October meeting: JK14 Italian Evening
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- Presenter: Luca Kirwin
- Date: Wednesday 14 October, 8pm
- Door Price: Members $12 / Guests $16
John Kirwan shares his long-standing love affair with Treviso, describing it as “a compact sampler of all that is the best of Italy” .
The Kirwan family’s Italian–Kiwi heritage shapes their passion for sharing authentic Italian wines and food culture.
Wines to be tasted:
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- The welcome wine is a surprise for the evening
- Ombra de Vin Prosecco
- Nonna Silvana Pinot Grigio
- Zin Fiano
- Chianti Biskero
- Montepulciano
- Malanotte
- The Grappa and Liquirizia to finish off the evening with
Looking Back – Del Mundo Argentinian evening
Lucas Monge spoke to a well-attended night featuring wines from volcanic soils at the foot of the Andes.
These wines are typically made for cellaring but enjoyable now, and Lucas reminded us, “being Argentina, every wine is made to be eaten with a meat” .
Highlights from the tasting:
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- Senta – Italian semi‑sparkling welcome wine
- 2025 San Felipe Malbec Rosé – fruity, blush colour, French oak influence
- San Felipe Chardonnay Barrel Select – 100% malolactic, fresh fruit + oak
- 2023 Rutini Chardonnay – pineapple backbone, 9 months French oak
- 2024 Trumpeter Malbec – blackberries, cinnamon, cardamom
- 2023 Rutini Cabernet–Malbec – dry, structured, blackberry notes
- 2023 Rutini Malbec – deep violet, rich, 12 months French oak
Looking Ahead
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- November: Beach House – Hawke’s Bay
- December: Christmas Dinner at The Thistle, Thorndon Quay
- January: Club High Tea – members bring a savoury or sweet plate; wine sharing encouraged
Committee Musings
A warm thank‑you to all members who help with setup and pack‑down each month — tables, chairs, spittoons, water jugs, cracker plates, and kitchen returns.
Wine & Beverage Industry News
NZ Alcohol consumption at record lows
Stats NZ reports consumption has dropped to 5.98 litres of pure alcohol per capita, the lowest since records began. Growth in zero‑alcohol and low‑carb beers (e.g., Speight’s Summit Ultra) is reshaping the market. Economic pressures and changing social habits are key drivers.
Sileni winery to cose Hawke’s Bay operations
After nearly 30 years, Sileni will cease winemaking in Hawke’s Bay at the end of 2026. Production will shift to Marlborough and Tasman. The closure reflects global challenges: oversupply, reduced demand, and rising costs. Jobs will be affected, though numbers are not confirmed.
China’s Yunnan coffee rising
China’s Yunnan province is emerging as a respected Arabica producer. Filter coffee culture is growing, influenced by China’s tea traditions. Yunnan beans are described as sweet, complex, and well‑suited to milk beverages — potentially appealing to NZ’s flat‑white lovers.
NZ wine industry woes
A recent Sunday newspaper headline warns of “Blood on the Floor” as grape growers respond to wine oversupply by removing vines or diversifying crops — signalling a turbulent period for NZ’s wine industry.
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March Event: Penfolds Tasting
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