We remember when New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc was new and exciting. It was vibrant and pure. Drinking it was like ringing a bell. In time, too many became predictable and boring. They became paint-by-numbers wines — pleasant enough, but they could have been created in an AI lab if AI could create wine (hmmmm). But a few weeks ago, we went to a portfolio tasting of Vintus New York, an offshoot of the 20-year-old importer and wholesaler of family-owned, conscientiously made wineries around the world. There were hundreds of wines, so we split up, as usual. At some point, Dottie came over, grabbed John and said, “You have to taste this New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.” John was skeptical, but, hey, we’ve been married 50 years so off he went.
new zealand
October 04, 2024
April 24, 2018A leader in promoting gender equality, New Zealand was the first country to grant women the right to vote in 1893. Lucia and John Gilbert explore the country's egalitarian attitudes to women wanting to break into the field of winemaking.
March 24, 2018Head winemaker Anthony Walkenhorst on how Kim Crawford built one of the wine world's biggest brands.
August 11, 2017Michael Seresin makes movies for a living. But at his biodynamic vineyard Seresin Estate in Marlborough he is setting the standards for modern New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
David Rogers looks at the history of wine in New Zealand from 1818 to the present. Did you know Sauvignon Blanc only came on the scene in the 1970's?
New Zealand grape growers and winemakers talk sustainability.
November 24, 2014Any excuse for New Zealand is a good one.
October 14, 2014We picture a playground for adventure, with endless options for hiking, bungee jumping, whale watching, and the like. When it comes to wine, though, Americans know very little about New Zealand.
June 17, 2014This most southerly—hence coolest—of New Zealand’s wine regions was planted in the late 1800s. Pinot Noir took the early lead; Central Otago’s first gold medal was awarded to a “Burgundy” at a Sydney wine show in 1881.
Martinborough, making waves with Pinot Noir.
