New look for Cuisine Wine Section

New look for Cuisine Wine Section

The wine section of the May issue of Cuisine establishes a new look and a new approach to wine as it showcases its annual Pinot Gris, Viognier, Riesling and Gewürztraminer tastings.

Cuisine’s new wine contributor Michael Larsen brings a refreshing viewpoint to tasting notes, food-matching, cellaring and a host of related topics, all aimed at increasing readers’ confidence in and enjoyment of wine, regardless of their level of knowledge.

Says Michael, “The level of expertise our tasting panel and contributing experts bring to readers is outstanding and we want to communicate this knowledge in a way that is relevant, allowing people to select their wines with confidence.

“We work closely with wineries, winemakers and wine experts throughout New Zealand to know what is happening in the industry and then convey this directly to wine drinkers. The end goal is to open up that information network to Cuisine readers.”

This tasting is also the first to be chaired by John Belsham, an experienced winemaker and wine consultant, and a former chief judge of the Air New Zealand Wine Awards.

This issue profiles the best of the latest and most exciting white wine to start appearing from wineries, Viognier. Along with Pinot Gris, it is quickly gaining popularity with New Zealanders as an exciting new variety.

Says Michael, “Wine drinkers in New Zealand are maturing rapidly. They are always looking for something different and winemakers are responding. Viognier, while well known overseas, is relatively new to New Zealand, but we are already seeing some excellent local expressions being produced and can expect it to become a new favourite for many.”

In these tastings of Viognier, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Gewürztraminer, the Cuisine panel judged more than 200 entries to arrive at the top wines.

Top wines

Pinot Gris - Villa Maria Single Vineyard Seddon Pinot Gris 2006
Riesling - Forrest Estate Brancott Vineyard Riesling 2004
Gewürztraminer - Crossroads Destination Series Hawke’s Bay Gewürztraminer 2005
Viognier - four wines received four stars - there was no top wine judged

The tasting also uncovered some excellent Best Buys:

Pinot Gris - Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Gris 2006 and Coopers Creek Select Vineyards Marlborough Pinot Gris The Pointer 2006
Riesling - Forrest Estate Dry Riesling 2004 and Kaimira Estate Nelson Riesling 2006
Gewürztraminer - Crossroads Destination Series (also top Gewürztraminer) and Sacred Hill Hawke’s Bay Vineyards Gewürztraminer 2006

The special feature tasting is Spanish reds, a category currently finding favour with New Zealand wine drinkers. In the spirit of that theme, Cuisine food writer Ginny Grant also presents single-dish Spanish main courses matched to Spanish wines.

What’s new in the Cuisine wine section

§ Profiles of the best of New Zealand’s newest white-wine star, Viognier.
§ New wine contributor Michael Larsen’s column takes a fresh approach to wine, aimed at increasing enjoyment for all wine lovers, regardless of their level of knowledge.
§ Chairman of judges John Belsham heads up his first tasting.
§ More valuable information on a variety of topics to encourage readers in their selection and enjoyment of wine.

ENDS

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