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DATE: 30 April 2024

TITLE: IT’S INTERNATIONAL SAUVIGNON BLANC DAY!

Sauvignon-Blanc-day-banner

Today is one of our favourite days of the calendar year – it’s International Sauvignon Blanc Day! As a dedicated supplier of New Zealand wines, it’s no wonder why today is important to us, after all, Sauvignon Blanc is the flagship varietal of New Zealand.

With that in mind, there’s no better time to share with you a selection of our favourite Sauvignon Blancs:

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2019 - £12.99

Powerful and juicy, this Sauvignon Blanc from Villa Maria’s Marlborough vineyards is bursting with aromas of passionfruit, melon and wild nettle. Although citrusy, it contains notes of sweetness, perfectly softening its acidity.

Vidal Sauvignon Blanc 2019 - £13.99

Another of Marlborough’s finest, you can enjoy a generous taste of tropical fruit flavours with Vidal’s Sauvignon Blanc. Distinctive and vibrant, this wine expresses classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc characteristics whilst offering grassy notes and a crisp finish.

Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc 2018 - £14.99

Made from fruit that was harvested in cool evening conditions and pressed immediately with minimal skin contact, Whitehaven’s Sauvignon Blanc evokes aromas of blackcurrant leaf, nettle and jalapeno. In addition, tropical notes of grapefruit, guava and passionate fruit add perfectly to this medium bodied wine that’s bursting with fragrant fruit flavours.

Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2019 - £18.99

Offering a salsa-like fusion of summer fruits and Asian spices, this distinctive Sauvignon Blanc from Greywacke features an epic combination of many flavours. Nectarines, peaches, melon, grapefruit and passionfruit intermingle with ginger, lemongrass, jasmine flowers and cassis to result in a ripe and zesty white that finishes crisp and dry.

Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2018 - £18.99

Made from handpicked fruit from eight of Dog Point’s Marlborough vineyards, this perfumed Sauvignon Blanc features a combination of freshly squeezed citrus and dried herbs. Both juicy and fresh, this white wine is simple, classy and easy to drink.

Saint Clair Pioneer Block 3 43 Degrees Sauvignon Blanc 2018 - £18.99

Grown in Marlborough’s lower Wairau region, Saint Clair’s Sauvignon Blanc offers a complex combination of aromas including blackcurrant, crushed herbs, mineral and wet stone. With a pleasant nose of fresh citrus fruits and grapefruit, this white wine is fresh, floral and zesty.

If you’re new to the wines of New Zealand, then we highly recommend you begin by trying some of their Sauvignon Blancs. You can find our selection of over 50 wines to choose from here.

DATE: 06 April 2024

RECOMMENDED WINES TO ENJOY THIS EASTER

Branch of Grapes

Easter is less than a week away and, whilst this year’s celebrations may not be as extravagant as usual, the wines you enjoy with your Easter dinner certainly should be. 

Choosing your Easter wine list should be entirely dependant on the foods you’ll be enjoying. Whether it’s lamb, beef, chicken, fish or anything for that matter, our large selection of New Zealand wines means we have the ideal bottle to complement your chosen Easter dish.

 Here’s our 2020 recommendations: 

Villa Maria Private Bin Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon - £13.49 

A wine fit to pair with a variety of dishes, Villa Maria’s Private Bin Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon is ideal for those opting to enjoy an Easter buffet as opposed to a traditional Easter meal. Versatile and fresh, this bold red features notes of raspberry, perfectly combined with hints of herbs and spices. 

Left Field Malbec 2017 - £15.49 

If your Easter menu features beef or a particularly spicy dish, then Left Field’s Malbec should be your wine of choice. With deep burgundy hues, this full bodied, smooth wine offers a sensation of dark flavours such as blackberry, liquorice and a mass of dark chocolate. 

Tinpot Hut Pinot Noir - £16.99 

Pairing well with gamey meats, veal or lamb, Tinpot Hut’s Pinot Noir is a fruity red, featuring subtle spices on the nose. Light and easy to drink with a smooth, silky finish, this wine is ideal to enjoy alongside a more traditional Easter dinner. 

Akarua Sparkling Rose Brut - £20.99 

This blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay is the perfect accompaniment for fish-based dishes or fruity desserts. A vibrant wine displaying hints of strawberry aromas as well as complex nutty notes, this bottle has a strong Pinot Noir influence, finishing long and savoury.

 No matter what’s on your menu this Easter, our extensive collection of New Zealand wines has something suitable for each and every dish. Browse our selection online or call us on 01604 695819. Our wine professionals would be more than happy to help!

 

DATE: 30 March 2024
This Week’s Recommended Wines

The New Zealand House of Wine - Our recommendations

This week, we’re bringing you four wines that we know you’ll love. Whether you’re a red wine lover or prefer a lighter glass of white, we recommend these wines for a reason!

Pencarrow Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2018 - £13.99

Delivering ripe, intense flavours, this light and fruity Sauvignon Blanc benefits from the maritime climate of Martinborough. With fresh, tropical aromas on the nose, this crisp white pairs perfectly with all types of seafood. Paella, anyone?

Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2018 - £18.99

Another for the white wine drinkers, Dog Point’s 2018 Sauvignon Blanc is a vibrant white, with notes of freshly-squeezed citrus and dried herbs. Whilst this wine choice also pairs well with simple seafood dishes, we recommend enjoying it alongside recipes featuring a hefty amount of goat’s cheese.

Esk Valley Pinot Noir 2018 - £14.99

Featured in this week’s recommended reds, is Esk Valley’s 2018 Pinot Noir. Elegant and complex, this wine features flavours of deep red fruits, plums and cherries. A rather powerful red, which drinks well alongside roasted or slow-cooked lamb dishes.

Kim Crawford Pinot Noir 2017 - £17.99

From the cool climate of vineyards located on the South Island, this Pinot Noir from Kim Crawford boasts aromas of strawberry and cherry, complemented by hints of toasted spice. Drinking perfectly alongside a mushroom risotto, this is the ideal choice for a cosy night in.

The above wines are all part of our mix six offer, meaning you can enjoy reduced prices on these bottles when buying six or more! You can mix and match too!

We are proud to offer the UK’s largest selection of New Zealand wines, so discover more great wines by browsing our website.

DATE: 09 March 2024

Classic Wines of New Zealand by Michael Cooper

Dog Point Winery

"What is a New Zealand wine classic? It is a wine that in quality terms consistently ranks in the very forefront of its class." - Michael Cooper.


Michael Cooper is New Zealand’s most acclaimed wine writer, having written over 40 books and receiving several major literary awards throughout his career so far.

With his accolades and unparalleled knowledge of the New Zealand wine market, there’s no one better to turn to when looking for inspiration and ideas about which New Zealand wines are best to buy and try. That’s why today’s blog focuses on the wines that have made their way onto Michael’s list of favourite New Zealand classics, and don’t worry – there’s a bottle to suit every budget!

 

Classed as ‘Super Classics’, the following Sauvignon Blanc’s have both achieved brilliance in at least five vintages, taking them straight to the top of Michael’s list.

Dog Point Section 94 Sauvignon Blanc 2016 - £28.99

The first comes from the Dog Point Vineyard and is sourced from the Wairau Valley, a sub-region of well-renowned Marlborough. Containing fruit aromas of citrus and white peach, this white wine has a chalky minerality and fresh herbal influence, all complemented by a slightly funky reductive edge.

Cloudy Bay Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc 2015 - £38.99   

Another Sauvignon Blanc created in the sub regions of Marlborough, this unique and sophisticated white wine boasts aromas of lemon thyme, mandarin blossom and stonefruit combined with ginger spice. Famed for its persistent flavour and intensity.

Next up, Michael presents his ‘Classics’, referring to wines that have achieved an outstanding level of quality for at least three vintages.

Felton Road Block 2 Chardonnay 2017 - £38.99

For those who prefer a glass of Chardonnay, Felton Road’s 2017 vintage offers a bright nose of white peach and alluring crisp tropical fruit. Simple and classic, this wine is refined and poised with serious precision.

Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels The Gimblett 2015 - £21.99

A unique blend of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, 2% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot, this wine provides a superb clarity of flavours. The Cabernet gives structure and fresh aromatics, while Merlot provides richness. In addition, the Petit Verdot adds complexity and density.

Akarua RUA Pinot Noir 2018 – £17.99

With ripe red berries and subtle savoury characters, balanced by acidity, this Pinot Noir is sourced in Central Otago, which is known for its juicy red berry fruits and uninhibited heavy oak influence.

Villa Maria Reserve Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2018 - £15.99

Harvested in the cool of night to retain maximum aromatic complexity, this wine is blended from premium vineyards in the warm Wairau Valley. Fresh and zesty, this Sauvignon Blanc is textured on the palate.

All of these wines and many more of Michael Cooper’s recommendations are available to purchase now from New Zealand House of Wine, with most available at reduced ‘mix six’ prices when buying six bottles or more! Don’t miss out on these great savings!

DATE: 02 March 2024

FOUR MUST HAVE NEW ZEALAND WINES

four must have

If you’re a lover of New Zealand wines, then there’s a number of different bottles you need to try. From deep reds to fruity whites, New Zealand’s producers offer some of the most popular New World wines. If you’re unsure of where to start, check out this list of some of our favourites.

Villa Maria Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc, 2018 – List Price £13.99

Our first pick comes from none other than the award-winning Villa Maria. Last week’s blog focused on their new documentary Vintage, which is now available to view on Amazon Prime. Centering around the Marlborough region and documenting the hard work and tireless hours that goes into making their wine taste as good as it does, it goes without saying that a bottle of their finest is among our top choices.

Benefiting from the cooling influence of Clifford’s Bay, Villa Maria’s Sauvignon Blanc is vibrant and fruity. Displaying powerful aromas of blackcurrants, wild nettles, snow peas and fresh grapefruit, this wine is a flavour explosion with a refreshing mineral, flinty finish.

Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc, 2019 – List Price £18.99

Another Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region, Greywacke has created a truly unique, salsa-like tasting wine containing a blend of summer fruit and fragrant Asian spices. Finishing crisp and dry, this wine provides a zesty, citrussy flavour that pairs perfectly with light fish dishes such as smoked salmon or caviar canapés.

Akarua RUA Pinot Noir, 2018 – List Price £19.99

Sourced from the Akarua vineyard in Central Otago, which is dominated by mountain ranges, this Pinot Noir offers a core of juicy red berry fruit. With lifted floral aromas and a touch of dried herbs, this complex wine pairs perfectly with a well-seasoned joint of succulent meat such as lamb or pork.

Mt Difficulty Roaring Meg Pinot Noir, 2018 – List Price £22.99

Another for Pinot Noir lovers, this wine from the Crowell Basin vineyards is a classic example from Central Otago. A combination of red and black berry fruits with further complexity gained from oak spice, this is a highly popular wine that showcases the impressive development of New Zealand wines.

So, there you have it! The start of a (very) long list of our favourite New Zealand wines, all of which are available at reduced prices when you buy six bottles or more from New Zealand House of Wine.

Shop our collection of over 260 bottles and discover your love for the New World here!

DATE: 25 February 2024

A NIGHT WITH VILLA MARIA

v2
Villa Maria
Last week, we were invited to the UK premiere of New Zealand’s Most Awarded Winery’s new documentary, Vintage by Villa Maria.
Filmed during the 2019 harvest season at Villa Maria’s Marlborough estate, Vintage follows the all-consuming journey of Stuart Dudley, Villa Maria’s Marlborough Viticulturist, as he and his team embark on their busiest time of the year. 
Typically, harvest falls between February and April and lasts around eight weeks. During this time, work for Stuart and his team more than doubles, with all team members having to endure gruelling 12 hours shifts on vineyards that need 24/7 attention.
 

 
Last week, we were invited to the UK premiere of New Zealand’s Most Awarded Winery’s new documentary, Vintage by Villa Maria.
Filmed during the 2019 harvest season at Villa Maria’s Marlborough estate, Vintage follows the all-consuming journey of Stuart Dudley, Villa Maria’s Marlborough Viticulturist, as he and his team embark on their busiest time of the year. 
Typically, harvest falls between February and April and lasts around eight weeks. During this time, work for Stuart and his team more than doubles, with all team members having to endure gruelling 12 hours shifts on vineyards that need 24/7 attention.
 
Villa Maria


“Vintage is a tremendous watch. What you as a viewer get is a really absorbing, informative,
at times emotionally charged view of the universal magic of a wine vintage.”

- Oz Clarke OBE

From alarms that sound in the early hours of the morning to inform the team that the grapes are at the optimum temperature for picking, to tireless hours spent walking up and down rows to check for pests and infected grapes. Villa Maria’s team of highly passionate professionals need to ensure every bottle of Villa Maria wine is up to scratch, which is why their hard work is so fundamental each and every year.

Exporting to over 60 countries, there’s a huge amount of pressure on the Villa Maria teams to ensure harvest runs as smoothly as possible. With external factors such as the weather having extreme effects on the taste of wine, it’s crucial that the team are on hand to do everything they can to ensure the best wine can be produced.

Commenting on the filming of the documentary, Stuart Dudley said: “We were really lucky that 2019 was a good vintage weather-wise. We were more tolerant of having some people follow us around.”

He also expressed how he thought the documentary will help portray the New Zealand wine industry “in a really good light”, adding that “It’s about really passionate people and an awful lot of work”.

Vintage by Villa Maria will be available to view on Amazon Prime from Thursday 27th February.

As one of Villa Maria’s UK stockists, we are proud to offer a range of Villa Maria wines, which are available to purchase online here. Our range includes a number of bottles that are created in the Marlborough region by Stuart and his team.