Pinot takes centre stage at NZ annual tasting

Pinot Noir will be the focus at January’s New Zealand Annual Trade tasting at Lindley Hall, London, New Zealand Winegrowers has announced.

New Zealand Pinot Noir sales are up 10% in the UK (October MAT), according to New Zealand Winegrowers’ latest Export Report

The announcement of what will be one of the first major London tasting of 2017 comes as new figures from New Zealand Winegrowers’ Export Report reveal that Pinot Noir exports to the UK are up 10% (October MAT), revealing an increased appetite and opportunity for the variety in the UK market.

New Zealand wine exports reached a record high of $1.54 billion in 2015, according to New Zealand Winegrowers.

The London tasting comes soon before the Pinot Noir 2017 event takes place in Wellington, New Zealand. The three-day event will bring media, trade and enthusiasts from around the world together to be educated on what makes New Zealand Pinot Noir special.

At the annual London tasting, taking place on Monday 16 January 2017, Peter McCombie, MW will be hosting ‘A New Zealand Pinot Noir Roadtrip’ masterclass to showcase the regional and stylistic differences of New Zealand Pinot Noir.

More news…

New Zealand wineries count cost of earthquake
New Zealand: Pinot central

There will also be a self-pour discovery table showcasing 16 Pinot Noirs from across six New Zealand regions.

Other highlights at the event include an aromatic wines self-pour discovery table where guests will be able to sample the diverse styles of Pinot Gris, Riesling and Gewürztraminer, and a Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay masterclass.

“The Annual Tasting is a great opportunity for the trade to come together at one of the first major tastings of the year and taste a wide range of New Zealand wines,” said Chris Stroud, marketing manager Europe for New Zealand Winegrowers.

“With approximately 500 wines from more than 90 producers, we have a fantastic selection of well-known names as well as wineries seeking to enter the market for the first time.”

“As New Zealand Pinot Noir grows in value and popularity in this market, it is timely to put special emphasis on the variety this year, especially with the Pinot Noir NZ 2017 event taking place in Wellington at the end of January.”

For further information on the New Zealand Annual Tasting and to find out which wineries will be exhibiting, click here.