Virtual Tasting of Very Special New Zealand Wines

All wine regions throughout world produce a wide range of quality wines and these special wines from New Zealand are now gaining recognition and appreciation around the world. I wrote about this a while back and was excited to see this virtual wine event sponsored by New Zealand Complexity. It will be an evening that is both delightful and informative. To participate just follow this link.

Saturday February 4th, 2012 

Virtual Tasting 7:00pm Central Standard Time

In association with Wine Channel TV we’re celebrating Waitangi Day, New Zealand’s National holiday,  with a virtual wine tasting and cooking demonstration – and you’re invited to ‘come along’! With Celebrity Winemakers in attendance, and a live audience in Chicago, you’ll have the opportunity to message in questions as you sip along with us from the comfort of your living room. Gather up a group of friends, register, and tune in with fellow-wine lovers from around the globe for this fun, social way to taste and learn about New Zealand’s finest wines!

Be sure to stock up with a few bottles from our featured wineries at a participating retailer beforehand. To stay up-to-date with #nzwineday news including competitions, participating retailers and restaurants, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

See you online!

Got Questions? Email us! events@complexity.co.nz

Note: Once you’ve registered for this FREE event we’ll send you everything you need to know about how to access the virtual wine tasting online.

You will also be automatically entered to win a Complexity Fine Wine t-shirt and other great Kiwi prizes!

New Benchmarks for New Zealand Wines

A new benchmark was reached by Craggy Range Winery in Hawkes Bay recently and shows New Zealand wines can run with the best in the world. At least Craggy Range wines, as they had both the courage and confidence to put their wines side by side with some of the best investment class wines from around the world.

Eric Arnold from Forbes magazine was invited (Google will take you to the article) where Craggy Range wines were tasted blind by highly regarded  panels in New York and San Francisco. Pinot noir and a Bordeaux style Merlot both received top praise. A tasting in London had a similar outcome, wines from Craggy Range are on par with the best in the world.

I think this now completes the loop for New Zealand as they are able to produce wines for all categories. All great wine countries and regions  produce wine to meet the needs of the following consumer categories.

• Investment class wines that are on par with the best in the world
• A diverse group of artisan wineries producing stunning boutique wines
• A wide selection of everyday wines found in all  grocery stores and large wine stores
• Bulk wines found in boxes and other alternative eco-friendly packaging

While some will quarrel with my list and suggest New Zealand is all “quality” I prefer to say wines from New Zealand are leaders in quality in all the above categories. I do acknowledge investment class  is a stretch descriptor.

“Sommeliers report that diners are asking for something untried and untested.”

The most exceptional wines are crafted by artisan winemakers. A journey of exciting discovery awaits those who explore the world of New Zealand’s artisan winemakers!

It’s called the Golden Mile for a reason. Birthplace of Marlborough’s famed Sauvignon Blanc, this region consistently produces delightful wines with the fresh and lively fruit personality that so many of you request.

Georges Michel and his family are exceptionally passionate about the Golden Mile of New Zealand. For 10 years they’ve dedicated themselves to developing the 84 acres and have completely retrofitted the estate winery. Rows of French oak barrels, new tanks, winemaking daughter Swan and French viticulturalist Daniel LeBrun are all part of the modernized Domaine. 

The Michels’ dedication shows in their superb bottlings of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Mouth-filling and beautifully balanced. Luscious fruit and gentle waves that build and linger. Just like Georges Michel himself, these wines show bright New Zealand spirit with a touch of European elegance. 

At last a refined Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand! It offers the zingy citrus and herbaceous flavors that make this varietal so refreshing. This one is for those special evenings with friends when the magic of food and wine come together It has the elegance and depth of a classic Sauvignon Blanc, the kind of wine that fits in beautifully at the dinner table.

A slow fermentation brings out lustrous tropical fruit notes. The owner’s daughter, winemaker Swan Michel, adds smoothness to the blend with a deft touch of Semillon. This wine is a delicious and rare fusion of New World vitality and Old World grace!

This is a wine that is worth the effort to find. Let the Christmas treasure hunt begin. 

Headline quote from Wine & Spirits Magazine, 19th Annual Exclusive Restaurant Poll, April 2008