SUNDAY SEDIMENT | ISSUE 85 by Glengarry Wines

Glengarry's Sunday ramblings of all things vinous, grain and glorious. The Sunday Sediment. Issue Eighty-Five Sarah, Welcome to the Eighty-Fifth edition of The Sunday Sediment, a collection of what’s new, what’s on and what’s happening instore at Glengarry and within the world of wine. Sip away.

WINELETTER #249 MARCH 2019 - SOUTH AMERICA

As the New World charges ever onward into the world of winemaking, Chile and Argentina increasingly position themselves as significant powerhouses with much to offer. In Chile, expertise and skill are at an all-time high, with the newly developed regions and varieties and a new generation of winemakers making a difference. Thanks to the enterprise of outfits like Montes and ErrĂĄzuriz, the message of diversity and quality has spread around the world, with Chile now recognised as a mecca

Just over the Andes is Argentina and the story

for fine wine. The great-value, entry-level wines

is similar, although not quite the same.

are there of course, but so is the top-end, with

Financially, Argentina is less prosperous, with

quality abounding through the various price

local producers struggling, the government not

points.

particularly pro a strong wine industry and the emerging generation turning to craft beer. Malbec is still king here, the big talking point being where itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grown and how itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s made. Mendoza sits at a pretty high altitude anyway, a desert at the foothills of the Andes. The varietal diversity story continues here, with the grape variety to watch being Cabernet Franc. Here too, fine wines have made a name for themselves and demand attention. Read More..

PISCO

Over time, the spirit started to make a name for itself in its own right. From passing, through necessity, into and out of the port of Pisco, it found itself a name. Chilean distilleries are grouped into two categories, based on aromatic expressiveness: types utilising the Muscat grape are very fragrant, while those using Pedro JimĂŠnez, Moscatel de Asturia and Torontel are more subtle. Originally developed by 16th-century Spanish

settlers, pisco is South America's answer to France's eau-de-vie or Italy's grappa. With wine difficult to transport over long distances, winemakers started distilling part of their fermented product into high-proof spirit, which was a far more stable passenger.

TE MATA

Established in the early 1890s, Te Mata is arguably our oldest winery, and like Villa Maria and Babich, it is proudly family owned. In was in 1892 that Cabernet, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were first planted at the foothills of Te Mata Peak. The team behind Te Mata have vast experience to draw on and exceptional winemaking skills. This combines with Nicholas Buck’s drive and dedication to the expansion of a proud legacy. The remarkable consistency that Te Mata have achieved is attributable to their control over every aspect of winemaking and commitment to producing wine at the highest level. Says Nicholas Buck: ‘All grapes are harvested exclusively from estate vineyards; we don’t source fruit from any other region and our wines are made, matured and bottled on-premise.’ Read More..

OUR NEW WORLD OF SPIRITS

Wine is Glengarryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s core business; it is who we are, and who we have been for more than 70 years now. However, standing still is not what we do, and so there is a new string to our bow, sitting alongside our wine retailing brand:

You can immerse yourself in the world of premium spirits within a specially-crafted space catering solely to the genre, where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll encounter the finest exemplars of each spirit category. The products on offer include unique items and rare bottlings. Glengarry Spirits is a stand-alone store, an independent and singular exponent of the finest spirits the world has to offer, located on the Jervois Rd site where the Glengarry story 5

began back in 1945. Under the Glengarry Spirits banner, we operate as a Premium Spirit Specialist, providing a shopping experience quite unlike any other currently found in New Zealand.

As well as functioning as a space to showcase the world of spirits, the Glengarry Spirits store can conduct spirit-related tastings and events, with private functions from seminars to celebrations available to be booked. An exciting array of tastings and events awaits. Read More..

ACHAVAL-FERRER TASTING

For many serious wine lovers, the top Malbec

In the winery there are no additions or

in the world is made by Achaval-Ferrer.

interventions, these are extremely pure wines.

Situated in the best hilltop vineyards of

Despite having achieved some high scores

Mendoza, they are very much the first family of

from Parker, these are a much more elegant

Argentinean wine. The winery itself is not that

and refined style of Malbec than you might

old, being established only in 1998. Their vines

have tried previously, a bridge between the old

however are pre-phylloxera, with an average

world and the new world. Not surprising

age of 107 years! These have very high

considering the French ownership, and their

density planting with naturally very low yields,

original winemaker being Italian. The style of

enhanced by Achaval’s dedication to quality.

Achaval-Ferrer is always a balance of ripeness

We were very lucky to have their Director Julio

and natural acidity for freshness. Julio

Lasmartres here in New Zealand to present

described how they usually picked 2 full weeks

these to us. As he puts it, “the status of icon is

before most of their neighbours, retaining the

‘not something that you can name by your own

acidity and elegance is of primary importance

judgement, but a recognition which can only be

for them. So much so, that some older folk in

given to you by customers, trade and press”.

Argentina claim that the wines are unripe.. We wish would could have such unripeness in New Zealand!

At the time of their founding, Argentinian wine was mostly bulk or fairly standard dark rich jammy fruit with low acidity and high alcohols.

We tasted through the whole range, starting

Achaval;-Ferrer changed all that with their

with their varietal expressions, the Mendoza

debut wine, the 1999 Finca Altamira. It was the

line. Achaval-Ferrer Malbec 2017, Cabernet

first Latin-American wine to ever achieve 5

Sauvignon 2016, and Cabernet Franc 2016.

stars from Decanter magazine. It remains their

These are incredible value at around $30 and

flagship, the 2010 having won the world’s best

the perfect introduction to their style. We then

Malbec from Wine & Spirits magazine, and the

moved on to the Quimera 2014, a stunning

2009 being one of only two Argentinian wines

Argentinian Bordeaux blend made from the

to ever receive 99 Points from Robert Parker.

three prior varieties with the addition of Merlot and a touch of Petit Verdot. The exact make up

Finca means a single vineyard, and these are

changes each year, but it is always set around

still irrigated the traditional way, by flooding the

a core of 50% Malbec. We finished with their

entire vineyard through water channels when

three legendary single vineyard Malbecs,

necessary. This also helps protect the

where it takes 3 vines to produce just one

ungrafted vines from Phylloxera. All the

bottle. Finca Mirador 2013 is the darkest and

vineyards are very high, from Finca Mirador at

most tannic of the three, planted in 1921 on

700m, up to Altamira at 1100m. The 12ha

heavier soils lower down the slopes, this would

planted in 1925 sits on a 30cm layer of

be perfect with a seared steak. Finca Bella

Volcanic ash limestone. Beneath that is eroded

Vista 2013 is incredibly elegant and the most

rock, rich with volcanic sediment from the

feminine of the three. At 980m elevation it is

Tupungato Valcano.

also their oldest vineyard, now 109 years since it was established with close planted at 6000 plants per hectare. This is so beautiful it is very reminiscent of a fine central Otago Pinot Noir in the mouth. Finca Altamira 2014 combines the best elements of both the previous wines, it has the power and the elegance in perfect combination. These are absolute must try wines. Read More..

A TASTE OF SPAIN

The Peralada castle in north-eastern Spain has been involved in the creation of wine since Carmelite monks occupied it in the 14th century. With the Perelada company founded by Don Miguel Mateu in the 1920s and the local viticultural activities revitalised, it is today one of Spain’s most significant producers, the wines a scintillating blend of centuries of knowledge and cutting-edge modernism, the famous cavas numbering among their dedicated fans Salvador Dali and the Spanish royalty. Read More..

TASTINGS AND EVENTS

WESTMERE WINE CLUB | ZEPHYR WITH BEN GLOVER Zephyr’s name comes from the characteristics of the prevailing winds which is part of the Marlborough region’s unique ripening reason. Owen and Wendy Glover, the pair behind Zephyr Wines, converted their farm in Dillons Point into a vineyard in 1985. They initially planted Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, 9

Chardonnay and Riesling, and this has been

WHEN: Tuesday 5th March

mainly unchanged. In the early 1990s,

WHERE: Glengarry Westmere,

Gewurztraminer left a lasting impression on the

164 Garnet Rd, Westmere

Glovers. As a result, Zephyr is an aromatic

TIME: 7.00pm

specialist today. Zephyr Wines is Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand accredited. “Zephyr wines are created with the spirit, passion and values of the Glover family.” – Zephyr Wines Read more....

TE MATA 2019 ICONS & COLERAINE VERTICAL | WITH TOBY BUCK | VICTORIA PARK & THORNDON March each year sees the highly anticipated release of the new wines from Te Mata, one of New Zealand's oldest and most respected producers. This time we have an incredible lineup, all presented by one of the Buck family. WHEN: Thursday 14 March

Toby is their sales and marketing manager,

WHERE: Glengarry Victoria Park

and will be taking us through their new Icon releases, Zara Viognier 2018, Cape Crest

118 Wellesley Street, Auckland

2018, Elston Chardonnay 2017 and Awatea

TIME: 7.00pm

Cabernet Merlot 2017. We tasted these a

couple of weeks ago, and Zara and Elston are looking like the finest examples ever produced at Te Mata. Finally, we come to the legendary WHEN: Friday 15 March

Coleraine. To celebrate the 2017 release we

WHERE: Glengarry Thorndon,

will then taste through a mini vertical of four

53 Hutt Rd Thorndon

vintages of this truly iconic New Zealand wine.

TIME: 4.30pm

Coleraine 2010, 2014, 2015 and the 2017. This

is very rare to see these together like this so don't miss your place at this special tasting.

BOOK NOW

THE GLENGARRY WINE ACADEMY

Over the last 20+ years, the Glengarry Wine Academy has established itself as one of the leading wine educators in New Zealand. Initially created to train Glengarry staff, it is also widely used by the hospitality industry and wine enthusiasts. Informative, but never intimidating, the Glengarry Wine Academy courses are an opportunity for beginners as well as experienced aficionados to expand their knowledge and develop their interest.

STAGE 2 In Stage 1 you learn about the grape varietals; in Stage 2 we explore their differing personalities around the world. A four week course, the course fee and content covers all four weeks.

DATES & TIMES Wednesday 6th March, Wednesday 13th March, Wednesday 20th March, Wednesday

BOOK NOW

27th March - All Starting at 7.00pm

STAGE 3 This course has been written recently and follows on from stage 1 and 2. In stage 3 you take a major look at the key winemaking regions in the world. This course dives under the cover, you learn all about the great wines of Bordeaux, Burgundy and many more. A four week course, the course fee and content covers all four weeks. 11

BOOK NOW DATES & TIMES Wednesday 8th May, Wednesday 15th May, Wednesday 22nd May, Wednesday 29th May All Starting at 7.00pm

CHARTRON 2016 | THORNDON Domaine Jean Chartron was established in 1859 by Jean-Edouard Dupard, a cooper craftsman. It has been managed by five generations that have all contributed to make what is today. Burgundy seems to be tested by the weather more than any other French wine region and 2016 was no exception. In spite of the challenging spring and late flowering, the WHEN: Wednesday 6th March

2016's are turning out to be delightful,

WHERE: Glengarry Thorndon,

expressive, mid-weight wines that should offer

53 Hutt Rd Thorndon

early appeal. These wines are always a delight

TIME: 6.00pm

to taste, so if you love Chardonnay, this is an opportunity to taste wines from some of the hallowed ground that produces some of the best Chardonnay in the world. We will taste.... Read more....

ST. PATRICK'S DAY WITH JAMESON | KHYBER PASS Scottish born John Jameson set off to Dublin in the 1770s to start a whiskey distillery and, in doing so, took the great Irish tradition and put his stamp on it, in the process becoming more Irish than the Irish themselves. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sine Metuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, meaning 'without fear', is the WHEN: Wednesday 13 March

Jameson family motto, awarded for their

WHERE: Glengarry Khyber Pass,

bravery in battling pirates on the high seas

back in the 1500s. This motto was the

409 Khyber Pass Rd Newmarket

inspiration for Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s move to Dublin to make

TIME: 7.00pm

his mark. The rest as they say is history! Join us at Khyber Pass and get in the St. Patrick's Day spirit as we learn more about the Jameson Distillery and try through their range. Get a little Irish in you! Read more....

DR ANDREW HEDLEY PRESENTS FRAMINGHAM F-SERIES | VICTORIA PARK & DEVONPORT It's been some years since we have been lucky enough to have Framingham's Dr Andrew Hedley present his stunning wines for us. Tonight the focus will be on their strictly limitededition F-Series range. This range allows them to experiment, most of the time the F-Series wines are one-offs. With total freedom to

WHEN: Tuesday 12th March

create alternative takes on classic varietals,

WHERE: Glengarry Victoria Park

they can capture the unique nature of a vintage

118 Wellesley Street, Auckland

and allow for constant innovation. Framingham

TIME: 7.00pm

has established a reputation for producing

outstanding aromatic varietal wines and their Rieslings are a trademark of their excellence, so we will have a special focus on those. We

WHEN: Wednesday 13th March

will be tasting: Framingham F-Series Pet Nat

WHERE: Glengarry Devonport,

2018, Old Vine Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc

Cnr Clarence & Wynyard Devonport

2017, Montepulciano RosĂŠ 2018, Pinot Noir

TIME: 7.00pm

2017, Select Riesling 2018, Auslese Riesling

2016 and finishing with the epic Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA) Riesling 2016.

THE NAKED HOPS FIRST ANNUAL BEER FESTIVAL | KHYBER PASS Join us at our Khyber Pass store as we host The Naked Hops First Annual Beer Festival. With our favourite Craft Breweries in residence for the day, serving samples of their fine brew and only too happy to chat about just how they're made! Your ticket includes a Social Drinkware Event Glass, a voucher for a meal from the onsite Food Truck and the opportunity to taste and savour a wide selection of New

WHEN: Saturday 16th March

Zealand's finest Craft Beers alongside your

WHERE: Glengarry Khyber Pass,

fellow Hop-Addicts and Maltsters!

409 Khyber Pass Rd Newmarket TIME: 12.00pm