Blackenbrook Vineyard

In today’s Viva Jo Burzynska looks at grape varieties which are relatively new to New Zealand.

If it wasn’t for people like us playing with new varietals, we’d still be drinking Muller-Thurgau,” said Trinity Hill’s John Hancock when recently accepting a major award for his tempranillo.

The first “new” variety to spring to mind is Gruner Veltliner.  Jo Burzinska then goes on to talk about Sauvignon Gris and Muscat, recommending our Blackenbrook Muscat 2010 as a prime example:

Muscat, which makes styles ranging from fortified to fizzy, has been lurking in our vineyards for some time. However, it’s yet to hit the big time, which is a shame when you try a seriously good specimen like this. The spice and florals on its lightly aromatic nose lead into a sleek, still and subtly sweet wine in which pure peach fruit is cut with a cleansing note of lemon bitters.

The white varietes Arneis,  Pinot Blanc and Verdelho are also on the list,  followed by the reds Cienna,   St Laurent,  Tempranillo,  Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Dolcetto – very inspiring reading!

Read the entire article here.