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Cold Beer // Wine // Spirits
RTDs //Non-Alcoholic
WWW.COROMANDELLIFE.CO.NZ51
by Gary Barker
Manager, Golddiggers Tairua
M
uch lke the months and the seasons that
roll by, so do the wines on our
Cuisine
stand. At time of writing, we are nearing the
finish of a selection of top rated wines that
Cuisine
has awarded 5 stars throughout 2014.
If you haven’t had a chance to pop in to look
at these selections, don’t worry as the Tairua
Golddiggers team would only be too happy to
point these out once they are back on the shelf.
Starting mid February,
Cuisine
is showcasing a
selection of top rated aromatic wines. Aromatic
wines cover quite a spectrum of grapes, but
here in NZ we mainly equate this term to Pinot
Gris, Riesling, Viognier, and Gewurtztraminer.
I have long rated the aromatic wines from the
Waipara Valley. This region in North Canterbury
has a cool, dry climate with good sunshine
hours resulting in a long growing season which
promotes full varietal expression with wines of
intense flavour, richness and complex fruit.
Three of the wines that we are
featuring on the stand are from
this region, with Waipara Hills 2014
Riesling being awarded 5 stars
gold and number 1 spot with the
tasting panel. This is a crisp and
light wine with an elegant and
persistent finish.
Waipara Hills 2014 Pinot Gris
was rated 4 stars and the
judges thought that it was oily
and smooth from the first sip,
finishing crisp and dry. Main
Divide 2013 Riesling is the last
wine from this region, awarded
4 Stars and Best Buy. This is a
rich, ripe style of Riesling showing characters of
orange zest and spice. A little natural CO
2
left
over from fermentation has given this wine a
touch of ‘spritzig’ accentuating the freshness.
Stoneleigh Lattitude 2014 Pinot Gris earned
number two spot with the judging panel, with
Winemaker Jamie Marfell describing the wine
as ginger and spice on the nose leading into
pear and melon with a rich and opulent finish.
MUST-TRY GEWURZTRAMINERS
Top marks were awarded to Brancott Estates
P series 2013 Gewurztraminer. 5 stars and
best buy. If you haven’t tried the delights that
a ‘Gewurtz’ can offer, then
you really don’t know
what you’re missing out
on. This wine with its
lingering, spicy gingery
finish is perfect with Asian
influenced foods, and the
wine makers describe the
2013 growing season as
the best in a decade.
Joining the success that the Saint Clairs
Vicars Choice wines have enjoyed over
recent years is their 2013 Gewurztraimer.
This off dry but luscious wine is full of Turkish
delight and lychees and delicious spice – 5
stars and Best Buy. Must try!
We taste these wines on a regular basis in store
and are only too happy to oblige should you
wish to sample the “new generation Rieslings”,
or be adventurous and try a Gewurtz, or one of
the top rated Pinot Gris.
Til’ next time, Cheers!
Experience Grand Mercure Puka Park R
Coromand
Miha
Places to Be
Puka Park Resort
Coromandel Peninsula
Grand Mercure
Accor Vacation ClubApartments
+64 7 864 8088
Email:
reservations@pukapark.co.nzMount Avenue, Pauanui Beach
Coromandel Peninsula NZ
www.pukapark.co.nzMiha is Grand Mercure Puk a
Park’s signature restaurant and is
renowned for its superb dining
and stunning views.
This unique resort can cater for your
every need from a casual meal on the
deck celebrating with friends to your
unforgettable conference needs and
team building events, not forgetting
one of the Coromandels premiere
wedding venues.
HAPPY HOUR
EVERY DAY
WEDDINGS
Grand ercure Puka Park Resort
4.30pm
to
6.30pm