Drink Something Sexy

New Zealand Pinot Comes into its Own

by Amy Reiley

New Zealand is highly regarded for its racy Sauvignon Blancs. The  region is growing increasingly respected for other lean whites like Riesling, Pinot Gris and steely Chardonnay. And although the experts have been keeping an eye on the progress of New Zealand’s Pinot Noir production for at least the past 10 years, it was never a go-to part of the world for reds.

But now, with the world eye on bargains, not to mention the next big thing, the time of NZ Pinot may be upon us. So last month I sat down to try some of the nation’s latest releases and my tongue quickly confirmed that these days, the Sauvignon Blanc nation is making some very sexy reds. Best of all, these relative newcomers on the Pinot Noir scene offer good value and a sense of the exotic. Serve them at your next Holiday soiree and have yourself an aphrodisiac little Christmas.

Te Mania
2007Reserve Pinot Noir
Black as ink in the glass, this Nelson area Pinot offers powerful fruit aromas and flavors including black cherry and blackberry. It is a bargain at less than $30 per bottle.

Mt. Difficulty
2007 Pinot Noir
A wine worth buying for the name alone, Mt. Difficulty’s Pinot is grown in what some say is one of the most difficult growing regions in the world. The resulting wine is well-structured with fine tannins, blackberry and bramble flavors and a hint of caramel to round it out.

Huia
2007 Pinot Noir
Surprisingly earthy for a New Zealand wine, Huia’s  Pinot Noir is distinctive, well constructed and delightfully acidic.

Clos Henry
2006 Pinot Noir
Easily the sexiest wine of the bunch, this is the wine for a mid-winter seduction. Fairly light in body with restrained red fruits, a touch of sweat on the nose and leather on the palate give it just the right structure for a sensual night in.

Roaring Meg (by Mt. Difficulty
2007 Pinot Noir
Did I pick this wine for the name? Maybe… But with a price tag under 20, this roaring number could soothe the most savage of beasts with its velvety tannins, black cherry flavors and bitter caramel on the finish.