Studying about wine can be a superb approach to study geography. The first motivating issue is that on the finish of your lesson, there’s something scrumptious in your glass. Working example: this Wairau River Pinot Gris from Marlborough, New Zealand. With a business trade that solely actually started within the Seventies, the wines of New Zealand nonetheless solely signify about 1 p.c of the worldwide market. It was Sauvignon Blanc that put the nation on the world’s wine radar. And whereas they’re rightfully acclaimed, you’d be lacking out if you happen to didn’t enterprise past their signature varietal.
On the northeastern tip of New Zealand’s South Island is Marlborough, the nation’s largest wine-growing area the place proximity to the ocean gives cooler temperatures whereas the mountains to the west block excessive climate and guarantee loads of sunshine. The Wairau River property, hugging its namesake waterway, first planted grapes in 1978 and stays a family-run operation at the moment. All of their 10 or so varieties are estate-grown. Each bottling is single-varietal, showcasing genuine native expressions of every.
Though the vineyard’s Sauvignon Blanc is certainly wonderful, as its broad acclaim can attest, I discovered the Wairau River Pinot Gris fascinating. The Pinot Gris vines develop of their Dwelling Block winery alongside the river—the primary planted by the property and among the many oldest within the area. The wine is delightfully brilliant and contemporary. Its aromas of ardour fruit carry by to the palate with simply sufficient residual sweetness to steadiness its mineral-driven acidity. A fuller-bodied white, the Pinot Gris paired equally properly with the whole lot from grilled fish and creamy pasta to flank steak. It’s a steal of a bottle that I’ll fortunately open once more this summer season, as a result of there’s at all times one thing new to study. $15.95, buywinesonline.com
