Author: EvelynD

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Tasting – Riverby Estate, Feb ’24

Wednesday 14th February 8 pm start
Door Price:  Members $10 / Guests $14

We have lined up for your February Club Monthly meeting an evening with Kevin Courtney of Riverby Estate from Blenheim.

Riverby are a boutique, family owned and run wine producer in Marlborough’s Jackson Road heartland. All grapes are grown on the estate vineyard by descendants of the Matthews family, who have been farming the property for over 100 years.  The Matthews farm was called Riverby and the original homestead, depicted on the Sauvignon Blanc back label, is still in use.

On their approximately 70ha vineyard they have three different soil types that allow the family to grow a variety of grapes, and their range of award-winning wines come from individual parcels on that single vineyard. Although not all their wines are made every year, as this depends on the quality of grapes for vintage.

The Riverby name originated from the Opawa River and its tributaries, which meandered through the property. This river was diverted in the 1930s to stop Blenheim from flooding, creating what was eventually to become ideal grape growing land. The rainbow trout on the Riverby label is symbolic of the fish that used to swim where grapes are now grown.

Old Vines Reserve Chardonnay 2020 - Silver Medal NZIWS 2022
Old Vines Reserve Chardonnay 2020 – Silver Medal NZIWS 2022

They are proud to practice sustainable grape-growing techniques throughout the whole grape-growing and winemaking cycle and are also pleased to be eligible to be members of Appellation Wine Marlborough (AWM) because of their vineyard practices and restricted yields.

In a throw-back to past glories, sheep are used extensively throughout the vineyard to control weeds and grasses.

Wines for the evening: 

  • Riverby Rose’ 2023 – Welcome wine – gold medal winner at NZ International Wine Show
  • Cicada Gewurztraminer 2023 – gold medal winner at NZ International Wine Show
  • Riverby Reserve Chardonnay 2022
  • Riverby Sauvignon Blanc 2023 – gold medal winner at NZ International Wine Show
  • Riverby Gruner Veltliner 2022
  • Riverby OVB 2021
  • Riverby Reserve Pinot Noir 2020
  • Riverby Noble Riesling 2019 – multiple award winner

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Fistonich Family Vineyards – The Resurrection of Sir George

Glengarry | Issue 290 pg. 44

A name synonymous with leadership in wine, Sir George Fistonich
A name synonymous with leadership in wine, Sir George Fistonich

A name synonymous with leadership in wine, Sir George Fistonich has a history of success but has always operated with an eye on the future. In 2021, not content with retirement, Sir George embarked on a new venture: Fistonich Family Vineyards, fuelled by his passion for viticulture, winemaking, developing future talents and creating world-class brands.

Today, Fistonich Family Vineyards owns incredible vineyards across Hawkes Bay and Marlborough, including Cornerstone in the Gimblett Gravels and Ballochdale in the Awatere Valley. And on the horizon, Sir George is poised to unveil his flagship winery brand, crafted from his cherished Terraced vineyard site in Bayview, Hawkes Bay. It is a significant site for the New Zealand wine industry that Sir George himself meticulously planted over three decades ago.

Chief Winemaker Michelle Richardson is known for her extraordinary ability to translate the essence of a country, region, vineyard, or even a single row into the vibrant expressions in the wines she crafts. What is truly exciting for the New Zealand and Hawkes Bay wine scene is the winery restaurant and cellar door that will come in 2024. Envision sunlit patios stretching before you, overlooking terraced vineyards and the South Pacific Ocean.

As Fistonich Family Vineyards begins to build a diverse wine portfolio, the initial offerings are dedicated to providing a joyful and delicious range of crowd-pleasing wines. Among the first wines to be released are the Obliix and Forest Flower Collection wines.

As October rolls around, watch this space as Sir George unveils his flagship winery brand. This is an exciting new chapter in the legacy of Sir George Fistonich and his visionary contributions to the world of wine. As soon as the wines are ready in October, you’ll be the first to know and we’ll have them right here at Glengarry.

Also see Čuvar Winery.

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Committee Musings Dec ’23

Lost & Found

Gayl is holding a small jute bag with clear plastic sides that contains two glasses.

She rescued this from our Bubbles evening. If anyone is missing their bag and glasses, please contact Gayl or any committee member.

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Looking Back – to our Bubbles Evening

This was a superb evening featuring worldwide bubbles.

The special food matched some of the wines and was well thought out and tasty. It is always interesting to see what change the food makes to the wine you drink.

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:

  • De Bortolli Family Selection Sparkling Brut NV – Australia
  • Graham Norton Prosecco D.O.C. – Italy
  • Perelada Brut Reserva Spanish Cava – Spain
  • Pongracz Sparkling Brut – South Africa
  • Hunter MiruMiru Marlborough Methode Traditionelle Brut – New Zealand
  • Aimery Grande Cuvee 1531 Cremant De Limouix Rose NV – France
  • The Black Chook Sparkling Shiraz NV – Australia
  • Pegasus Bay Encore Noble Riesling 2007 AND 2017 – New Zealand

It was an interesting and fun evening for everyone, thanks to Wayne, Murray, Terry Gayl, and everyone else who helped with the food on the evening.

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Christmas Dinner, The Wellington Club, Dec ’23

Christmas Dinner is being held in the Terrace Room, The Wellington Club, 5th Floor, 88 The Terrace, Wellington, Wednesday 13th December

Please arrive at 6.30 pm for seating at 7.00 pm

The Wellington Club, 88 The Terrace, Wellington
The Wellington Club, 88 The Terrace, Wellington

For those unfamiliar with the establishment, the Wellington Club is similar to Bellamys, and members are asked to adopt a dress code that befits such a prestigious venue.

Getting there

And to repeat Wayne’s original instructions on getting there: If using public transport, get off the bus at the old Kirkcaldies/David Jones building and walk up Woodward Street.

Go through the tunnel under the Terrace and immediately on your right, you will find steps which will take you to the entrance of 88 The Terrace.

The lifts will be unlocked from 6.15 pm to allow you access to the Level 5 Terrace Room where our dinner will take place.

First time for some

Given that some members may attend the dinner for the first time, it is perhaps an opportune time to mention how our dinners operate.

  • You are asked to arrive as close to 6.30 pm as practical
  • When you arrive, you will be greeted with a complementary
    glass of bubbles
  • The meal is BYO wine, and your prepaid cost includes corkage. 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 9.00pm and 9.30pm, 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 $80 per person and must be paid on or before the 1st December, which is the close-off date for this event.

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Committee Musings ‘Nov 23

Monthly Meeting Timing

We have had a number of enquiries from club members over time regarding the time we start the monthly evenings. Due to the presenters who come to our monthly meetings working in the city during the day before they get to us, we have to allow them time to refresh and have dinner. Also, the committee members that set up for the evening may also work, and must have their dinner and refresh before getting to the hall for the set-up. These people’s full lives do not give any lee-way for the meetings to be able to start earlier.

New Members/Visitors

Please, if you see visitors on their own or new members enter the centre for one of our tastings, invite them to join your table. Getting to know new members and making new friends is part of the purpose of our club, and they may need to be shown where our club’s glasses are and have an explanation of our sheet that is supplied to members for writing down their comments on the wines of the month. Thanks.

January BBQ

Your committee has decided not to hold a BBQ to start off 2024. Derek has sold his home and will shortly be moving slightly north to Summerset on the Landing. Congratulations Derek, we look forward to still seeing you at your club’s monthly tastings.

Your committee is interested in new ways that we might start our year’s events going forward and would welcome your suggestions on how we might do this.

We have already considered holding a spit roast but the cost implications to members wasn’t something we wanted to impose without first canvassing input in a wider forum like the AGM.

Cellar Master

With Derek’s home no longer available, the intention is to move the cellar to Wayne’s home which already has some of the cellar wines. A special thanks to Derek for having performed this task throughout the life of the Club.

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Tasting – Affordable Celebration Wines for Summer ‘Nov 23

A panel discussion with member input

Wednesday 8th November, 8 pm

Members $15 Guests $20

Detergent is the enemy of effervescence, so always rinse your sparkling glasses in warm water to remove any residue. Photo / Getty Images
Detergent is the enemy of effervescence, so always rinse your sparkling glasses in warm water to remove any residue. Photo / Getty Images

From weekend brunches to housewarming parties to casual happy hours at home, popping a bottle of bubbles generally promises a good time. This tasting has been put together with assistance from our friends at Eurovintage and presents many affordable wines from around the world that may well surprise you with their wide range of styles and tastes.

And if you then go out and seek one or more of these wines after the tasting, we will be well pleased. Wines to be tasted will include:

  • De Bortolli Family Selection Sparkling Brut NV – Australia – Our welcome wine
  • Graham Norton Prosecco D.O.C – Italy
  • Perelada Brut Reserva Spanish Cava NV – Spain
  • Pongracz Sparkling Brut – South Africa
  • Hunter MiruMiru Marlborough Method Traditionalle Brut – New Zealand
  • Aimery Grande Cuvee 1531 Cremant De Limouix Rose NV – France
  • The Black Chook Sparkling Shiraz NV – Australia
  • Pegasus Bay Encore Noble Riesling – New Zealand

The club will supply you with a flute to taste the wines, but bring your flutes or tasting glasses if you prefer.

As there are eight wines for the evening, members are encouraged to have a good meal before attending the evening.

There will be extra small food supplied for some of the above wines to enhance the experience and make the evening extra special.

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Committee musings – Oct 23

Hall setup

It was great to have everyone help with the tables and chairs at previous meetings and take them down at the end. Also, take the spittoons/water jugs/cracker plates back to the kitchen.

Could we please continue this new routine?

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 ahead

  • November – Bubbles Evening, tbc
  • December – Christmas Dinner, tbc
  • January – TBC

Tasting Glasses

This is a friendly reminder that all members are expected to bring their own tasting glasses to our meetings unless otherwise advised.

This said, your club does provide glasses on the night for guests, presenters and for a member who does forget [it does happen].

The Club does have glasses for sale at $18 for 6 if you would like to buy some. Please order from Wayne Kennedy. Or, you can purchase your own from the likes of Moore Wilson’s who stock ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶2̶1̶5̶m̶l̶ ̶X̶L̶  (out of stock) tasting glasses used by most of us. But the choice of glass and glass shape etc is yours.

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Clearview Tasting – Sept 23

The evening was well attended, and our presenter was Tim Turvey, winemaker, vineyard owner and the person who had returned tanned from Australia the day before after planting a pineapple plantation.

Tim regaled us with the history of how and why he set up the vineyard, built the house, established a native tree nursery and the expansions through to other regions of New Zealand for the different grapes he wanted to be able to use. He has 28 grape varieties they currently work with, plus a 100-year-old Olive tree that the original property owner, Vidals, planted.

He told us how the ‘White Caps’ range got its name, simply by white caps being the only colour available at the time for the new wines.

Our special treat was the extra tasting of their 2022 Reserve Chardonnay with a big buttery nose and taste from a challenging vintage, so it is in short supply.

The evening was finished with their Sea Red Dessert wine, a nice sweet touch.

A reminder of the wines we tasted during the evening:

  • 2021 Clearview Sparkling Blush arrival wine
  • 2023 Clearview Coastal Pinot Gris
  • 2022 Clearview White Caps Chardonnay
  • 2020 Clearview Reserve Semillon
  • 2021 Clearview Martinborough Pinot Noir
  • 2021 Clearview Cape Kidnappers Syrah
  • Clearview Sea Red Dessert Wine [500ml]

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Maison Vauron ‘Le Tour’ – Oct 23

French Wine Merchants, Established 1999
Dedicated to bringing the best of French wine and food to New Zealand

Presented by Scott Hurrell, Wednesday 11th October, 8 pm Start

Door Price: Members $18 / Guests $22

For our newer members, Maison Vauron is a French Wine Merchant company set up in Auckland in 1999 to bring the best of French wine and food to New Zealand. They have presented their wines to our club several times previously and we are very lucky to have them do so again.

Pierre Vauron’s original business card in 1918. ‘A la grappe dorée’ (‘The golden bunch’) was the name of the business then, established and based in the town of St Etienne (South West of Lyon) since 1879. The card mentions that Pierre was specialising in white wine from all regions and red wines from the Beaujolais.
Pierre Vauron’s original business card in 1918. ‘A la grappe dorée’ (‘The golden bunch’) was the name of the business then, established and based in the town of St Etienne (South West of Lyon) since 1879. The card mentions that Pierre was specialising in white wine from all regions and red wines from the Beaujolais.

The company resulted from a visit to NZ in 1991 by Jean-Christophe Poizat who wanted to learn more about NZ wines. Jean-Christophe is the great-great-grandson of Antoine Vauron who in 1879 set up a wine merchant business in Saint Etienne, 50kms southwest of Lyon, the city scheduled to host the All Blacks last 2 pool games in the 2023 RWC.

Six months after arriving JC [as he is often called] would meet his future wife and then some years later, his business partners, Peter & Scott. The importance of family is central to Maison Vauron’s operation, with siblings of JC and Peter involved in the business, as are the partners of JC and Scott.
Every year Maison Vauron likes to return to France to taste the wines and try the cheeses, meet their producers and most importantly, make new discoveries. This year, wine mentors, Jean-Christophe and Will are also attending the Rugby World Cup, hosted by France.

As a result of their absence, Scott [responsible for trade sales] has agreed to step up to the batting plate and will lead us through a tour of French vineyards that will reflect various grapes and wine styles.

Scott is well qualified to present these wines, as he previously trained for 11 years as a winemaker in the Bordeaux area of France.

The wines to be tasted are:

  • Monmousseau Brut “Etoile” NV (Loire Valley – Chenin Blanc, Ugni Blanc)
  • Chateau le Cedre Blandine le Blanc 2021 (Colombard – Ugni blanc)
  • Cave de Lugny Macon-Villages 2021 (Burgundy – Chardonnay)
  • Château Roubine Cotes de Provence Rosé 2022 (Provence – Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault)
  • Burgaud Beaujolais Villages 2022 (Beaujolais – Gamay)
  • Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf du Pape 2020 (Rhône Valley – Grenache, Syrah)
  • Château Baulac-Dodijos Sauternes 2020 (Bordeaux – Sémillon)

We look forward to seeing you Wednesday 11th.

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Committee Musings – Sept ’23

SGM

The SGM Resolutions were tabled at the committee meeting and will now be included in an updated rules document forwarded to the Incorporated Societies for registration.

Thanks to Richard for his expert knowledge to facilitate these much-needed changes to the Club’s Constitution.

Supporting the committee

It was great to have everyone help with the tables and chairs at previous meetings and take them down at the end. Also, take the spittoons/water jugs/cracker plates back to the kitchen. Could we please continue this new routine?

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 Ahead

  • October – Maison Vauron, Auckland
  • November – Bubbles Evening, tbc
  • December – Christmas Dinner, tbc

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Babich Tasting – Aug ’23

Antonia presented us with some of the Babich wines, mainly from Marlborough, where their new winery is situated. Their base is still in the Henerson Valley, where the Babich family first settled.

Antonia regaled us with the Babich family members’ comings to New Zealand at an unsettled time for the world and why they turned to making wine, with their increasing presence here and their increasing knowledge base. An interesting evening for everyone.

The different labels certainly made for an interesting evening.

A reminder of the wines we tasted during the evening:

  • Family Estates Marlborough Organic Rosé
  • 2022 Family Estates Organic Albarino
  • 2022 Family Estates Organic Chardonnay
  • 2022 Irongate Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay
  • 2021 Black Label Pinot Noir
  • 2021 Classics Hawkes Bay Syrah
  • 2017 Irongate Cabernet Merlot Franc

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