Hi again everybody,

As you may or may not know, the Rugby World Cup final was just played between two great wine-producing countries, New Zealand and France.

Both of New Zealand's most successful grape varieties originally come from France, so I thought it appropriate to stage a World Cup Final Battle of the Wines between these nations. In the first half, we'll look at white wines, with reds taking us to the final whistle in the second half.

First up, Sauvignon Blanc. Until the now-world-famous Cloudy Bay and Montana vineyards in New Zealand were inspired to plant this grape, nobody came close to the wines produced in the Loire Valley in northwestern France. Since then, however, NZ Sauvignon Blanc has taken the world by storm, with a zesty, heady mix of crisp, refreshing acidity flavours of gooseberry, elderflower, passionfruit and asparagus. Both French and NZ varieties are usually only lightly aged in oak, or not at all, and are great with fresh seafood or on their own. In this match-up, I'd say France had the experience and, until the 1980s, all the form, but youthful exuberance and irresistible talent gives the first half to New Zealand in a close game, but with a growing lead.

The second half sees the French start by giving the ball to one of their real stars--Pinot Noir. Globally, the top Pinot Noir from France's Burgundy region has been, and still is, almost untouchable in its greatness. The fine tannins, firm acidity, depth of red fruit flavours, and difficulty which other world producers/regions have in achieving anything of note from this grape make wines from areas such as Richebourg and Gevrey-Chambertin outstanding if you've got some serious money to spend. Those with less in their bank accounts will still need to part with NT$900 or more for a good Pinot Noir from either NZ or France in Taiwan, but the game is more even in this range. NZ is definitely the big international mover in the Pinot Noir market, especially for wines from the Central Otago region and some from Marlborough. The NT$1,000-3,000 range probably sees an edge in quality to New Zealand in the Taiwanese market. So, New Zealand has been building nicely, but still can't touch the French stars in the Pinot Noir half.

So, first half goes to New Zealand and second half to France. A draw? We can't have that in a final. So hometown advantage is going to have to make a difference (after all, I am from NZ) and I say you can crown New Zealand champions in this game, based on better consistency and--in the mid-price range--far better value for money.

Happy drinking and if you want to get hold of any good Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir, drop me a line at:
kris@wineconnection.co.nz

Cheers!