New Zealand – Page 3 – Mel's Mosaic

Had my second wine class the other day and learned more about that great beverage. There was interesting info about labeling and the differences between Old and New World wines. Think about when you buy a bottle of French vs. a bottle of California wine. Which label is easier to read — ignoring any potential language barriers?

For Old World, they must (still and will likely always) include:

-Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
-Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
-Color (red, rose, white)
-Sweetness (dry, medium-dry, medium-sweet, sweet)

For New World, simple:

-brand name
-grape varietal(s)
-geographical areas (Sonoma, Western Cape South Africa)

After that we discussed the background and intricacies of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and of course had to sample some. This week we tasted 8 wines (2 were not of the aforementioned varietals):

Chardonnay

#1 2012 Sylvaine & Alain Norman La Roche Vineuse
Macon – Burgundy, France

#2 2011 Butternut Chardonnay
California

#3 2012 Hendry Unoaked
Napa Valley, California

Pinot Noir

#4 2011 Domaine Bernard Moreau et Fils Bourgogne Rouge
Burgundy, France

#5 2011 Baileyana Firepeak
Edna Valley, California

#6 2009 Maude
Central Otago, New Zealand (this is the most southern wine area in the world)

Gamay

#7 2011 Chateau du Basty Regnie
Beaujolais, France

Pinotage

#8 2012 Ken Forrester Petit Pinotage
Stellenbosch, South Africa

Last night there was a call from Down Under to taste their wine. One must answer! How can you go wrong? It was taking place at Bin 201 in Annapolis, MD. For $10 you taste(d) 8 wines and then you could apply those 10 bucks towards the purchase of a bottle. And, if more than one person goes, you can combine your ‘credits.’ The two of us who went walked out with a ‘free’ bottle of wine. Score! They also serve cheese and crackers at the tasting.

So the night began:

#1: Pewsey Vale Riesling. That was originally to be the 2nd in the tasting but turned out to be best as first as some previous tasters decided the notes made it best to go first. Nice and dry. You’re not drinking sugar. The nose was flowery, the taste was lime.

#2: Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc. Hand me the green peppers. Or, if your recipe calls for some and you’re out, you could easily sip some of this instead. Wow, very poignant, yet nice, nose and taste of them. Also had some grapefruit notes.

#3: Mt. Beautiful Pinot Noir. Yes, it’s from New Zealand but they are pretty close together, yet so far away from here. There was a light note of cranberries in the nose. For taste, I found some ash and bit of cranberry.

#4: Misfit Brujeria. I felt it was ‘thick and chewy’ and couldn’t pick up a flavor. If I had to put something to it, the most I could say is chocolate, but that’s me.

#5: Tournon Mathilda. Light wine with some eucalyptus on the nose. Also carried the eucalyptus in the taste with a hint of jam.

#6: Tir Na N’og ‘Old Vines’ Grenache. What a nose — chocolate and molasses. Then it was like drinking molasses cookies with a hint of black licorice.

#7: Yalumba “The Scribbler” Shiraz/Cabernet. I love their Shiraz/Viognier blend so was excited about this. I could not pick up a taste from it though, unfortunately.

#8: Jim Barry “The Cover Drive” Cabernet Sauvignon. The most I can give is mint!

And the entire menu/notes from Bin 201 were interesting. I always try to sniff and taste before reading these to avoid the ‘brainwash.’ The Aussie tasting was great and can’t wait to see/taste what’s next.