Spring Wine Seminar: New Zealand

New Zealand has gained a reliable reputation for a very particular style of Sauvignon Blanc. But the variety, along with the local wine industry has grown and matured throughout the past few years. Nowadays many of the country’s bottlings deliver complexity and a solid sense of the character imparted by the landscape, rather than just grape variety.  The country is a temperate island surrounded by sea that belies its subtropical climate. Most viticulture takes place on the eastern side of the North and South Islands, protected by a spine of mountains that provide a buffer to cold southern winds and the threat of autumn rains. In our seminar we’ll focus on highlights from the regions of Kumeu, Martinborough, Central Otago and of course Marlborough.

By far the most famous success story of the New Zealand wine industry, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc accounts for 66% of planted vineyard acreage in New Zealand and represents just over 86% of New Zealand’s wine exports by value. We’ll examine why this particular variety has become so internationally beloved, and we’ll take a closer look at the other wines the country has to offer. In addition to some gorgeous examples of Chardonnay, New Zealand makes intensely pure, aromatic and satisfying Pinot Noirs. It’s hard to get a proper perspective on the New Zealand wine industry, since many of its most interesting bottlings are rarely exported internationally, let alone to the United States, let alone to New Mexico. But we’ve cherry-picked some highlights from a country too long pigeonholed into the purview of reliable patio pounders.

• Spy Valley, Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough, 2017
• Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc ‘Te Muna Road Vineyard’, 2017
• Kumeu River Wines, Chardonnay ‘Village’, 2014
• Kumeu River Wines, Chardonnay ‘Coddington’, 2015
• Mud House, Pinot Noir Central Otago, 2017
• Awatere River Wine Co., Pinot Noir Marlborough, 2016

The Seminar begins promptly at 2pm, please arrive a few minutes before.
Includes an appropriately paired snack
Seating is very limited.
Reservations are required, by email or phone 505.983.2100
$10 Seminar Fee, credited with a $100 purchase.