All About Wine

It has always amazed me that the best wines for warm weather dining come from cold climates and the wines that best suit cold winter nights and the suitable cuisine come largely from warm climates. February is generally our warmest month, at least the most steamy and the varieties I find most refreshing and suitable to the meals I select, or prepare in these summer days are Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling.
Sauvignon Blanc is currently one of the most popular wine styles. Five years ago airlines would offer you a Chardonnay or a Riesling, today you will be offered Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc blend. A recent hospitality survey found that Sauvignon Blanc and blends were generally the wines chosen. Exports from Australia and particularly New Zealand of Sauvignon Blanc are at an all time high and in London the biggest selling supermarket wines are Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, Chili, France or Australia.
New Zealand’s South Island produces the best Sauvignon Blanc. This is not just my opinion, NZ Sauvignon Blanc has been classified as an International Classic Wine Style. The largest Region for the style being “Marlborough” however Nelson, Canterbury, Wairau, Awatere, Hawkes Bay, Martinborough Waiheke Island and Wairarapa all produce good Sauvignon Blanc. After all, what do the Kiwi’s have with there Fish and Chips? Seriously speaking this combination is a real winner. The high acidity in Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the residual oiliness of the deep frying process and allows the delicate flavours of the fish to be enjoyed. It’s all about making the paper wrapped feast into classic cuisine. If you’re a fan of Sauvignon Blanc, February is the time in Brisbane to rejoice and consider all the options.
The Brisbane Sofitel Ballroom will be the venue for the Taste of New Zealand Wine Fair on Sunday 24th February. The New Zealand Road Show visits most Australian Capital Cities with 50 to 60 different NZ Wine Companies representing there wines www.nzwineevents.com. Check out the different styles of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and the rest of their cool climate wines.
One to try until then with your favourite fish or calamari is from Seifried Estate in Nelson, the sunniest wine region of the South Island. The Black Label 2007 or Old Coach Road 2007 Sauvignon Blanc wines are available from the Stewarts Wine Co, Ascot & Portside or Liquor King, Balmoral $20.00 and $15.00 approximately, delicious and truly characteristic of the variety. www.seifried.co.nz
Steamy occasions are a feature of February and one of these is Thursday 14th February, Valentines Day. You can send her roses but if you would really like to impress her select a delicious wine of superior quality from a relatively new cold climate region with someone you love such as Peter Logan’s “Hannah” Rosé (Gold Medal Winner 2007 BFWF).
Peter Logan is one of Australia’s romantic winemakers; his winery is in Mudgee while he sources fruit from Orange, Hilltops near Young, the Hunter and Mudgee. He selects fruit from Orange for his Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling and fruit from the warmer climate of Mudgee for the Cabernet Sauvignon.
Peter made his first Rosé, especially for his bride Hannah to drink on their Wedding Day. Rosé is her favourite and of all the wines it’s the one that reminds Peter most of Hannah, “It’s beautiful, delicate, cheeky and delicious!” www.loganwines.com.au. You’ll find this wine a refreshing start to any Valentines Day activity. Available from Stewarts Wine Co, Ascot & Portside.