Organic Wines - First, The Whites

IMG_5796.JPG

Organics are taking off in a big way, this is no longer a trend but something that is really becoming a way of life. Some people believe that as we are such a small country in New Zealand we should really be setting the standard for the rest of the world when it comes to organics, but I'm not sure it's that simple. Due to New Zealand's long thin geography & variety of maritime influences,  the country has in fact a number of different climates & disease pressure (& as a result the need for pesticides) is much higher in the humid north than it is in the South.

Biogro is the New Zealand gold standard and once you have it you can call yourself “Certified Organic”, however the process to become certified is lengthy so there are a lot great wineries who are still in the conversation stage (which can take 2-3 years) who are genuinely making organic wines, so don't discount them just because they don't yet have the Biogro stamp of approval.

This is one of the topics I get asked about most frequently so today I am going to feature some whites and at another date I will recommend some reds.

IMG_5803.JPG

From the cool kids at Supernatural Wine Co comes Pacific Potion Sauvignon Blanc 2017, I've recommended these guys from Hawkes Bay before and I have no doubt I will again. This is Sauv as I think Sauv should be, it's Zesty with gooseberries & stone fruit & just the right amount of tropical flavours. It's gorgeous on a sunny day and a steal at $25.

This & it's Pinot Gris offsider were actually wines that them team made in 2015 for exclusive use in KLM's Business Class cabin in 2016. It really was supposed to be a one off but once it was out there and people got a taste there was no way it was going to be a one off.

Waipara are really leading the charge when it comes to Organics in New Zealand and this Greystone - Sand Dollar - Pinot Gris 2016 is gorgeous, it's off-dry with flavours of apples, pears, peaches and just a hint of honeysuckle. Divine. Greystone maker Dom, just won the Gourmet Traveller WINE - winemaker of the year. Though this award has been around internationally for twenty years this was its first year in NZ - what an honour for Dom to be the inaugural winner. Easy to see why he won producing quality wines like this gem - available for $27

IMG_5805.JPG

Another one from the Waipara, my premium pick is from The Bone Line. The first time I met owner and winemaker Vic (at a wine event, shocker) I instantly liked her, she is such a cool chick, funky & fun & boy can she make wine! The Sharkstone Chardonnay 2016 is made from some of Waipara's oldest Chardonnay vines and has the citrus flavours of grapefruit along with peach and it's buttery but not too buttery.

Another classic example of the best wines being those with balance. Elegant and moreish and a bargain at $35 I reckon!

Click the link below to hear my chat with the Green Goddess herself Wendyl Nissan on the Long Lunch about Organic wines.