Thinking about jumping the Sauvignon ship?

Here are 3 New Zealand wines that are quietly making waves - ready for you to discover. Well, It is Waitangi day after all...

In the 1990s, there was just one grape, and that was Chardonnay.

Of course that isn’t true, but according to the millions of new, upwardly mobile, Bridget Jones-reading wine drinkers, it was the lifestyle choice.

Tastes inevitably change, and within a few years the bubble had burst. Chardonnay was frowned upon, detested by those who once craved its rich, peach, pineapple and vanilla flavours. Chardonnay was forced to walk the plank.

It wasn’t long before our new favourite wine began to surface. This one had an equally distinctive style, but one with a bold, grassy character and crisp, mouthwatering acidity.

And so the Sauvignon Blanc ship set sail - only recently challenged by the oceans of Pinot Grigio lapping at the shores.

But is there really a need to jump the Sauvignon ship, especially when the quality is this good?

It’s tempting to stick to a drink you love: You know what you’re getting, and this brings comfort and reassurance. But if you do fancy a change, why not use Sauvignon Blanc as the spring board to broaden your wine horizons? New Zealand has made its name producing great value, fresh Sauvignon, but there is a world of delicious white wines out there, just waiting to be discovered.

Yealands makes amazing Sauvignon Blanc - fact. But they are also renowned for producing other aromatic varieties that will have you wishing you’d tried them earlier. If you fancy something that is a nice halfway house between Sauvignon and Pinot Grigio, then why not opt for Gruner Veltliner? It has the crispness of Sauvignon without the overt gooseberry aromas, introducing a pear-like roundness to the palate, along with hints of dill.
This native Austrian grape has found a home here in New Zealand, especially in Awatere Valley, part of the world famous Marlborough region. Yealands Estate Gruner Veltliner 2013 has great purity of fruit, with orange and lime citrus and a hint of peach.

Another unfashionable grape is our dear friend, Riesling. Yealands make a crisp, refreshing version with hints of green apple and lime citrus, balanced by a touch of ripe melon. The Yealands Estate Riesling 2011 won a silver medal at last year’s Decanter World Wine Awards, so give it a try if you’re searching for the perfect accompaniment for Thai-spiced dishes or seafood.

Rather than sink without a trace, Chardonnay is back with its head well above water – this time made in a far more modern style that walks the line between hints of golden richness and a crisp, appley minerality. The wines are no longer one dimensional oaky beasts – there are layers of complexity here, but, above all, heaps of enjoyment.

Try Carrick Chardonnay 2012 – made in New Zealand’s Pinot Noir country, Central Otago. This wine has hints of oak, but good quality French oak, and that’s what makes all the difference. The oak plays a supporting role against the star performer; the thirst-quenching cool climate New Zealand fruit.

Have a happy Waitangi day!

By Chris Penwarden