Forecourt Tasting - Weekend 2

Clash of the Cool Climates

Up next on the Forecourt Tastings we have 'Clash of the Cool Climates'.

This menu will showcase two wines from England and two wines from New Zealand. Two of the cooler climates in the world that produce wine.

They are, as wine producing regions, very similar in terms of the grape varieties grown, the seasonal and vintage variations and their climates. The top three grape varieties planted in New Zealand are, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Similarly, in England, the top three varieties planted are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Bacchus. Although polar opposite, the seasons in both countries are very similar, extreme, and very changeable from one year to the next. This influences the changes in style of wines through different vintages, often meaning the 2019 could be very different to the 2020. Lastly, the climates, both cooler and longer. The grapes need longer to ripen and develop so that they are perfect to pick. This will also influence the wines produced, through having flavours of citrus fruits and higher acidity.

Come along on Friday and Saturday evening to taste test these two countries side by side and see which you prefer. There will be an English Pinot Noir from Heppington Vineyard, Kent up against a New Zealand Pinot Noir from Kumeu Village, Hawkes Bay. Along with an English Bacchus from Kinsbrook Vineyard, West Sussex up against a New Zealand Pinot Gris from Kumeu River. This could be a great opportunity to introduce yourself to a new wine producing region.

Clash of the Cool Climates
by Debbie Buckley

On the weekend of the 7th & 8th of October, we jumped into the tasting of cool-climate English wines against other cool-climate New Zealand wines. We were directly comparing the wines against each other to see which cool climate does wine production better. There was a big turnout, especially on Saturday, and we have compiled all the feedback and can now reveal the superior climate.

We had two whites up against each other. From England, it was Kinsbrook Vineyard Bacchus up against from New Zealand the Kumeu River Estate Pinot Gris. Despite both not being the highest planted white grape variety in each country, we felt these would give a good representation of white wine from the countries. The English Bacchus, from Kinsbrook Vineyard in West Sussex, was largely described as being very clean, with good levels of acidity for an English wine (which can sometimes be very tart), there were also loads of fresh citrus fruit flavours. In contrast, the Kiwi Pinot Gris from Kumeu River Estate was described as being slightly warmer with a fuller body than that of the crisp Bacchus, the main fruit characters showing were stone fruits and apricots. Overall, the verdict between the two wines was very split. A complete 50/50 preference for the two wines open.

There were also two red wines up against each other. Both being a Pinot Noir, so very similar wines but the influence from the winemaker can be seen clearly and probably gave the edge. From England the Pinot Noir from Heppington Vineyard in Kent is from the 2021 vintage, so a very youthful wine. Overall, this wine was described as very fresh and juicy, with loads of ripe red fruit and both light in body as well as colour. In comparison, the Kiwi Pinot Noir from Kumeu Village in Hawkes Bay is from the 2019 vintage. It was described as being more developed in flavours, with slightly more earthy notes rather than the fresh fruit, but again very light in colour and body. Overall, the verdict was more in favour of the English Pinot Noir being the top wine.

So, the final verdict may be slightly leaning towards the English wines as being superior. Although, there may have been an angle of bias, as we didn’t get an even number of representatives from both countries. The clash continues between these two cool climates.