NZ gears up for annual tasting

New Zealand’s producers are preparing for the annual tasting this month with new releases and a fresh emphasis on regional Sauvignon Blanc.

The tasting is taking place next week on Tuesday 21 January at the new venue of the Royal Horticultural Halls in Elverton Street.

Producers will be presenting the 2013 vintage which is being hailed as one of the best harvests in recent years.

There will also be two self-pour tables, the first with a focus on the increasingly popular Pinot Gris and the second taking a closer look at Sauvignon Blanc from around New Zealand including oak and lees aged examples.

Non-Marlborough Sauvignon and other aromatic whites figure prominently in the line-ups of many producers and importers.

Bibendum will be showing sub-regional Sauvignons from Marlborough and a traditional method sparkler from Central Otago.

Yealands Estate is showing a new aromatic blend for the first time, a Pinot Gris/Riesling/Gewürztraminer from the Awatere Valley.

Seckford Agencies has a raft of new Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Central Otago and Martinborough.

Villa Maria has a Cellar Selection Sauvignon Gris and Private Bin Arneis on offer as well as a 2011 Reserve Series Chardonnay from Vidal.

Seifried Nelson have two very esoteric grapes on its stand, a Zweigelt and a Würzer (the only one in New Zealand).

For more details on the tasting and to register, click here