Wine Package Klarewijn Podcast #27 New Zealand

Clear Wine Podcast: New Zealand

Saint Clair Vicor's Choice Sparkling - €15.95

Saint Clair is named after James Sinclair, who was responsible for the early settlements in Blenheim, New Zealand, home to the South Island winery. Founded in 1978, the family-owned winery is one of the pioneers of winegrowing in Marlborough. Hence, the link with pioneer James Sinclair was soon established. Saint Clair owns 270 acres of vineyards in Marlborough on the South Island and Hawke's Bay on the North Island.

After the harvest, the grapes are pressed, avoiding contact with the skins as much as possible. The juice is cold fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve their freshness. Carbon dioxide is then added to the Saint Clair Vicar's Choice Sauvignon Blanc Bubbles.

In the glass, the Saint Clair Vicar's Choice Sauvignon Blanc Bubbles has a typical lemon-yellow color. In the nose we smell notes of grapefruit, passion fruit, nectarine and citrus. On the palate, the wine has a lively bubble with recognizable notes of tropical fruit and subtle lime/mineral notes. Perfect as an aperitif and delicious with sushi and spicy Asian dishes.

Palisser Chardonnay - € 20.90

What a wonderful Chardonnay from Martinborough great Palliser! Rich and creamy, but also lively and fresh, flawless and with a nice salty touch. Once again proof that chardonnay in a cool climate (and with a skilled winemaker like Allan Johnson) can make truly fantastic wine.

The promising Martinborough wine region is located on the southernmost tip of New Zealand's North Island, opposite the famous Marlborough. Palliser Estate, located near the eponymous Cape Palliser, is one of the region's pioneers as well as one of the larger producers; the domain has 85 hectares.

The vineyards are planted on the elevated Martinborough Terrace, which is considered the most beautiful terroir in the region. The chardonnay grapes are harvested in the cool, stony Om Santi vineyard and in the Palliser vineyard. The former gives elegance and minerality à la Chablis, the latter depth and body.

After the harvest, the wine ferments in oak barrels. The maturation takes place on the yeasts, also in French oak barrels, 20% of which are new. It produces a beautiful wine, which is delicious with roasted chicken or pork belly, for example. Drink it now, or put it away for another five to eight years.

Smith & Sheth Cru Albarino - €34.55

As far as we are concerned, Albariño of this level belongs to the premier league of the extensive white wine offer. The duo Smit & Sheth are pioneers in New Zealand with the planting of these plants and immediately play the leading role in quality. A great, original white wine that combines the distinctive freshness of good albariño with a delicate, full mouthfeel and a great, long finish.

The grape fits perfectly in the cool climate of the Heretaunga Plain, on the Pacific coast. Steve Smith harvests by hand, presses the whole bunches and ferments in oak barrels. The aging 'sur lie' provides additional mouthfeel and richness in taste. A special experience for the most spoiled white wine lover.

Eradus Pinot Noir - €26.50

Near the town of Seddon, in the Awatare Valley (Marlborough) are the beautiful vineyards of Eradus Wines.

The microclimate (little rain, lots of sun and cool nights in summer) and the soil lend themselves perfectly to the specific character of New Zealand wines. In the bouquet a hint of tobacco, plum and strawberry and in the taste black fruit, herbal notes and soft tannins and delicious fruit acids that Natalmen for a long time in a captivating aftertaste.

Saint Clair Pioneer Block Cabernet Merlot - € 21.50

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