New Zealand Pinot Noir is still enjoying ‘honeymoon status’ in the UK. Only a few years ago it was easy to find NZ Sauvignon Blanc on any wine list but now Pinot Noir has equal billing if not more placements.
Martinborough and Central Otago have led the charge in promoting the variety. The fresh exuberant fruit of Central Otago or the more structured complex wines from Martinborough seem to sit happily side by side on wine lists or retail shelves. Both styles are well received and offer a great choice depending on the food or personal preference.
After a good look at retail stores the wines are expensive compared with the same labels in NZ. Restaurants also work on higher markups than NZ so our Pinot Noirs are again expensive resulting in increased ‘off license’ sales direct to the buyer. The current exchange rate is helping but this is sure to swing back to the pre-crash highs. Answer is to enjoy these wonderful wines in NZ as much as possible.
No trip to this part of the world is complete without visiting a few great London restaurants. We have been lucky enough to have our wines listed at Zuma undoubtedly the best Japanese restaurant outside Japan. A Saturday afternoon was successfully enjoyed at Terroirs Wine Bar which is a must visit for any wine enthusiast. No New World wines here but a very strong organic/biodynamic influence alongside great food. The afternoon was completed watching Ireland beat England in the six nations at a close by pub!
A few days in Edinburgh and Belfast completed the trip allowing Larry to meet our newly appointed distributors in those regions.