Head sommelier at Constance Le Prince Maurice, Jerome Carlier, suggests three of his favourite New Zealand wines to be enjoyed in the summer sunshine.
Escarpment Pinot Gris 2012, Escarpment Winery, New Zealand
Grown on the alluvial gravel soils of the Martinborough Terrace during a cool growing season for the district, a longer summer allowed fruit to ripen wonderfully.
The result was opulent fruit flavours combining beautifully with barrel fermentation to create a Burgundian-inspired Pinot Gris.
The flavours are reminiscent of ripe pears and white stone fruit with delightful soft texture ensuring a long commanding finish.
Its dry style has enhanced the fruit flavours Pinot Gris is renowned for. Partial malolactic fermentation and lees stirring has improved the texture allowing it to match most entrée dishes.
A great alternative to Chardonnay it has been inspired by the classical French approach to the variety. It is an accurate reflection of Martinborough’s unique terroir. Cellar for up to five years or more, successfully.
Pinot Noir Bannockburn 2012, Felton Road, New Zealand
Violets and roses, with a potpourri of spice box elements. A very textural rich palate of vibrant fruit without a hint of heaviness or excess. Intense concentration is coupled with a purity that enables every subtlety to sing through.
This being a combination of the three estate vineyards, the subtleties are manifold, each contributing to the complexity rather than being lost in the blend. The structure is confidently firm but not aggressive.
Summer Rosé 2011, Ata Rangi, New Zealand
This very pretty, beautifully balanced dry-style 2013 Summer Rosé is made largely from Merlot, with just a tickle of Pinot Noir and Syrah.
The fruit is crushed and left in the tank overnight before draining the juice from the skins and cool-fermenting in the tank.
A creamy strawberry/raspberry character and succulent watermelon notes run across the bright, crisp palate. In the background, faint hints of cranberry and a touch of aniseed add complexity and interest.
This versatile wine is a perfect drop for long summer afternoons on the veranda, or enjoying year-round with any lighter style, summery food.
Experience fine wine at Le Prince Maurice
Take a tour of our extensive wine cellar with capacity for 15,000 bottles followed by a wine tasting under the guidance of one of our highly trained sommeliers.
Read more
- Visit our website to find out more about Constance Le Prince Maurice or to make a booking
- Discover more about wine tasting at Constance Hotels & Resorts
- Find out more about pairing food with fine wine.
No Comments