NZ Young Viticulturist of the year 2023 is announced

Young Viti of the year seeks to highlight the importance of those who work amongst the vines, a crucial and complex role in the winemaking process.

This year’s winner hails from Auckland’s Soljans Estate in West Auckland - Tai Nelson and is one of the youngest ever to win the competition. Congratulations Tai.

This from NZ Winegrowers:

Tai Nelson from Soljans Estate in Kumeu, Auckland has taken out the prestigious title of New Zealand Young Viticulturist of the Year 2023

Tai Nelson

The National Final was held under beautiful blue skies at Paritua Vineyards in Hawke’s Bay and the winners announced at the Awards Dinner in Hastings.

Congratulations to Nick Putt from Craggy Range in Hawke’s Bay who came a very close second and to Nina Downer from Felton Road who placed third.    Zac Howell from Indevin in Marlborough also impressed the judges with his skills and knowledge throughout the competition.

The Young Viticulturist of the Year is a very tough competition and the contestants were certainly put through their paces and were tested on trellising, irrigation, machinery, pest & disease management, wine knowledge and had a grilling interview.   Prior to the competition itself they all submitted their report on their recommendations for establishing and managing a sustainable vineyard which would thrive long into the future.

There is great support for the contestants with sponsors, colleagues and previous Young Vits all helping them prepare for the competition and encouraging them throughout the day.

Cred: Soljans

“It’s wonderful to see this support for the Young Vits.  It’s a very positive environment and a very special community to be a part of”  says Nicky Grandorge, Leadership & Communities Manager at New Zealand Winegrowers.  “The future of our industry looks bright.”

The large attendance at the dinner also reflected this.  Yvonne Lorkin, drinks editor, wine judge and wine commentator, entertained the audience and kept the evening on track as MC.  Andrew McCrory was the guest speaker and inspired the crowd with his stories of extreme distance running, staying both mentally and physically fit whilst raising money for various charities.

Tai is 24 years old and one of the youngest contestants ever to win the competition.  He is taking home an amazing prize package of a Hyundai Kona for a year, a $6000 Ecotrellis Travel Grant,  Electrocoup secateurs, a leadership week and cash.  He will also go on to represent the wine industry in the 2024 Young Horticulturist of the Year competition.

He also scooped up prizes for winning the Ecotrellis trellising section, the BioStart Hortisports and the wine knowledge section and will go on to be an Associate Judge in November.

Nick Putt won the best report and presentation, impressing the judges with his understanding of the wide range of aspects which need to be considered to establish and manage a successful vineyard.

The competition is made possible thanks to all the sponsors involved: BioStart, Ecotrellis, Hyundai, Agritrade, Constellation Brands, Empak, Fruitfed Supplies, Fendt, Klima, Ormond Nurseries, Roots, Shoots & Fruits,  Villa Maria-Indevin, Waterforce,  AEG, NZSVO and Winejobsonline.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle...Refill?

Ok, technically refilling could be deemed as reusing but let’s just add a 4th “R” anyway shall we?

Known for it’s range of boutique organic gins and liqueurs, Hasting’s Distillers has added a “refill salon” to it’s tasting room at Heretaunga Street in Hastings. Here customers will be able to refill the top three most popular gins from the Hasting’s range and in doing so will qualify for a $10 credit for food or beverages at the venue.

This from Hasting’s Distillers:

New refill salon opens at Hastings Distillers, plus extended hours for summer

Hastings Distillers – highly regarded for its selection of premium organic gins and liqueurs – is encouraging its local clientele to embrace circularity, opening a refill salon at its Heretaunga Street tasting room.

The rear of the tasting room has been transformed into a refill area, where the three most popular of Hastings Distillers’ range can be found for refilling. Co-founder Kate Galloway says she and partner David Ramonteu had always intended to create an opportunity for recycling or reusing their distinctive bottles, and a refilling salon was the ideal solution. “So many of our customers are thoughtful and careful when it comes to choosing circular options, and some had already come in with their empties, asking us if we could reuse them somehow,” says Kate. “We investigated that possibility but customers being able to refill the bottles, rather than us reusing them, just made better sense.”

The Albertine and East Block 200 gin, as well as the L’Opera aperitif can now be refilled during opening hours at the refill salon located at 231 Heretaunga Street, Hastings. And those opening hours have been extended slightly for the busy summer months. 

Hasting’s Distillers founders Kate Galloway & David Ramonteu

Hastings Distillers is now open Wednesday and Thursday until 7.30pm and Friday and Saturday until 8pm – allowing for locals and visitors alike to enjoy their delicious gins and liqueurs, small plates of plant-based goodness from the kitchen and delightful ambiance for longer.

Customers who refill their empties are rewarded with a $10 credit to spend on food or beverages in the tasting room during their visit, or at another time. 

And for those enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the Black Barn Growers’ Market this summer, Hastings Distillers are new stallholders for the 22/23 season, bringing bottles of their award-winning range to those shopping the boutique market stalls.

“After the challenges of the past two summers, we’re pleased to be able to share our love of quality, batch-distilled products and biodynamic principles with people from all over the region, and all over the world,” says Kate. “We’re looking forward to a beautiful summer, and meeting lots of new faces at the tasting room.”

For more on opening hours or to shop online 24/7, see www.hastingsdistillers.com

Strange Nature Gin introduces hospitality recycling programme as part of their ongoing commitment to sustainability (and deliciousness)

Zero waste has never looked so good or tasted so delicious! Strange Nature Gin - made as a by product of Giesen’s hugely successful 0% wines is encouraging hospitality staff to return their beautiful bottles once emptied to be refilled and reused.

An great initiative from an already innovative brand.

This from Strange Nature:

Waste not, want not

Strange Nature introduces hospitality recycling programme as part of sustainability journey

Award winning gin brand Strange Nature has dialled up its commitment to sustainability, launching a nationwide hospitality recycling programme that enables its exquisite bottles to be reused and refilled time and again. 

From honest ori-‘gins’, Strange Nature is a true grape-based gin that is completely traceable from grape to glass. Salvaged from a rather delectable by-product it is created from 0% alcohol Sauvignon Blanc using innovative, spinning cone technology. 

The alcohol is gently extracted from the process of making Sauvignon Blanc while preserving the distinctive flavours and aromas of the wine. The result is a pure, clean white spirit, which rather than being discarded, is then naturally distilled with a single botanical, juniper, to deliver a gin that naturally goes against the grain. 

Strange Nature’s newly launched recycling programme enables hospitality partners to have empty bottles collected by company. The bottles are then taken down to the bottling line in Marlborough where they are washed and refilled, before making their way back out to bars and restaurants around the country. 

“Strange Nature has always had an ethos of sustainability and traceability, paying homage to our origins and offering environmentally conscious consumers a product that shares their values,” says Rhys Julian, General Manager of Strange Nature Distillery.

“Our hospitality recycling program is one of the steps we’re taking to ensure we live up to Strange Nature’s intention to minimise environmental impact. We want to make it easier for our on-premise customers to make sustainable decisions for their businesses and their customers. We know we’re not perfect in our practices, but we’re committed to the journey and continuous improvement, and early feedback from our customers is positive about the steps we’re taking.”

Gaining momentum and making an impact here and overseas only 12 months since launching, Strange Nature has already been internationally recognised boasting a several accolades including 2022 - Innovation Award at the New Zealand Spirit Awards, 2022 - Gold Medal at the international Gin Masters Competition in London and 2022 - Special commendation for design and packaging at The Drinks Business Awards in London. 

Rhys added, “crafting the strangest gin on the market from a small pocket of Sustainable Winegrowing NZ™ certified land in Marlborough was a serendipitous moment. Born in a vineyard which is audited on its practices related to soil, water, plant protection, waste, people and climate change means sustainability is the forefront of our approach. We know precisely where each bottle of spirit comes from with a gin that’s entirely traceable – and it’s an exciting time for the brand as customers are falling in love with our product, packaging and story. 

“Positively, we’re seeing significant growth here at home in both hospitality and retail, whilst Strange Nature is also capturing the imagination of buyers in Australia and North America. We’ve recently achieved national listings across Australia with distribution in 260 Dan Murphy stores, complemented by listings in two international airport duty free retailers in Australia from January 2023. 

Continuing this momentum, Strange Nature will be available in six key US states from April 2023 including New York, Georgia, California, Texas, Florida and Colorado and we have plans to expand further in coming months.”

How Strange Nature tastes

Strange Nature is naturally flavoured, bearing all the quintessential notes New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is famous for - part tropical and zesty with hints of fresh pineapple, candied grapefruit and a touch of kaffir lime and blood orange; and part savoury and herbaceous - piney juniper, blackcurrant leaf and fresh green pepper.

The perfect serve

• Over ice: less is more with this gin! To really maximise all the unique flavours of this premium grape gin, taste it neat or over ice.

• With soda: simple yet effective. Load up a highball glass with ice and a spritz of carbonated water; garnish with a lime wedge. Or, for a refreshing alternative, try with East Imperial Grapefruit Soda. 

• With tonic: an absolute classic. A generous pour of gin over lots of ice, topped off with a premium tonic (like East Imperial Tonic), a lime wedge and a sprig of rosemary or thyme.

Participating on-premise venues have the chance to win one of three strange experiences to Marlborough to visit the home of Strange Nature Distilling with winners drawn in early 2023. 

Alexandra's McArthur Ridge's "Southern Tor" Pinot Noir takes home another coveted award.

New Zealand is full of small, little known wineries making incredible wines, but lack the international recognition they richly deserve due to not putting their wines up to be judged internationally. It can be intimidating to put your wine into a huge overseas show for fear it will fall short against the “best of the rest”.

Alexandra’s McArthur Ridge dared to show the world what their wee winery at the end of the world could do and were richly rewarded with their Southern Tor 2020 pinot noir scoring 96 points at the Decanter World Wine Awards and two trophies at the International Wine Challenge in London . Then in December 2022 Southern Tor once again won gold at the New Zealand International Wine Show making it the most awarded New Zealand pinot noir of 2022.

This from McArthur Ridge:

“Unbelievable run” for little-known Pinot Noir enjoying global acclaim.

As 2022 draws to a close, a little-known wine from Alexandra has claimed yet another coveted award, making it New Zealand’s most awarded Pinot Noir this year – and its winemaker couldn’t be more delighted.

McArthur Ridge Southern Tor Pinot Noir 2020 scooped a gold medal at the New Zealand International Wine Show (NZIWS) last month, hot on the heels of the 96 points awarded at the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) mid-year, and two trophies and a gold medal at the International Wine Challenge in London. Here on New Zealand soil, the wine was awarded Champion Pinot Noir at the New Zealand International Wine Show in February, and winemaker Matt Connell named Winemaker of the Show.

It's a phenomenal outcome for the small but committed team based in the Central Otago town of Alexandra, where wineries have grown accustomed to playing second fiddle to their neighbours at bigger-name wine brands in Bannockburn and Gibbston Valley.

However Matt – who has been at McArthur Ridge since 2020 – says it is the unique site, and the Alexandra location that play the largest roles in creating a wine with the depth Southern Tor displays.  “Because of our position and our very cool climate, we ripen later – and that gives the grapes the opportunity to develop some really interesting flavours,” he says. “When it comes to harvest, Chief Viticulturist Murray Petrie and myself are out on the vineyard checking on the vines all the time, with the intention of leaving the fruit hanging as long as possible before hand-picking and pressing.”

Matt says the method of “growing grapes right up to the edge” of what’s possible, balanced alongside the threat of frosts and weather events, keeps the work interesting. He’s passionate about the site, which delivers “natural complexity, exuberance, with earthy tones and herbal notes like thyme”.

“These vines are almost 20 years old,” he says, “so they’re not babies anymore. Pairing that with fairly new soil – rather than soil that has been farmed for hundreds of years – gives the wine a special clarity.”

Although any gold medal is something to be celebrated, says Matt, it’s the DWWA that is the most notable and rewarding wine competition, and regarded as the world’s most influential. Its judging panel described the McArthur Ridge Southern Tor Pinot Noir 2020 (RRP$39.99) as “bursting with bright, pure red and black fruit aromas framed by spicy vanilla. Succulent, expansive plum and raspberry character with lovely ripe and supportive tannins”.

McArthur Ridge winemaker; Matt Connell

As if it wasn’t honour enough to win gold for its hero Pinot Noir, McArthur Ridge also took home medals for two other reds in its family – a Gold/ 95 Points plus a medal for Best Value for the Brassknocker Pinot Noir 2021 and a Silver/ 94 Points for McArthur Ridge Reserve ‘The McArthur’ Pinot Noir 2020. Judges commented that the Brassknocker Pinot Noir displayed a “nice bouquet, pretty and fresh, a core of light red berry fruits with a fine savoury layer adding depth and charm. Lovely mouthfeel, delicious and long” and that the McArthur Ridge Reserve Pinot exhibited “Rich, bold and powerful bouquet with aromas of sweet raspberries, framboise liqueur and sweet vanilla. 

“Lush and juicy, appealing,” they concluded.

At the NZIWS, McArthur Ridge Falls Dam Pinot Gris 2022 and Lilico Rose 2021 were also winners – both taking home double gold medals and 96 points apiece.

McArthur Ridge Sales and Marketing Director Mike Herrick says it’s been “an unbelievable run” for the winery this year, but agrees that the DWWA wins are the icing on the cake. “Being judged among over 18,000 wines from 54 countries and coming out on top is both exceptional and hugely exciting,” he says.  “The judging process for any award is rigorous, but the DWWA especially so. It’s also wonderful to help shine a light on Alexandra as a wine-growing sub-region – we’re very proud of our little corner of the world, and the delicious wines that are produced here.”

Winemaker Matt hopes attention from the success of McArthur Ridge’s reds will help convince New Zealanders to try other wines from this seriously good producer. “It’s been a really challenging couple of years for the wine industry, particularly with labour shortages and COVID-19 impacts” Matt says. “But it’s testament to the commitment of McArthur Ridge’s ownership group and their continued investment that we’re in such a good position. And it’s due to the careful vineyard management of Murray and his team that I’m able to make the award-winning wine that I do.”

McArthur Ridge | Southern Tor | Alexandra | Pinot Noir | 2020 6 x 750ml | Trade Price – Bottle: $25.40+GST Case: $152.40+GST | RRP: NZ$39.99/bt 

McArthur Ridge | Lilico | Alexandra | Pinot Rose҄ | 2021 6 x 750ml | Trade Price – Bottle: $16.33+GST Case: $98.00+GST | RRP: NZ$25.99/bt 

McArthur Ridge | Falls Dam |Alexandra | Pinot Gris | 2021 6 x 750ml | Trade Price – Bottle: $16.33+GST Case: $98.00+GST | RRP: NZ$25.99/bt 

Brassknocker | Central Otago | Pinot Noir | 2021 by McArthur Ridge 6 x 750ml | Trade Price – Bottle: $18.50+GST Case: $111.00+GST | RRP: NZ$29.99/bt

ALSO NEW TO MCARTHUR RIDGE McArthur Ridge | (Grand Cru) ‘The McArthur’ | Alexandra | Pinot Noir | 2020 6 x 750ml | Trade Price – Bottle: $50.40+GST Case: $302.40+GST | RRP: NZ$80.00+/bt 

Available online at www.mcarthurridge.com and through selected retailers including:

New World, Fresh Choice, Liquorland, Bottle-O, Caro’s Wine Merchants, Henry’s, Advintage, Vino Fino, First Glass Wines and Spirits, Wine Freedom.

Southland distillery launches three gin expressions which seek to celebrate the rugged beauty of NZ's southern terroir

The conversation around terroir and “sense of place” is one that we regularly have in the wine world. How the land, the climate and the biodiversity influence the taste of the wine. I’m increasingly seeing this conversation happen in the world of premium spirits and it’s a fascinating part of the journey and a good way to let people know what is just so special about your spirit that sets it apart - and why it commands a premium pricepoint.

I have rarely seen this so flawlessly executed than by Southland’s Auld with the release of their three new gin expressions. Immaculately presented with emotive story telling, traceability, heritage and a celebration of all the things that make Southland unique and beautiful.

This from Auld:

AULD DISTILLERY LAUNCHES UNIQUE RANGE OF THREE GIN EXPRESSIONS -  CELEBRATING THE DEPTH, DIVERSITY AND SPIRIT OF SOUTHLAND, NEW ZEALAND

[Scotts Gap, Southland, New Zealand] Introducing Auld Gin, a range of three unique gins that celebrate the diversity and spirit of New Zealand’s rugged and picturesque Southland region, with a range of expressions that hero the depths of the Southern Ocean, the vastness of the Southland plains and the heights of the mountains in Fiordland.  

Crafted on a family farm and distillery in the remote and pristine Scotts Gap, the small batch prestige Auld Gin range has been shaped seed-to-sip on land that has been tended to since 1883 by three generations. As one of the few sustainable distilleries in the world that grows its own grain to make the spirits, Auld Distillery also sources all the required ingredients from the family farm to provide a truly authentic farm-to-glass experience.  

Each hand-crafted Auld Gin boasts a distinct flavour profile that references its botanical origin from the nearby ocean, mountain or plain, promising to take consumers on a sensory journey of flavour to cultivate their curiosity. 

The broad palette of the range provides a gin-tasting experience unlike any other on the market. Ocean’s Keep is inspired by the Southern Ocean and is crafted with an oat base and a distillate of Bluff oysters and local botanicals. Expect notes of briny seawater and fresh shellfish notes, followed by a refreshing lingering citrus end. 

Endless Fields takes cues from the Southern Plains and has a base of single malt barley. With hints of juniper first to greet taste buds, a bouquet of soft fresh notes of citrus, coriander and floral-seeded grasses follow. 

Finally, Summit’s Reach will take consumers to the soaring peaks of the Southern Mountains. With a mighty wheat base, the gin offers a sturdy strength and a crisp alpine-like finish. With welcoming notes of juniper, a fresh burst of mountain botanicals comes next with kanuka, tussock, moss and lichens adding a welcome injection of spice.

“Over three generations we have worked the land in this isolated corner of New Zealand.  Remote and beautiful, Southland is fertile country: perfect for crops and for cultivating curiosity.  We wanted to discover more, to see what else we could produce right here at the bottom of the world.  Our passion for grain and spirits is how we started, but it’s become bigger than that. We want to create a legacy. We are caretakers of the land and we want to ensure a sustainable future, not only for our family and farm, but for the community we live in too.”  Rob Auld, Founder & Distiller, Auld Distillery.

Auld Gin is available in limited quantities from www.aulddistillery.co.nz at an RRP of $175 for a 700mL bottle, or $185 for a seasonal release gift box containing one 200mL bottle of each of the three Auld Gin expressions. 

Commissioned artwork for the emotive 700mL labels for each of the three expressions is by New Zealand visual artist, Jane Blackmore.

Explore these unique gins neat on ice or enjoyed as a fresh new take on your favourite cocktails.

Enjoy the season without the silly this Christmas with Lyre's non-alcoholic gift range

I have spoken a lot about Lyre’s as I think it’s one of the best non-alcoholic brands out there with a range of 18 spirits, 5 ready to drink cans and an Italian style sparkling wine. All products are vegan, and packaging is 100% recyclable.

Lyre’s are changing the game for those who are sober curious or choosing to abstain from alcohol.

This Christmas they have a range of gift packs available and are making their sparkling wine that bit more special for Aucklanders looking for a special sober gift.

 This from Lyre’s:

STAY SPIRITED THIS CHRISTMAS WITH LYRE’S PREMIUM FESTIVE GIFTING OPTIONS 

Award-winning non-alcoholic drinks company Lyre’s is inviting Kiwis to give the gift of a premium beverage experience this festive season, with a range of non-alcoholic spirits and elevated gifting options under $20 and $50.  

Lyre’s non-alcoholic spirits are impossibly crafted with distinct and contemporary flavours to capture the essence of their alcoholic counterparts; meaning Kiwis can delight in the same delicious experience of their favourite serve all celebratory season, guilt free.  

There’s nothing like the pop of a cork to signify a special occasion, and Lyre’s Classico Grande 750ml Sparkling delivers that celebratory moment without compromising on flavour and quality. This award-winning sparkling-style beverage offers fresh peach and green apple on the nose, and pear and red apple on the palate; resulting in a fresh and vibrant non-alcoholic bubbles.  

Priced at under $20 and packaged in a stunning gold and white gift box, Lyre’s Classico Grande 750ml Sparkling, is the perfect elevated gifting option for a loved one, or for yourself to enjoy at festive occasions this summer season. If bubbles doesn’t get you into the festive season, then the Lyre’s Ready to Drink 200ml Cocktail Giftpack including Negroni, Old Fashioned and Margarita, gives you a suite of options across the most popular cocktails in the world. 

Lyre’s Chief Marketing Office, Paul Gloster says: “that a glass of bubbles is arguably the most iconic festive drink, and Classico Grande Sparkling ensures your guests can moderate their alcohol consumption without compromising on taste or flavour. Lyre’s ensures, those looking to be more mindful of their drinking during the season’s many social occasions, are well looked-after.”  

“Silly season can involve plenty of social gatherings, but with Lyre’s you can easily moderate your alcohol intake – and as a bonus, they make an ideal thank you gift for the host, or Christmas gift for family and friends.” “If you’re enjoying our Classico, serve chilled in a flute, add a strawberry and you’ve got yourself the perfect Christmas day beverage! Or if a Negroni is your drink of choice, simply pour over ice and add garnish” says Andrew Down, New Zealand Brand Ambassador. 

With both 700ml bottles and ready-to-drink products available, along with a selection of premium gift sets such as a Lyre’s Pink Gin Fizz gift pack with sophisticated highball glasses; and merchandise including cocktail sets, any gifting recipient will be delighted to receive a premium Lyre’s present under the tree.  ]

Personalised Lyre’s Classico Grande Pop-up:

For last-minute shoppers, Lyre’s will give Kiwis the opportunity to add a bespoke twist to their gifting, with a pop-up and onsite calligrapher at Auckland’s Westfield Newmarket offering personalised Classico Grande Sparkling gift boxes. Between 19 and 24 December, Lyre’s onsite calligrapher will be on-hand to personalise your gift boxes with a friend or family members’ name, or a festive message – all for only $20.

Lyre’s Classico Grande is available now at www.lyres.co.nz for RRP $19.99 (750ml bottle) or $119.94 (case of 6), and at Farro Fresh, Super Liquor, Liquorland, selected retailers across national liquor chains and lyre.nz.

To discover Lyre’s full range of impossibly crafted premium non-alcoholic spirits and recipe inspiration, visit Lyres.co.nz, Lyre’s Facebook and Instagram. 

Rosé all day as Snoop Dogg releases his Cali Rosé in time for NZ summer

As a summer themed follow up to his popular “Cali Red” in collaboration with 19 Crimes, veteran rapper Snoop Dogg is thinking pink and has released his “Cali Rosé” here in New Zealand.

The rosé is made with Californian grapes, is bottled in Australia and will retail in New Zealand supermarkets and liquor stores for $19.99

This from Asahi Beverages:

THIS IS HOW WE ROSÉ - SNOOP DOGG DROPS ROSÉ WITH 19 CRIMES IN TUNE WITH SPRING

Global rap superstar and Californian native Snoop Dogg has dropped his second wine collab with 19 Crimes.

Cali Rosé hits New Zealand shelves from 30 October and is a taste of The Doggfather’s home state with notes of sun-drenched raspberry, strawberry and red cherry creating strong fruit flavours. Paired with delicate floral and rose petal aromas, it’s practically spring – and soon to be summer – in a bottle.

The grapes are grown, and the wine blended in California, bottled in Australia, and marketed in New Zealand by Asahi Beverages NZ (through its partnership with Treasury Wine Estates). It is the flipside to Snoop’s first wine collab 19 Crimes Cali Red which is about to return to shelves for a second stint due to popular demand.

Snoop says: “We did it big with 19 Crimes Cali Red, so you know we had to do it again – and this time, I was thinking pink. I can’t wait for everyone to sip on my Snoop Cali Rosé and bring those fresh feels from spring into summer and beyond. I hope when you open a bottle of this wine you take a little mind trip to my Cali home. This is how we Rosé the Snoop Dogg way!”

Augmented reality labels on each Cali Rosé bottle add another layer of enjoyment, helping bring Snoop D-O Double G’s vision for the wine to life.

19 Crimes Cali Rosé is available through supermarkets, select liquor stores and restaurants. It has an RRP of $19.99 per bottle.

Brown Brother's 1889 Range becomes the Origins Series

Australian’s wine stalwarts Brown Brothers have taken their popular 1889 range and rebranded it to become Brown Brother’s Origins Series with a striking and eye-catching new look.

While what’s in the bottle will remain the same, the new branding seeks to celebrate the origins of the varietals in the range.

Here in New Zealand the range will include Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Prosecco and will retail at $18.99

This from Brown Brothers:

Brown Brothers, one of Australia’s best-loved family wine businesses, which has been making wine for over 130 years, is pleased to share that its 1889 range has undergone an exciting refresh, which includes a new name and a bold and eye-catching new design to appeal to wine lovers who are looking for premium wines that not only look great but taste fabulous, too. 

While the award-winning wines within the bottle remain the same, the range is now known as Brown Brothers Origins Series.  Each wine within the range celebrates the origins of different varietals, including the sense of place you get from each of the destinations it represents – from a Shiraz inspired by Australia’s farming heritage, to a Cabernet inspired by French winemaking traditions, to a Merlot inspired by magnificent old-world estates, all of the wines within the range have been designed to help people to rediscover their taste for adventure.  

The strikingly vibrant colourful new labels for the range evoke a sense of playfulness, while ensuring they standout. Caroline Brown, Corporate Communications Manager for Brown Family Wine Group said: “We are excited to share this bold new look with New Zealand consumers and we hope that the bright and modern new labels will entice them to try something new and create ‘wine wanderlust’ by sharing a glimpse into the fascinating origins which inspired them.” 

In the NZ market, the Brown Brothers Origins Series includes a range of three red wines from popular traditional varietals, including a medium-bodied Shiraz, an elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, and a highly versatile Merlot, all of which have been grown in some of Victoria’s most premium vineyards. The range also includes a gorgeous Prosecco, which has been recently introduced to the range. The wines within the Origins Series range include: 

2018 Origins Shiraz – Inspired by the Australian spirit This medium-bodied, bright, brick-red Shiraz is inspired by Australia’s rich farming heritage. It has lifted aromas of dark berries and classic pepper notes of Heathcote Shiraz. These aromas follow through to the palate, which has generous juicy fruit and a fine tannin structure. This supple Shiraz drinks beautifully now but cellaring for 4-6 years from vintage will add complexity. 

The Brown Brothers Origins Range

2020 Origins Cabernet Sauvignon – Inspired by artisanship 

This elegant, deep crimson wine is inspired by French winemaking traditions, artisanship, and the purity of perseverance. It displays aromas of savoury blackcurrant and juicy dark fruits, with fine, supple tannins.  The 2020 Cabernet’s depth of colour and intensity of flavour show tremendous concentration and will cellar for up to seven years from vintage. 

2020 Origins Merlot – Inspired by sprawling old-world Estates 

This highly versatile medium-bodied wine was inspired by magnificent old-world estates, charming chateaux, and blooming lavender fields. In the glass, this wine shows bright purple hues and lifted aromas of red berries, dried herbs, and spices with hints of liquorice. These aromas follow through to the palate where the berry fruit flavours balance the soft tannins. It can be enjoyed now or will reward cellaring up to four years from vintage. 

2021 Origins Prosecco NV- Inspired by Italian Prosecco growing methods 

Brown Brothers was one of the first winemakers to plant Prosecco in Victoria’s cool climate King Valley. The King Valley is climatically the closest region in Australia to northeast Italy and Brown Brothers’ Banksdale vineyard, which is 485 metres above sea level, is the perfect home for Australia’s premium Prosecco.  

The Origins Series Prosecco is the perfect sparkling for the casual catch up with friends and family. Straw in colour with subtle green hues and a delicate nose, it displays delicious apple and pear characters. This wine retains the freshness and vibrancy that Prosecco is known for, and it has a beautiful savoury edge on the palate. This refreshing sparkling is made to drink now while it's light and fresh. 

Getting in the Spirit of Spring with Hastings Distillers "Blossom Parade" Gin

The demand for gin doesn’t seem to show any sign of slowing down and when you combine that with the increasing demand for organics - an organic gin sounds like a remarkably good idea. Even better if that gin is organic, biodynamic and made with foraged local botanicals.

Hastings Distillers is a boutique distillery based in Hawke’s Bay focussing on quality, not quantity with their stunning limited release spirits.

This from Hastings Distillers:

Quintessence of spring captured in Blossom Parade gin 

Credit: Brian Culy

A hint of warmth on newly bared arms, asparagus spears pushing up through damp earth and trees laden with cherry blossom – these are the hallmarks of a Hawke’s Bay spring.

Hastings Distillers are highly regarded for their seasonal gins and aperitifs and the Blossom Parade – a nod to the iconic spring event held in Hastings annually – is arguably the most well-loved. Lightly perfumed and refined, it’s a special gin marking the change of seasons and heralding warmer weather ahead.

For Hastings Distillers’ founders, Kate Galloway and David Ramonteu, it’s an exciting time of year, and one they acknowledge by releasing the Blossom Parade, of which only 850 bottles were produced in 2022.

“It’s a vintage-like gin – an expression of elegance,” begins Kate. “I love that its blend of local organics captures how the spring is evolving in any particular year. We’ve had a unexpectedly cold start to the season this year in Hawke’s Bay, which is suggested through the livelier and fresher notes that have revealed themselves in this year’s Blossom Parade.”

The limited-edition Blossom Parade, combining citrus, exotic flowers, orange blossom and green fruits, batch-distilled and cut to strength with Kaweka spring water, is delicious served over ice, with a dash of soda or tonic, or as the key component of a spring cocktail.

“It’s a true homage to the Hastings district, and the brief burst of pale pink we see on almost every street in the area,” says Kate. “It captures the fleeting scents of the season and signals the beginning of a new cycle of growth which ultimately leads to autumn, and to harvest.”

For Hastings Distillers, it is autumn that is the busiest period, with Kate and David plucking and picking many of their botanicals for the concise – but internationally celebrated – range of premium spirits produced. “And it has always been that way – both Kate and I have a background in wine-making and have travelled the world with our craft” says David. “I once spent 10 years of my life moving from vintage to vintage and never seeing spring, so this time is special to me.”

The Hastings Distillers Blossom Parade gin joins Hastings Distillers’ impressive line-up of award-winning spirits (the Albertine and East Block 200 gins and L’Opera aperitif) as well as other seasonal and one-off releases including Posy gin liqueur and Barrel Aged Negroni.

Available to buy now at www.hastingsdistillers.com

• Biogro certified organic
• Non-filtered or fined
• Contains no animal products
• Alc/Vol: 42%
• Vol: 500mL

RRP $85

The value of New Zealand wine exports hits an all time high

The future seems sunny for New Zealand wine as the value of wine exports hitting an all time high of more than a quarter billion dollars.

This from New Zealand Winegrowers:

New Zealand wine export value hits all-time high

The value of New Zealand wine in international markets is stronger than ever, with exports for 12 months to September at an all-time high of $2.03 billion, up 6% from the previous year. USA ($727 million) and Canada ($157 million) are at new record levels. The total value increase of 6% is due to a rise in value per litre, with volume for the 12 months to September decreasing 4% from a year ago.

Credit: NZ Winegrowers

The month of September 2022 has set a new export record of $287 million, this being the first time the export value has exceeded $¼ billion in any month.

“Record export value in September proves that our customers continue to appreciate the exceptional flavours, commitment to quality and sustainability of New Zealand wines, particularly in key international markets such as North America. Consumers around the world select a bottle of New Zealand wine off the shelf as they know it is a premium and unique product that they can trust,” says Philip Gregan, CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers.

The record export value emphasises the adaptability and resilience of the industry, during a year that has been full of challenges, as increasing production costs and inconsistent shipping reliability have continued to impact growers and wineries. The ongoing labour shortage and scarcity of skilled workers remains a serious concern, along with operating in a high inflation environment.

With the reopening of New Zealand’s borders and easing of COVID-19 restrictions, many in the industry are eagerly awaiting the return of international wine tourists to New Zealand’s shores.

“Cellar doors have been hit hard by the collapse in international tourist numbers over the past two years. Expectantly, with the reopening of New Zealand’s borders, we will see the return of overseas visitors, who will once more be able to enjoy all the experiences our wine regions have to offer. Alongside domestic holidaymakers, international tourists will give wine businesses the boost they need to see them through the busy summer period, and beyond.”