HOW MANY DUDES YOU KNOW GROW LIKE THIS?
Magical things are happening in North Canterbury. Our current tasting ‘flight’ of local wines looks at some different varietals that are beginning to flourish here, far from their indigenous homes on the other side of the world.
Albariño traditionally comes from Spain’s northwest coast where it grows on tall trellises cooled by the Atlantic breeze. Terrace Edge has succeeded in establishing the high acid varietal by the Waipara River, showing off bright citrus, stone fruit and fresh, salty minerality.
Muddy Water grows a preciously small amount of St. Laurent, a very mysterious dark-skinned, aromatic red grape widely grown in the Czech Republic. Fermented on skins for one month, it is then blended with Riesling and Gewürztraminer to produce a textural, aromatic and savoury amber drop.
Black Estate has grown its ever so pretty, blackcurrant, and forest fruity Cabernet Franc for a while now. Every vintage expresses the perfume and purity of the fruit while telling a story of the seasons.
Nestled in a natural amphitheatre of river terraces, The Boneline cultivates Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot for its Iridium blend. Challenging varieties to ripen, the fruit bakes in the sun all summer long and speaks for itself when it comes to the blending, with a different make-up every vintage.