additives and following a path of minimal intervention in their winemaking, seeking to craft what they feel to be a purer expression of their land and vines.
Some of the resulting wines have caused controversy, while others have been highly lauded. If you have ever wanted to immerse yourself in these wines, then this is clearly the place.
More than 20 wineries from New Zealand, Australia and further afield will be showing their wines alongside local food, live music and interactive workshops.
For more information: www.budburst.nz
Pinot Noir NZ
Tuesday, January 31-Thursday, February 2
Various venues, Wellington waterfront
In simple terms, this is our national showcase for pinot noir.
With a who's who of top pinot producers from around the country, highly regarded industry commentators from here and abroad, and attendees ranging from wine enthusiasts, importers, sommeliers, writers and more, this event covers the gamut of wine tastings, masterclasses, dinners and fine Kiwi hospitality.
For pinot noir buffs, this is likely to be heaven in a glass.
For more information: www.pinotnz.co.nz
For today's tasters, the letter G - gewurztraminer and gruner.
Price (cellar door): $25
Rating: Very good
Fragrant and floral nose — at times spice and pepper, other times musk and lychee, and then stonefruit. All in all rather appealing and interesting. Texturally rich and delicacy to the flavours with peach and mineral notes and a pepperiness that becomes slightly dominant. A fresh lift to the finish.
An uncommon grape and a nice rendition.
Price (cellar door): $25
Rating: Good to very good
Bright nose, at first offering grapey notes, soap and roses. The nose softens before the roses build again. Turkish delight and spices on the medium weight frame. Soft and gentle on the mid palate.
Easy drinking here and an easy introduction to the variety.
Price (cellar door): $27
Rating: Very good
Fruit jubes, goody goody gum drops, candyfloss and even a hint of canned peas on the nose. Rich palate entry with rosewater, lychee and fruit pastilles. Weighty and rich this, showing confectionery and noticeable sweetness on the viscous frame.
The sweetness does build up a little, but an appealing package overall.
