First week back at work calls for a Foodie Friday, and what better way to celebrate than with wine that fits perfectly with our relaxed New Zealand summer. Wine writer Joelle Thomson and winemaker Pete Turner from The Hunting Lodge share some of their favourites from the range.
Joelle Thomson
wine writer
Pete Turner
The Hunting Lodge winemaker
The Hunting Lodge Albariño Marlborough 2020, $26.
The Hunting Lodge Albariño
Marlborough 2020 $26
Thomson: Albariño is New Zealand’s most promising newcomer to the national vineyard and it suits our maritime climate extremely well because it originates in north-west Spain where rainfall is high with humidity to match. The Hunting Lodge winemaker Pete Turner makes this Albariño with grapes grown in the Awatere Valley in Marlborough, where the cool climate accentuates the positive attributes of the Albariño grape, which has a refreshing apply tang and high acidity, which adds to the length of flavour in each sip.
Graze with: salty nibbles, and seafood; the fresher, the better.
Turner: Albariño is an aromatic white variety at home in Northern Spain and Portugal. It is one of New Zealand’s alternative white varieties gaining serious momentum. We liken it to a cross between Riesling and Viognier – think citrus fruits and zesty, limey acidity with a plush round mid-palate packed with apricot and white peach. It also has a salty, mineral character which defines the variety. Best served chilled between 10-14 degrees.
Graze with: Seared Nelson scallops with lemon-garlic butter or a traditional creamy, seafood chowder.
The Hunting Lodge Pinot Noir Rosé
Hawke’s Bay 2020 $22
Thomson:This tasty pale pink rosé is a blend a Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes which were grown in Hawke’s Bay where these later ripening grapes ripen best in this country. It’s a light-bodied, refreshing, dry pink wine, best enjoyed within the next two years.
Graze with: Smoked salmon and a salad of microgreens with pickles and hummus.
Turner: The colour reflects the year or vintage. 2020 was a hot, dry year which produced deep colour in reds from Hawkes Bay. We harvest and process our grapes for Rose based on aroma and flavour and let the colour be a reflection of the vintage. Best served between eight and 12 degrees.
Graze with: Goats cheese and thyme tarts or Parma ham, goats cheese and rocket.
The Hunting Lodge Pinot Noir Rosé Hawke’s Bay 2020, $22.