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Discover the New World
 In recent years New World wines, from places like New Zealand, Australia, Chile and South Africa have become an essential part of the global wine industry.
Many of them are full-bodied, ‘in your face’ wines which shout ‘full of fruit’, ‘over the top’ and certainly leave a lasting impression of robust wines bursting with flavour. New World wines have emerged from outside the traditional wine-growing areas of the world and bear the hallmarks of hotter climates and riper grapes which create the distinctive fuller flavours and greater alcoholic content. Between them these wines have earned many fans - although we should never forget the gentler, more traditional and subtle labels of the historical European vineyards which associate particular localities with certain styles of wine such as Burgundy and Champagne from France and Hock, for example, from the Rhine vineyards of Germany.
Looking at one New World wine country New Zealand, it’s apparent that many grapes were tried in the early years but more recently the country has developed a trademark pungent style of Sauvignon Blanc.
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Recent press reports have even nicknamed one award-winning Sauvignon Blanc wine ‘the great white’, such is its robust, ‘biggest and best’ characteristics. This particular wine is from the Saint Clair winery, the country’s ninth largest wine producer and many wine lovers now believe that Saint Clair makes New Zealand’s and maybe even the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc. It has certainly become the winery’s signature wine.
However, local wine expert David Marriott – a partner at Taste Fine Wines in Almondbury, Huddersfield – is quick to leap to the defence of the more subtle European favourites which graced our tables for many years before New World wines were even thought of.
‘Reports have even nicknamed one
award-winning Sauvignon Blanc wine
‘the great white’, such is its robust,
‘biggest and best’ characteristics.’
He said: “Everyone loves New World wines. They are fruity, full-bodied and robust but don’t forget about the European wines which are not as fruity, slightly toned-down and much more subtle. Many wine drinkers still prefer these more delicate flavours.
“A great example of a French Sauvignon Blanc is the Pouilly Fume from the Loire Valley region. Despite the growth in popularity of New World wines, there is still a place in our hearts for European wines which are beautiful wines but with a different style.”
For more information on both New World and European wines, call at Taste Fine Wines or telephone: 01484 426226.
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The Super Seven
Coming in at No.1
Goyenechea, a Merlot Rose from the vineyards of Argentina. A dry rose, with a fruity flavour and a fresh finish, it retails from Taste for £5.99.
Second place
Gran Feudo, a Spanish rose and said to be a perfect accompaniment to pasta, risotto, vegetables, fish and white meat. It retails at Taste for £5.79.
Runners Up
Chateau Carignan (£7.99) from the Bordeaux region of France, Echo Point Cabernet Sangiovese Rose (£6.99) from Australia, Pinot Grigio Ramato (£6.79) from Italy, Torreon de Parades (£6.79) from Chile and finally Willowood (£4.89) from California. |
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