2022 Wairau River, “Black Label Reserve”, Albariño, Marlborough, New Zealand

£16.95

6 in stock

Description

Roving Sommelier is passionate about premium quality regional New Zealand wines. Award-winning sommelier and owner of Roving Sommelier Wines, Robert Giorgione is also a New Zealand Brand Ambassador and is very enthusiastic about the New Zealand vineyards that he represents. Robert is also very keen on Iberian varietals and this Kiwi Albariño fits nicely into his wine portfolio.

Owned by the Rose family and established in the early 1990s, Wairau River Wines have established a good international reputation for their honest Marlborough wines. The Rose family have been involved in grape growing since the 1970s and some of their oldest vines, date back to those early pioneering days. Located on the famous Rapaura Road, I fondly remember visiting Wairau River and their eponymous family-run restaurant and cellar door in May 2014, when I spent two and a half months travelling around New Zealand after my mum sadly passed away. For me, New Zealand has always been a special place and it was wonderful to spend some time visiting and re-visiting old friends, including spending two weeks in Marlborough. Much has changed over the years, especially in Marlborough, as well as other regions. But it’s always great when the old stalwarts of the New Zealand wine industry still carry on in their own way in pursuit of producing wines of great character.

The Rose family has been planting vines along the Wairau River since 1978, shaping wines from the beginning. Because they believe that exceptional wine and food should be an everyday experience, each vintage the winemakers select outstanding parcels of fruit for the Reserve Range, showcasing the unique style of each varietal. At present, Albariño is definitely on the up within New Zealand, which, for most wine lovers is very exciting. More and more winegrowers are cultivating this delicious, maritime influenced Iberian varietal, whose vibrant fruit flavours and elegant texture naturally pairs with mouth-watering seafood and fresh kaimoana. A complete no-brainer!!

Hand harvested in the cool of the early morning from The Angler vineyard on the banks of the Wairau River. Whole clusters were given a small amount of skin contact before being gently pressed. Only free run juice was used to retain fruit purity and finesse. Predominantly fermented in stainless steel.

Elegant citrus blossom aromatics combine seamlessly with notes of green apple and grapefruit. The palate is vibrant and well defined with polished mineral acidity. Best served chilled and in a convivial atmosphere.

Alcohol: 13.5% abv (75cl)

Closure: Screwcap

Grape variety: Albariño

Flavour Profile: Clean, Fresh, Bone-dry, Citrus, Floral, Elegant, Mouth-watering acidity. Perfect with all kinds of fish and seafood.