A show of diversity
After making my way through today’s selection, I was left thinking that things are very positive in the world of New Zealand sauvignon blanc.
Wine times
Experiments give taste buds a romp
Experiments give taste buds a romp
The old adage "variety is the spice of life" is never truer than with today’s selection of New Zealand white wines that include a few lesser-known grape varieties.
Patience brings its rewards
Patience brings its rewards
The stresses and strains of 2020 have led many to rediscover the joys in simpler pleasures. Among a number of wine-loving friends and contacts a common thread has been opening “special” bottles of wine.
Good things take time
Good things take time
Mark Henderson samples some fine chardonnay.
A nod to Burgundy
A nod to Burgundy
The majority of grape varieties that we grow in New Zealand, and certainly our most popular, emanate from France. Over centuries, particular grape varieties became most favoured in each region due...
A wine for everyone
A wine for everyone
Today's assortment is a trio of terrifically tasty twosomes.
Chardonnay makes a comeback
Chardonnay makes a comeback
One of the great pleasures of my job is the diversity of wines that cross my path, writes Mark Henderson. They may be from tiny boutique, or large-scale producers, local and international with price points that span the gamut.
Rieslings not just sweet
Rieslings not just sweet
It's a common misconception that all rieslings are just sweet, writes Mark Henderson.
‘Rogue vines’ obvious
‘Rogue vines’ obvious
Very many years ago, I helped friends plant out their vineyard.
A tasting of two halves
A tasting of two halves
After many weeks of tasting alone during lockdown, the shift to Level 2 allowed my old tasting compatriots Messrs Collins and McLaren to sit in once again.
Raising a glass to diversity
Raising a glass to diversity
Diversity is a word oft heard nowadays, yet a cursory glance at NZ Winegrowers stats could make you think otherwise.
Isolation heightens focus
Isolation heightens focus
Like many of you, I took part in a number of Zoom meetings during lockdown, including wine tastings.
Sunshine in a glass
Sunshine in a glass
I was talking to a friend in Central Otago recently, who said that the trees had dropped their leaves and, with their bare branches reaching for the sky, that there was a feeling of the plant world...
Now for something very different
Now for something very different
While unlikely to be found on the shelves of your local super, there's a relatively new category of wine beginning to gain traction in the marketplace. These are ‘‘Orange’’ wines, also known as amber, skin contact or skin fermented wines.
Aromas leap from glass
Aromas leap from glass
After feeling a little autumnal a few weeks back, and dipping my toes into some Hawke’s Bay reds, a glimmer of an Indian summer has sent me back towards the white wines.
Chardonnay and friends
Chardonnay and friends
Time often creeps up on me and with the calendar having ticked into March, it’s a rude reminder that some of this week’s wines, tasted at the end of last year, are long overdue their moment in the...
Finally, rose weather!
Finally, rose weather!
Readers will well understand that this column has a deadline some days before publication.
Flavours to explore
Flavours to explore
The popularity of grape varieties has much to do with their flavours and intrinsic qualities, but another factor also comes into play - that of pronunciation.
The gems from 2017’s harvest
The gems from 2017’s harvest
As mentioned last week, the 2017 harvest proved to be a testing one. Viticulturists and winemakers dealt with significant rain events which damaged some crops in the lead-up to harvest.
Wine-makers overcome challenges
Wine-makers overcome challenges
I always look forward to the annual Gimblett Gravels Dozen selection. I approached the 2017 edition with added interest due to the reputation of the vintage.