Pressing ahead with grape harvest preparations
As you read this, preparations for harvest 2019 in Otago will be getting under way: machinery is checked and re-checked, tanks and barrels are cleaned, and wineries are generally made shipshape for...
Food & Wine
An Australian sojourn
An Australian sojourn
Following up from last week's all shiraz/syrah contingent, I've gone all Australian this week and spread the net to encompass some other varieties/blends, as man ("or woman Brian,'' to quote a...
Summer sun in a glass
Summer sun in a glass
After an early surge of enthusiasm was dampened by spring and early summer rains, my barbecue has sat somewhat forlornly unwanted on the deck.
Sauvignon blanc no 'one trick pony'
Sauvignon blanc no 'one trick pony'
My good friends and tasting buddies Messrs Collins and McLaren recently attended a Sunday tasting with friends (which, sadly, I was unable to attend). The theme was 'What I want to drink more of in...
Cool and refreshing
Cool and refreshing
The recent hot days have had me wavering in my wine choices, with the temperatures seemingly demanding a coolish white, while I'm yearning for a red (popping a red into the fridge for 15 minutes on...
What's in a name?
What's in a name?
Glera will mean nothing to most of you - it's the rather dull name for the grape variety that, until 2009, was known as prosecco.
Kiwi wines strut their stuff
Kiwi wines strut their stuff
The last fortnight has been a hectic and important one for the New Zealand wine industry, Mark Henderson writes.
A little bit of R&R
A little bit of R&R
As we move into what should be warm and settled weather, it's time for riesling and rose, writes Mark Henderson.
The road less travelled
The road less travelled
Mark Henderson suggests some wines that may broaden your horizons.
Changing world of cellar doors
Changing world of cellar doors
After acquiring ''the wine bug'' many years ago, it was a natural progression to visit winery cellar doors, Mark Henderson writes.
'Tis the season for a splurge
'Tis the season for a splurge
Among the rush of last-minute things to do before Christmas, there is also the decision of what wines to serve on the day itself.
Conviviality and value too
Conviviality and value too
Christmas certainly puts a strain on your wallet!
'Tis the season to start talking bubbly
'Tis the season to start talking bubbly
If you asked most consumers to name a style of bubbly, there is little doubt that Champagne would top the chart, yet there are a raft of other styles produced around the world, writes Mark Henderson.
Wine times: A little air and time can work wonders
A little air and time can work wonders
Today's tasting flight was a classic example of what a little air (and time) can add to a wine, writes Mark Henderson.
Turning up rosés
Turning up rosés
With rosé firmly in the ascendancy, there/s a high likelihood that it is going to cross your path over the festive season, says Mark Henderson.
Blend it like Beckham
Blend it like Beckham
Some things are made to go together: ham and cheese, Vegemite and avocado, Champagne and oysters - items that are delicious by themselves but form an even more enticing harmony and synergy when...
Winners cover all the bases
Winners cover all the bases
My inbox is getting its fair share of press releases as results from a swag of recent wine shows go public and are published.
Southern syrahs shine
Southern syrahs shine
My first tasting after an overseas break, with Messrs Collins and McLaren champing at the bit to join me. A line-up of 2016 New Zealand syrah beckoned, covering the gamut of price points, and...
Life through rosé tinted glasses
Life through rosé tinted glasses
It cannot have escaped your notice that spring has, well, sprung.
Pleasing pinots
Pleasing pinots
In putting together today's column, I was struck by the similarity in my scores.