New Zealand Wines.

More than just Sauvignon Blanc.

Jonathan Rogers from The Solent Wine Experience looks at this growing wine producing country.

The rise of New Zealand wines has been all to evident over the last few years. Known for its grassy, perfumed Sauvignon Blanc, producers concentrate on quality wines as opposed to half price, BOGOF deals. The average cost of a bottle of New Zealand wine here in the UK is £7.27 which is up 14% on last year and we import over 51,000 litres.  We are second only to Australia who import 53,000 lts and the US, 48,000 lts. The next highest is Canada importing 7,000 lts so its a huge gap between the top three and fourth place.

As a country we have fallen in love with Sauvignon Blanc. Its crisp, perfumed, grassy dryness has captured our hearts and every wine shop and supermarket you go to has an abundance of various types from various producers. It is the most widely planted grape variety in the country by far (22,000 hectares) with most of it coming from Marlborough on the north island. The highest producing region in the country, it accounts for over half of all wine produced.

But its not just Sauvignon Blanc that New Zealand can produce well. If you visit the independent wine merchants as opposed to the high street chains or supermarkets, you will find some classic little gems from other varieties and other regions, proving that spending a few pounds more is the difference between a good bottle of wine and   'drool over' , life changing bottle of wine.

Otiake Estate is one producer concentrating on these 'other' varieties. A small vineyard consisting of three separate blocks of vines making up 11.5 hectares only, it was established in 2008. It is already making a name for its self in New Zealand and Australia. Based in the Waitaki Valley in Otago on the South Island, it has similar soil and climate to the Alsace region in France and grows the likes of Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer, which are all the typical varieties grown in the Alsace.

Check these two and remember, there is a whole world of wine out there, it needs exploring.

Otiake Estate Gewürztraminer 2011/12 13.1% Alc £ 9.99 (offer price).

Classic perfumed characters, floral and rich with hints of lychee on the palate and a spicy finish. A beautiful wine it pairs perfectly with lightly spiced dishes.

Otiake Estate Riesling 2011 10.7% Alc £9.99 (offer price).

Earthy and perfumed characters with hints of apple. A lovely dry light palate with green fruit acidity and a hint of sweetness on the finish.

Available from The Solent Wine Experience 02392451848. www.thesolentwineexperience.co.uk

For more inspiration on other New Zealand wines visit Hennings in Chichester or The Vineking in Reigate. www thevineking.com . Source - nzwine.com