 Welcome to my first wine column for Compass. I've been involved in the wine business for 20 years in my native New Zealand and the U.K. (where I also received a diploma from the prestigious London Wine and Spirits Education Trust [WSET]) and have more recently seen running a wine business here in Taiwan. I'll be covering some of the basics of what, when and how to drink, as well as giving you some top tips for combining wine with your travels, advice on buying and taking a closer look at some wines/wineries from around the world.
Preparing for the coming hot weather this month, let's take a look at a personal favourite for any time of the year, but an especially refreshing summer drink--Sauvignon Blanc.
Until the 1980s, the Loire Valley in France was the place for this fresh, zingy grape variety. Then wines from Marlborough at the top of the South Island in New Zealand began to appear on the international market. You may have heard of the famous brand Cloudy Bay, which has become renowned for its Sauvignon Blanc. However, these days Cloudy Bay is both difficult to get and quite expensive. Fortunately, there are endless choices of quality Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs in New Zealand and a few have made it to Taiwan. Of these, Spy Valley is one of the best available, offers some of the best value, and received New Zealand Producer of the Year in 2008 and 2010 from the world-recognized International Wine and Spirits Competition. |
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Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc exhibits classic Marlborough Sauvignon flavors, including passionfruit, lime and gooseberry, with hints of lemongrass, pineapple and asparagus. These fresh flavours go fantastically well with steamed fish (a Taiwanese favourite) or, for the more adventurous, a goat's cheese salad. The true key to enjoying this wine is to carefully swirl your glass and take a long, deep sniff before drinking it. I guarantee you'll never have smelled a wine so fresh and fragrant smelling.
This wine is absolutely at its best when drunk young and fresh. In Taichung, the 2010 Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc can be found at Hotel ONE matched with any seafood dishes, at auClair Restaurant with Goose Liver Parfait, or at Amici Bar and Restaurant matched with seafood pasta or risotto. Other Taichung locations for enjoying this wine include: 3A Teppanyaki, La Fete, The Londoner, and Orgasmo Cafe.
While back in New Zealand visiting some vineyards in February, I managed to taste some of Spy Valley's new vintage wines with winemakers Paul Bourgeois and Kathy Lee Bird. We all agreed Spy Valley 2010 Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir were outstanding. Enjoy your May, try some new wines and I'll be back next month for my recommended June wines.
Cheers, Kris Love
WINE CONNECTION NZ LTD -
TAIWAN BRANCH
186, WenXin Rd, Section 1, 13F-2, Nantun District
Tel: (04) 3501-9606 Fax: (04) 3501-9607
www.wineconnectionasia.com
E-mail: simon@wineconnection.co.nz
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May 2011
