A Quick Update: Hawke’s Bay has just become the latest area in the world to join the Great Wine Capitals – Global Network – A World of Excellence. Check it out!
Hawke’s Bay joins ther Great Wine Capitals network
Christmas Dinner ’24 & Looking Ahead Further
Looking Back – December Christmas Dinner
This year’s Christmas Dinner was held at Le Marche Francais, as always
a welcoming establishment for our Christmas dinner.
The food was as excellent as it is every time we visit. The staff were on
the ball and welcoming towards us, too. The socialising and mingling at the beginning of the evening with our glasses of bubbly was most festive.
With thanks to the staff in French from John Dawson and a welcome to Club members from Murray, our evening was set for a great Christmas treat.
Looking Ahead Further
- March – Mission Vineyard
- April – New Zealand International Wine Show 2024 Trophy Wines
- May – AGM
Del Mundo – Once upon a bottle shoppe
February 2025
Wednesday 12th February, 8 pm start
Door Price: Members $16 / Guests $20
It’s not just a drink in a glass; it’s the whole story behind it—the people, culture and place.
This evening is a taste of Italy and Spain from Del Mundo Presented by Lucas Monge. Established in Wellington, New Zealand, Lucas Monge, Founder of ‘Del Mundo’, imports and distributes sought-after traditional wine varieties from producers who believe wine is not just a drink in a glass but the whole story behind it; people, culture and place, producers that have proven passion for wine craftsmanship, land and sustainability.
The proposed wines available to purchase from Lucas may include the following:
- 2023 Rose Laubespin – 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (Medoc, France)
- 2021 Guizzo ‘Padre Rinengato’ Spumante Brut Nature (Valdobbiadene, Italy)
- 2023 Donnafugata Sur Sur Grillo (Sicily, Italy)
- NV Gonzalo de Berceo white Tempranillo (Rioja, Spain)
- 2020 Contepassi Super Tuscan – Sangiovese, Cabernet, Merlot (Tuscany Italy)
- 2023 Poggio Apricale Super Tuscan – Sangiovese, Merlot, Colorino (Montalcino, Italy)
- 2017 ‘Voche’ Graciano Selección (Rioja, Spain)
Del Mundo is New Zealand’s official partner and home of Donnafugata, Fabiano, Manzanos, Siglo, Berceo, Voche, Montelvini, Guizzo, Martoccia di Brunelli Luca, Chateau Carmenere Richard – Barraud and Italian liquor, Meletti.
Though the wines are yet to be decided upon, we thought you may like to get to practise some of the terms that are involved in Italian and Spanish wines:
Imbottigliato (im-boh-tee-l’yah’-toe)
Italian for “bottled.” “Imbottigliato all’origine” is the term for estate bottled.
Sassicaia (sah-see-cah’-yah)
A Cabernet Sauvignon-based red wine from the coast of the Tuscany region in Italy. The wine is very consciously based on the wines of the Haut-Medoc in Bordeaux, France, and indeed even the grape cuttings originate from there. This wine forever changed the landscape of Italian wines. Even though it had no official classification, it was one of the most expensive and critically acclaimed wines of Italy. It was at the forefront of a class of wines that have been called “Super Tuscans” each based on Cabernet Sauvignon, even
though, at the time, Cab was not an allowed grape anywhere in the Tuscany region.
Because of the great popularity of these wines a new DOC designation was created in the region of Bolgheri for these wines, and a DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia was created for this wine alone.
Secco (seck’-o)
The Italian term for “dry” (meaning a wine without any residual sugar).
Soave (s’wah’-veh)
The best known Italian white wine, it comes from the Verona region in the northeastern portion of the country. Made from the Garganega grape, with the ubiquitous Trebbiano sometimes used in the blend.
Sherry (share-ee)
A fortified wine made in the Sherry district in southern Spain around the city of Jerez de la Frontera. The wine is made primarily from the grape Palomino. The grapes are brought into the winery and pressed. The first pressed juice (that of the highest quality) is reserved to make the “fino” styles.
Flor (flore)
A special type of yeast found on wine. In the Sherry district of Spain, the flor yeast help to make the finest Sherries. On other wines it is a pest and must be controlled. It is also the Spanish word for flower.
Macebo (mah-cah-beh’-oh)
The principal white wine grape of the Spanish Rioja region where it is known locally as Viura. Simple and crisp with a floral quality, this grape helped revolutionize the white wines of the Rijoa region by replacing the easily oxidized Malvasia grape.
Okurukuru Winery, Taranaki
On a recent trip around Taranaki to take in a few of the Fringe Garden Festivals gardens [well worth the visit], we (Evelyn) came across Okurukuru | Okurukuru Winery
| Taranaki out on the Surf Highway in Taranaki.
Okurukuru is a West Coast vineyard with associated Luxury accommodation, Cellar Door, The Vineyard Bistro restaurant and extensive Function Centre.
They are a small operation and only make four wines, but they’re certainly different and worth a visit. The grape variety that survived on their, at first, exposed plot of land was Plantet and were obtained from a retired Kiwifruit grower, Mr Vern Evans. This is a red berry. Mr Evans had himself been gifted this grape variety from a friend who ran a nursery.
They also have accommodation on location, either Studio Apartments or Chalet Suites and are only 10km from New Plymouth CBD.
Our tasting was of all four of their wines and cost us $20 p/p. Their wines, all included in the tasting are:
- Okurukuru Rosé – grown in Taranaki – presents inviting floral aromas and a mealy of vibrant red berries on the nose. The palate reveals a harmony of ripe strawberries, luscious cherries and a refreshing hint of watermelon. This rose delivers a balanced and delightful sip that lingers elegantly.
- Christine Sparkling Rosé – grown in Taranaki – produced in the methode traditionelle style this rose, made from grapes picked from the Taranaki Vineyard, has a fresh, clean finish. This wine is gently expressed on the nose showing raspberry, lemon zest, apple and spice aromas, followed by a lively palate that is juicy and mouth-watering.
- Sauvignon Blanc – grown in Marlborough for them – produced from our sister vineyards in Marlborough, this Sauvignon Blanc boasts inviting aromas of ripe tropical fruits, where juicy passionfruit and sun-ripened mango take centre stage. The palate is greeted by a harmonious blend of zesty citrus, succulent stone fruits and a subtle herbaceous undertone that adds complexity.
- Plantet [French Style Red] – The Plantet is produced from selected grapes in the Taranaki vineyard, maturing for nine months in seasoned French barrels prior to bottling. Bright and fragrant, the bouquet shows dark cherry, plum, floral and subtle spice aromas, leading to a juicy palate that is nicely rounded and smooth. This wine offers youthful charm and vibrant fruit flavours, finishing long and silky.
They also have a restaurant on-site and we had polenta chips flavoured with Rosemary and Chilli with our tasting. All in all a lovely vista, different wines and great food for an afternoon experience.
As they are a small and unique vineyard their prices are way above what we expect to pay at the supermarket, but if you want something different and are up in Taranaki, it’s worth a tasting experience!
2025 Events Coming Up
Note
- Please remember there is no BBQ in January 2025
- February – TBC
Committee Musings
Your committee would like to acknowledge how the Club works for and on behalf of everyone in the wine industry.
We are a sought-after Club for the wineries, especially the ones that have presented in the past, and are wanting to present to us again.
This is down to everyone who attends and orders at our monthly events.
Lets continue this into 2025.
Looking Back – Bubbles Evening, ‘Nov 24
This was a superb evening featuring worldwide bubbles with Keith Tibble. What a lineup we had!
The special food supplied by your committee members Tim and Terry,
was a nice touch for the evening, providing variety with the various
wines.
This has left everyone with some thoughtfully selected wines to source for Christmas celebrations.
As a reminder of what to put on your shopping list, the wines we tasted were:
- Quaffer, Hunters Offshoot Pet-Nat from Waihopai Valley, Marlborough
Tasting – Part 1
- Louis Perdier Brut Excellence, Languedoc, France
- Tempus Two Prosecco, King Valley, NSW
- Gancia Prosecco Trentino, Italy
- Maude Methode Traditionale NV, Central Otago
Tasting Part 2:
- Champagne Lanvin, Epernay, France
- Veuve du Vernay Brut Rosé, France
It was an interesting and fun evening for everyone, thanks Terry for organising and Keith Tibble for presenting.
Further news: EuroVintage named Champion Wine Company of the Year 2024!
Check out Nov tasting – Bubbles Evening w/Keith Tibble, EuroVintage.
Christmas Dinner – Dec ’24
Le Marché Francais
262 Thorndon Quay, Wellington
Wednesday 11th December
Please arrive at 6.30 pm for seating at 7.00 pm
We have dined at Le Marche Francois before as a Club and people enjoy the food, the company and the atmosphere.
Veronique Sauzeau [Vero] is the chef and owner and the menu she has prepared for the night is:
- A selection of petite entrees
- Mains – your choice of either beef, chicken or fish
- Petite fours for dessert
And to repeat Wayne’s original instructions on getting there: Le
Marche is upstairs in the furnishing shop quarter of Wellington’s
Thorndon Quay. If using public transport, simply get off the bus at the
old Woolstore stop.
Please Note
- You are asked to arrive before 7 pm, as the roadside main doors are locked at
this time. - Please come up the stairs to the first floor, where you will be greeted with a
complementary glass of bubbles. - The meal is BYO wine, and your prepaid cost includes corkage and a discount on the meal. During the evening, it is customary to share the bottle of wine you have brought with your neighbours.
- We are expecting to finish sometime between 9.00 pm and 9.30 pm, but this is a guideline only, in case you are arranging transport home. Please try and stay as flexible as possible.
Please contact Wayne if you wish to attend this event and have not already contacted him.
Cost is $85 per person and must be paid on or before the 1st December, which is the close-off date for this event.
Committee Musings, Nov’24
A big thanks
It is great to have everyone help with the tables and chairs at meetings and taking the same down at the end. Also, please remember to take your table’s spittoons/water jugs/cracker plates back to the kitchen.
PLEASE NOTE: We can’t arrive to do the setting up activities any earlier than 7:30pm as we interrupt the cleaner(s) schedule, the cleaners are in the hall until 7:30pm.
Looking Ahead
- December – Christmas Dinner, Le Marche –your committee has decided that this evening will have a larger than usual subsidy, plus corkage, with the usual glass of bubbles on arrival to start off the festivities. An order form for the meal, plus payment will be sent out separately.
- January 2025 – Reminder: Currently, there is no function planned for January.
- February 2025 – tbc
Looking Back – Peregrine, Oct ’24
It was great to have a Central Otago winery present to us by Justin, the North Island and Australian sales manager presenting. We had 32 people attend, with lively and enquiring discussions and somewhat very different tastings to experience.
We found out that the owners of Peregrine are heavily into bird conservation, hence the name of the vineyard, although it’s not a NZ Hawk. Their prime focus in this area is the Saddleback [Tieke], with injured birds being housed, recuperated and released back into the wild.
Nadine Cross is their wine maker and focusses on balance in the wines she produces. While the whole team help with vintage, from picking by hand usually, to processing and finally bottling, so everyone gets an all-round experience with the vineyard.
Peregrine are situated in a mountainous wine growing area, with their vineyard sites in Bendigo, Pisa and Gibbston areas. They were certified as organic from their 2017 vintage and have now been certified as Biodynamic recently. Congratulations!
A reminder of the wines we tasted during the evening:
- 2023 Saddleback Riesling
- 2023 Peregrine Sauvignon Blanc
- 2023 Saddleback Rosé
- 2023 Peregrine Pinot Gris
- 2023 Peregrine Chardonnay
- 2022 Saddleback Pinot Noir
- 2022 Peregrine Pinot Noir
Nov tasting – Bubbles Evening w/Keith Tibble, EuroVintage
Wednesday 13th November, 8 pm Start
Door Price: Members $20 / Guests $25
Discover the Art of Sparkling Wines: A Special Wine Tasting Event
Join us for an exquisite journey through some of the finest sparkling wines from around the world. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a novice eager to explore, this curated selection promises to delight your palate and expand your appreciation for bubbly wines.
The Club can provide a flute for members, stressing one per member, but please feel free to bring your own if you wish for the evening.
Here’s what’s on our tasting list
Hunters Offshoot Pet-Nat Origin: Waihopai Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand
We kick off this sparkling adventure with the charming Hunters Offshoot Pet-Nat. Sourced from the picturesque Waihopai Valley, this wine is a true artisanal creation. With its natural fermentation process, it captures the essence of the lush Marlborough terroir. Expect vibrant bursts of fruit and a refreshing, slightly effervescent profile that sets the tone for an exciting tasting experience.
Louis Perdier Brut Excellence Origin: Languedoc, France
Next, we venture to the sun-kissed vineyards of Languedoc for the Louis Perdier Brut Excellence. Known for its elegant balance of fruit-forward flavours and crisp acidity, this Champagne-style sparkling wine is predominantly composed of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Its fine bubbles and hints of green apple and brioche make it a delightful choice for
those who appreciate the classically refined sparkling wines of France.
Tempus Two Prosecco Origin: King Valley, NSW, Australia
From the King Valley in New South Wales, we bring you the Tempus Two Prosecco, crafted from the Glera grape. This refreshing sparkling wine charms with its light, fruity notes of pear and citrus, accompanied by a delicate floral aroma. A perfect aperitif, it pairs beautifully with antipasti or can be enjoyed on its own for a sunny afternoon.
Gancia Prosecco Origin: Trentino, Italy
We cross the globe to Italy’s Trentino region to sample the renowned Gancia Prosecco. Known for its crispness and elegance, Gancia Prosecco features a light, frothy mouthfeel with an array of flavour notes from ripe peaches to refreshing herbs. This wine is a testament to timeless Italian tradition in sparkling wine production—perfect for any celebration.
Maude Methode Traditionale NV Origin: Central Otago, New Zealand
Experience the careful craftsmanship of Maude Methode Traditionale NV from Central Otago, an area celebrated for its unique climate and soil, ideal for high-quality wine production. This traditional method sparkling wine offers complex layers of flavour, featuring stone fruits, nutty undertones, and a long, creamy finish, making it a standout selection for any true wine lover.
Champagne Lanvin Origin: Epernay, France
No sparkling wine tasting would be complete without the iconic Champagne. We proudly present Champagne Lanvin from the heart of Epernay. This exquisite bubbly epitomizes the elegance of true Champagne, characterised by fine bubbles, balanced acidity, and flavours that blend ripe fruit, floral notes, and a touch of minerality, making it a luxurious choice for any occasion.
Veuve du Vernay Brut Rose Origin: France
We conclude our tasting with the beautifully vibrant Veuve du Vernay Brut Rosé. This charming French sparkling wine features a delightful pink hue and lively notes of red berries, perfect for those looking for something fruity yet refreshing. The appealing aroma and taste will leave a lasting impression, making it an excellent way to end the tasting.
We look forward to seeing you Wednesday 13th November for a memorable evening.
Committee Musings, Oct ’24
Are you missing out on great presentations?
The committee expressed a little angst at only 22 attending for Misty Cove.
We hope that people will support the committee’s work, especially with the Central Otago vineyard Peregrine for October.
Thanks for your support
It is great to have everyone help with the tables and chairs at meetings and taking the same down at the end. Also, please remember to take your table’s spittoons/water jugs/cracker plates back to the kitchen.
PLEASE NOTE: We can’t arrive to do the setting up activities any earlier than 7:30 pm as we interrupt the cleaner(s) schedule, the cleaners are in the hall until 7:30 pm.
Looking Back – Misty Cove, Marlborough, Aug’ 24
What a brilliant evening! For those that couldn’t attend, you missed a good evening. We had 22 in attendance.
The evening’s presenter was Manu, Misty Cove’s South African born, and French trained Chief Winemaker. He spoke with us, answering questions and explaining why they use mainly Acacia wood barrels or rather ‘puncheons‘, which are smaller-sized barrels; as well as oak, and the effects of both woods on the various wines they make. These are imported from France and Italy. He explained how they do their harvest and where grapes come from, from the different plots they have and sometimes, where grapes they use come from outside of their district, i.e. Gisborne!
The wines are made to be on the slightly dry side, rather than the sweet side and were very interesting to taste, with sometimes surprising results.
Misty Cove has previously focused on the export market to date but have now begun focussing on the New Zealand market to introduce their wines to.
A reminder of the wines we tasted during the evening:
- 2022 Misty Cove Waihopai – this is their Rosé, this year the blend is Chardonnay/Pinot Noir, made with a slight fizz, and yes, it’s the champagne mixture! Their Rosé is not necessarily made with the same grapes every season.
- 2024 Misty Cove Estate Sauvignon Blanc – this was a surprise to non-white drinkers, whilst it smelt like a Sauv Blanc, it was smooth in the mouth!
- 2023 Misty Cove Estate Pinot Gris – this has 2% Gertz within in, and Manu said that over time this could get more dominant within the mixture.
- 2024 Misty Cove Landmark Albarino – a Spanish grape that it gaining in popularity, the grapes for this vintage come from the Gisborne area
- 2024 Misty Cove Landmark Riesling – again, 10 ton of grapes were brought from contract growers for this vintage, and while this wine is young it will get the kerosene people are used to with age
- 2022 Misty Cove Landmark Chardonnay – smooth and light in the mouth
- 2023 Misty Cove Estate Pinot Noir – this is their entry-level label, but with lots of fruit flavour in the mouth, this tipple was popular with those at the table.