The quality of wine produced in New Zealand has wowed me more and more every year that I have worked with this part of the world. While the wines may be a little scarcer than they were, they have arguably never been better. All of which makes it the perfect time to branch out from sauvignon blanc and explore the other outstanding varieties which are produced here too.
The best examples of chardonnay and pinot noir rival some of the finest from anywhere else in the world, and at a fraction of the price. Syrah can be super, with a style seemingly inspired more by the wines of the northern Rhône than the bigger, punchier styles associated with the shiraz wines of Australia. And of course, the grape that needs no introduction, sauvignon blanc, continues to hold its own and create some of the world’s most generous and delicious white wines.
Many of our members’ favourite New Zealand producers have a long history of working with The Wine Society and the outstanding relationships that we have with them have meant we have been first in the queue in vintages where yields have been small. There are also a number of very exciting new producers that I have added to the range, the quality of whom has made for some delicious new discoveries!
Freddy Bulmer, Buyer for New Zealand
