The island nation of New Zealand, has a very rich history. History in culture, history in music and of course, history in all thinks food and drink. With its climate, rich soil and versatile topography, New Zealand has the fantastic scorecard needed to produce some fantastic, world-class wines. Though known for Sauv Blanc we have found that Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and some special blends have made their way into the mainstream. Grapes for wine are practically all over the country, with Otago producing some impressive Pinot Noir, the Marlborough region producing award-winning Sauvignon Blanc and some fantastic Pinot Gris, coming out of Gisborne.
Like Pinot Noir, but don’t like paying Oregon or California prices?
Check out New Zealand.
A fan of Riesling?
Check out New Zealand.
Love Bordeaux blends? New Zealand is producing some stellar ones.
We’ve found 6 noteworthy New Zealand wines that are also surprisingly affordable for their price tag.
Dashwood Sauvignon Blanc
$12
Great intro Sauvignon Blanc due to its balance. Largely citrus and in your face notes of peach, pineapple, lime and tropical fruit. Rounded by sensations of fresh cut grass and a hint of white pepper. Lingering finish.
Picton Bay Pinot Noir
$8
Made exclusively for Trader Joe’s you get a real bang for your buck with Picton Bay. Black and red cherry are developed with spice, licorice and strawberry notes and slight sliver of cola comes through on the finish.
Craggy Range – Te Kahu
$17
This has become one of our new favorite wines. I have about 6 bottles at any given time as its perfect for entertaining or that at-home date night. 76% Merlot, 14% Cab, 8% Cab Franc and 2% Malbec make this wine an enigma. Bouquet of plum, blackberry, cedar, licorice, vanilla, violets all come together in harmony as the dusty tannins echo a dry finish filled with fruit and spice.
Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc
$12
This no-oak Sauvignon Blanc is a game-changer in a locale where SB is available by the truck load. Lemongrass and tropical fruit for days. Well balanced lemon/lime front bleeds into a high acidity middle with sweet citrus followed by a decrescendo into a crisp and fresh finish.
Mohua Pinot Noir
$20
Aged 10 months in French Oak this Pinot Noir hits you square in the taste buds with rich dark red cherry, reduced strawberry and tart cranberry. Notes of red licorice, coffee and cocoa parallel with a slight spice middle and tart fruit finish. Very memorable wine.
Mt. Beautiful Riesling
$18
Game changing honey suckle, lime and apple notes are in perfect balance with citrus tangerine and tropical fruit residuals. A balance acidity makes this wine very approachable and great to enjoy solo or with your favorite kiwi.
A region exploding with culture, wine, art, music and not to mention some of the most amazing views your eyes can handle are only a few of the reasons why visiting New Zealand needs to be on everyone’s bucket list. For now, fill you fridge and wine rack with a couple of our suggestions and you’ll be sure to experience some of this islands best vino.
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