The flavor of cracked pepper in wine of South Island

Discover the of South Island wines revealing the of cracked pepper flavor during the olphactive analysis (nose) and during the gustative analysis (mouth).

More information on of South Island flavors

Central Otago, near the bottom of New Zealand's South Island, vies for the title of world's most southerly wine region. Vineyards cling to the sides of mountains and high above river gorges in this dramatic landscape. Pinot Noir has proven itself in this challenging Terroir, and takes up nearly three-quarters of the region's vineyard area. The typical Central Otago Pinot Noir is intense and deeply colored, with flavors of doris plum, Sweet spice and bramble.

Two Paddocks, owned by actor Sam Neill, had thought the Last Chance vineyard was the world's most southerly (at 45°15'). But several major Patagonian projects are underway at around 45 to 46°, and Argentina can currently claim the honor for Alejandro Bulgheroni's new vineyard at Sarmiento (45°60'). The viticultural zone covers the mountainous area around the tourist resort town of Queenstown on the eastern side of the Southern Alps. The exact boundaries and sub-regional divisions are not official, but a geographic indication is in the pipeline.

Wineries are scattered around several distinct sub-regions: Gibbston, Alexandra, Wanaka and the Cromwell Basin, itself home to Bendigo, Bannockburn and Lowburn. Lakes Dunstan, Wakatipu and Wanaka all contribute to the terroir as well, along with the Kawarau and Clutha Rivers. Gold brought the first settlers to the region in the 1860s, and most of the towns in this Part of Otago have a Rich gold-mining history. The first vines were planted during this time by a French migrant but, unlike in the Sierra Foothills region of California where the European settlers provided a steady demand for wines, the tough, transient Otago miners had no interest in drinking wine, preferring beer and spirits.

News on wine flavors

‘Exceptional’ Lafleur 2021 released en primeur

Château Lafleur 2021 was released in the Bordeaux en primeur campaign this morning (27 May) at the equivalent of £6,508 (12x75cl in bond), according to Liv-ex. This sought-after Pomerol label, produced from a vineyard of just 4.5 hectares, is often sold in smaller quantities and sometimes only on allocation. UK merchant Justerini & Brooks was offering three-bottle cases of Lafleur 2021 for £1,627 in bond at the time of writing. Decanter’s Georgie Hindle gave Lafleur 2021 97 points, naming it ...

Gigondas, Vacqueyras & Beaumes de Venise 2020: report and top-scoring wines

‘All good quality years have hydric stress,’ says Jacky Bernard, President of AOC Vacqueyras, ‘otherwise you don’t get the necessary concentration… But extreme stress is counterproductive.’ Scroll down for tasting notes and scores for the top-scoring Gigondas, Vacqueyras & Beaumes de Venise 2020 wines {"content":"PHA+VmFjcXVleXJhcywgcGVyaGFwcyB0aGFua3MgdG8gaXRzIHByb3BvcnRpb24gb2Ygb2xkIHZpbmVzICg0MiUgYXJlIG92ZXIgNDAgeWVhcnMgb2xkKSByb2RlIG91dCB0aGUgZHJvdW ...

Christmas 2021: Wine & Spirits Advent calendars

With the festive season upon us, the countdown to all things merry has begun. The daily surprise from behind each door on an Advent calendar is one the most exciting rituals in the build up to Christmas day. No longer the remit of chocolate and children only, spirits and wine Advent calendars are increasing in popularity and are now much-anticipated Christmas staples in their own right (for adults, that is!). Below, you will find our selection of the best wine and spirits Advent calendars. They ...