Ritzling NV-Archer McRae

Sometimes I feel that the universe aligns just for me. Whilst I am still in visa purgatory in New Zealand, the Kiwi's have kindly provided me with some joyous bubbles and more importantly, sparkling Riesling a-plenty! So when I waltzed in to see Eddie at Pollux in Wellington he was excitedly waving the Ritzling at me.

The funky little bottle of happiness (their words) has a spankingly modern label and comes in a 250ml serving. A vinous offering of joy and sunny times comes from Chris Archer of Archer McRae over the hill in Martinborough.

At only 9% I was expecting a sweet treat but I wasn't sure if it would be the bottled happiness the label promised. Although luckily for me the stars were aligned and it turns out that just sometimes, happiness can be found in a bottle!

Ripe and fruity on the nose there are bags of flavours to be found, honey, lemon, summer meadow flowers, a certain grapeyness combined with white blossoms and papaya. On the palate the ripeness forms a more tropical approach with pineapple, mango and a little peachy stone fruit note coming through. Although there is an obvious residual sweetness the acidity is balanced and freshens up the palate to stop it being cloying and heavy. The bubbles are more of a cheerful spritz than a full on sparkle but it still shines.

This is a really pleasant, fresh and fruity sparkling Riesling which is a welcome addition to the sparkling world. The official launch of Ritzling isn't until the 28th of April which to me means two things should really happen.

Firstly, is it possible to convince the winery/PR people that high-tea or at the very least small but perfectly formed cakes should be passed around with the wine? Secondly, if you live in Wellington or the not too distant surrounding area one can enjoy a little demi-sec pick me up at your leisure before the rest of the world jump onto the Ritzling band wagon. Either way can only bring more happiness, no?

No bubbles shocker part 2: Martinborough Vineyards

One of the things I particularly enjoy about working in the wine industry is that it is relatively easy to ask people you admire for advice or guidance. If you were a struggling musician the opportunity to ask David Bowie about custom made guitars or managing your identity in a cut throat industry would be nigh on non-existent. Although still would be wise to pick your questions wisely, I'm impressed by Tim Atkins pictures from his recent California vineyards trip but if I was to ask him for advice on how to improve my own pictures then he probably would tell me to start using a camera and stop using my phone....

Luckily for me after a morning with Helen at Ata Rangi I had the opportunity to have a flying visit with Paul at Martinborough Vineyards. In the UK I was lucky enough to sell the MV Pinot Noir and the Te Tera at Majestic Wine Warehouses but it is only when I found my way to New Zealand that I've tried some of their other varietals. I have always enjoyed the Te Tera as it is designed for younger drinking with it's bright, fresh, crisp fruit but it will also reward your patience if you tuck it away somewhere for a few years with some savoury, gamey complexity.

 

Like Helen, Paul was in the midst of pre-harvest prep and shared with me some more similarities in their wine making styles. He too takes a minimal intervention approach with the wines being left to ferment naturally and additions being used only when necessary. I asked him about 'natural' wine making where the wines really are left to make themselves and he seemed pretty keen to find out more about the whole shenanigans before sitting back and letting them sort themselves out in a truly hands-off approach!

As time was short I didn't do a full tasting as The Matterhorn has kept me in MV Sauvignon Blanc since I arrived in Wellington and Majestic kept the Pinot flowing so I snuck in a little Chardonnay as it's a real over looked gem. Everybody gets very excited about the Sauvignon and the Pinot but there are some absolute beauties in the kiwi chardonnay stable.

The MV Chardonnay kept the dream alive...crisp, fresh acidity balanced out with a hint of toastiness and a mix of fresh apples and stone fruits. An elegant and well structured wine it is drinking beautifully now but will continue to mature over the next few years. 

Sadly that was it for this visit to Martinborough Vineyards but next time I look forward to some more excellent chardonnay and possibly a play of the dinosaurs...