Magazine-Mar to April 2017

Harvest inMarch - WINE RANT -

By Alvin Gho, Senior Beverage Director

The vineyards in the northern hemisphere – including European “Old World” countries such as France, Italy and Germany, together with the United States, China and India – experience harvest between August to October with largely snowy Christmases. Southern hemisphere vineyards, comprising countries like Argentina, Chile and Uruguay in South America, South Africa, Southern Australia and New Zealand – “New World” regions in wine nomenclature – harvest early in the year, from February to April. It is heartening and a joy to know that wine production is unceasing, occurring somewhere in the world each and every month of the year. Right around late September, we can anticipate the fresh, grassy Sauvignon Blancs of the same vintage from Marlborough; early into the next year, yummy Sauvignon Blancs from Loire Valley are bottled and released to the markets! This issue, I wanted to draw your attention specifically to the fine wines of New Zealand. I have personally spent some time down South picking grapes, pulling nets over vines to keep away picking birds, and getting inside a stainless steel vat to shovel out grape skins. My days began pre-dawn, with frozen fingers snipping clusters of grapes, to lunches in scorching noons and breathing the fresh air of starry-skied nights. New Zealand comprises two islands – the north and south are both accessible across the Cook Strait via a 3-hour ferry ride. The wines produced in this country are generally cool climate-styled, with great freshness and accessibility. Pinot Noirs from Central Otago (South Island) and Martinborough (North Island) are considered the best in the country. Fruit-driven and structured on the palate, they are drink-ready and fantastic in the cellar too. Sauvignon Blancs from Marlborough, trademarked by their mouth-watering acidity, are zesty, zippy and full of fresh-fruit goodness.

Here’s to the joy of savoring a good wine – one of life’s greatest civilized pleasures!

For your enjoyment, a selection of wines available at HOME:

Dog Point, Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Black Cottage, Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Fromm “La Strada” Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Mount Riley, Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Palliser Estate, Chardonnay Martinborough Bald Hills “Single Vineyard” Pinot Noir Central Otago $92.10 Misha’s Vineyard “High Note” Pinot Noir Central Otago $67.00 Black Cottage, Pinot Noir Marlborough $39.00 Te Kairanga, Pinot Noir Martinborough $39.00 Trinity Hill, Syrah Hawkes Bay $42.00 $42.10 $35.00 $42.00 $46.50 $52.00

36 THE AMERICAN CLUB MAR / APR 2017