All posts tagged New Zealand

As Predicted!

by Kato on September 3, 2011 in Wine Picks with No comments

mudhouseA decade ago it was predicted that the Central Otago region in New Zealand would be the next Mecca for Pinot. After you’ve tasted Mud House I think you’ll see that the Kiwis are on to something.

The wine is a perfect mix of the austerity of the original Burgundy Pinot, and the more fruity/friendly New World style. It’s refreshing and earthy – and also seductive. Just a delicious drink that exudes a Summer day, life is good feeling. Some predictions come true! I’d have to say it might be the best under $20 Pinot on the planet.
MUD HOUSE 08 PINOT NOIR, CENTRAL OTAGO, New Zealand 190462 $17.95
http://www.mudhouse.co.nz/wines

Summer Chardonnay

by Kato on April 4, 2011 in Vintages Picks, Wine Picks with No comments

OysterBayI can see it now – a couple of glasses on the patio and a few more with the BBB’d shrimp. A perfect marriage of situation, wine and food. Getting ahead of the seasons for sure but this was the message I got from the Chard in my glass. Tingling citrussy zest and a little spicy sweetness . . . adult lemonade! Not meaning to offend the winemaker – just giving you an idea of what to expect. Should the winemaker/owner be reading I like say that the dreary, corporate-looking label is at odds with the bright/fun character of the wine.
OYSTER BAY 09 Chardonnay, New Zealand 326728 $18.95 (Vintages Essentials)

The Future of Dry RieslingNew

by Kato on January 20, 2011 in Wine Picks with No comments

RieslingsA lot of drinkers still don’t trust Riesling. “Isn’t it very sweet?” or “Too tart for my liking.” Both comments are valid because Riesling is capable of expressing itself in a range of styles. And the label doesn’t always tell you which.

But don’t fault the wine for being skittish. You can simplify Riesling by shopping Australia or New Zealand because their wines are always dry – with refreshing, pure flavours. A lovely early evening, or weekend sipper. It’s impossible not to be charmed by Wolf Blass Riesling (505370 $14.95), or check-out the new Kiwi Riesling called Trout Valley. Naturally it comes with a fly fishing tip. (Where’s the ice fishing tips on Ontario Rieslings?)

TROUT VALLEY 08 Riesling, Nelson, New Zealand 177790 $14.95

December Drinking Tip No.5

by Kato on December 11, 2010 in Wine Picks with No comments

December Drinking Tip #5: SPRING BREEZES IN DECEMBER!

KATO-SBYou may not be thinking of this style of wine in December but a blast of refreshment is an all-season necessity. To kick-start an event or to have with everyone’s favourite holiday appetizer – the shrimp ring.

New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs are the go-to for spring-breeze-style wine so lets look at a couple of recommendations. New arrival, Kato is crafted in an elegant, French style – not too loud, shades of Sancerre. Not surprising as the winemaker is Bernard Portet of Clos du Val fame. Kato is a Maori word for ‘to harvest’. And the name of my partner, who’s thrilled to have her own house wine.

Another new Kiwi Sauvignon is Silver Point from the Cooper’s Creek Winery. This is mild mannered with a good, everyday refresher quality. And an everyday price.

KATO 08 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand 184598 $16.95

SILVER POINT 09 Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand 187013 $12.95

LCBO Vintages Saturday June 12

by Kato on June 10, 2010 in Vintages Picks, Wine Picks with No comments

THE LOW DOWN: A few very good and novel South African wines to get you into World Cup mood. And to enjoy all summer, of course. Other recommendations for the season are a Provence Rosé, a red Rhone and a New Zealand Pinot. Cheers!

houROSEDRY ROSÉ
wine style: dry rosé
DOMAINE HOUCHART 09 Rosé, Côtes du Provence, France 118653 $13.95
Semi-rich, bold-flavoured Rosé in the Provence style. Yummy. Reasonable price and a beautiful label too.

WHITES

cheninwine style: rich white
MORGENHOF 08 Chenin Blanc, South Africa 978544 $14.95
Here’s a great Summer white. Rich with a tart edge and savoury flavours. Novel. A refresher and an excellent food wine for grilled white meats.

duckChardwine style: rich-ish white
STELLAR 09 Chardonnay ‘Running Duck’, South Africa 149856 $12.95
Semi-rich Chard with a refreshing tang and great drinkability. Screw cap, organic and well-priced. What more can I say?

REDS

spierwine style: rustic red
SPIER 06 Pinotage ‘Vintage Selection’, South Africa 146928 $17.95
Pinotage is South Africa’s great rustic red. Earthy, woodsy but this one has charm too. Needs the beef. A must try if you enjoy Baco Noir.

hunterswine style: rustic red
HUNTER’S 08 Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand 586115 $19.95
Classic Pinot – barnyard flavours and lots of vitality. Wonderful partner for grilled lamb.

posthousewine style: rich red
POST HOUSE 07 ‘Penny Black’, South Africa 148619 $18.95
Huge wine offering a variety of experiences. Sort of Bordeaux meets Shiraz, meets Amarone. Too much for food – sip after dinner.

valreaswine style: rich red
DOMAINE DU SEMINAIRE 07 Côtes du Rhône-Villages, France 173237 $14.95
Rich, with spicy flavours, lots of vitality and charm. Great drinkability. The Rhône show at the usual bargain price. Get lots.

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