“The Martinborough Wine & Food Society held its most recent function – a tasting of the variety generally known in NZ as Albarino – on Friday 9 June, at the Golf Club. The function was, as usual, an informal affair, consisting of six wines, accompanied by platters prepared by members of the committee.
The Cellar Master presented the six wines in three flights: two wines from Marlborough, followed by two from Hawke’s Bay, and finally one from Gisborne accompanied by the benchmark wine, from Spain.
There is seldom anything competitive about our tastings; that is, we rarely do blind tastings, or score the wines. Instead, we prefer to simply discuss the wines among ourselves, and appreciate the similarities and subtle differences.
The Cellar Master handed out tasting notes which he had prepared, from some of the wineries, and from several New Zealand wine critics. He then described something of the origins of Albarino, and presented the wines with a little further commentary.
Members were left to taste and discuss the wines at their tables.
It was a small gathering, possibly because several members are avoiding the winter by travelling to a warmer climate.
The consensus among the attendees, however, was that the Albarino from the Forrest Vineyard in Marlborough was the outstanding wine, alongside the Quinta do Couselo Barbuntin, from Spain.
The society’s meetings are usually held on the second Friday of each month.
If you are interested in joining, or learning more, please call our President, Philippa, on 021-434-163, or Treasurer, Dave, on 027-453-0475.
