Wine Reviews

Muscat works the gamut of wine styles

Geographers, and those with an interest in the Arab world, will recognise Muscat as the capital of Oman.

Wine tutorial promising for industry

The inaugural Family of Twelve Wine Tutorial recently concluded in Hawke's Bay.

Future leaders put through their paces

July is a busy time for young winery and vineyard staff from Central Otago, with competitions taking place.

Newcomers, old favourites doing fantastic work

Something old, something new, something from Bannockburn and Bendigo too.

Going for oak at Tonnellerie Damy

Oak barrels are an integral element in many wines, writes Mark Henderson.

Is country of origin still important?

Nearly a decade ago as the GFC bit, we saw amazing wine specials in our supermarkets, as wineries, eager to shed inventory and gain turnover (in what were difficult times), slashed prices.

Rieslings that hit the 'sweet spot'

After several weeks of winter red-themed columns, it seemed like the right time to break out, and what better than one of my old favourites: riesling.

Cotes du Rhone - A heavenly match

I'm using my slow cooker year-round nowadays, yet with the shortest day just passed, and winter's icy chill upon us, this form of cooking has even greater appeal.

Any port in a storm

Late April saw news filtering out from Portugal of the two major port companies declaring their 2016 Vintage Ports across all the wineries in their portfolios.

Value for money that covers bases

Putting together today's tasting felt a bit like covering all the bases - four wines that hit the value-for-money button (and will all probably sell on special for less than $15); check.

Que syrah, syrah

I note that a collective of syrah producers recently met in Auckland to discuss promotion and market penetration in New Zealand, enlisting the help of some of our senior masters of wine.

Australian reds warm up winter

We've had a delightful autumn this year, largely holding the inevitability of winter at bay. Yet with the gathering gloom of the shortest day less than a month away, winter's icy grip is looming.

Central wines stand out

Late April saw the launch of the 2018 edition of the Fine Wines of New Zealand list by Air New Zealand.

Chenin blanc each-way bet

I am one of the many who have fallen for the charms and delights of chenin blanc.

Felton Road makes top 10

The highly respected Drinks International magazine has just released its seventh annual ''most admired wine brands'' list, our own Felton Road Wines from Central climbing into the top 10 (after...

Handy book on Alexandra wines

Journalist, author, beer columnist, and Earnscleugh resident Ric Oram has published a book on the Alexandra wine region.

Foreign wines add a little spice

One indication of the changing face of wine retailing in New Zealand is the plethora of ``foreign wines'' that can now be found on our shelves.

No complaints about vegan-friendly wines

Today's article is not about friendly vegans, but rather, what makes a wine vegan (or vegan friendly)?

Look for great buying on special

Recommended retail prices (RRPs) are a funny thing and can sometimes seem to have little to recommend them (forgive the play on words), writes wine reviewer Mark Henderson.

Pinot noir elsewhere differs vastly from Otago

Mark Henderson samples some pinot noirs from South Island regions excluding Otago.

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