A relative newcomer to winegrowing, New Zealand is fast becoming a hotspot for making world-class Whites and Reds. The dramatic, mountainous South Island and the sun-soaked coastal plains of the North Island provide growing regions uniquely suited for crafting wonderful wines. These six picks give a delicious glimpse into this amazing country.
Read on to learn how you could enter to win a 9-night/10-day trip for two to New Zealand! UPDATE: Thanks to everyone that entered. Congrats to the winner, Vanessa!
The Whites
Sauvignon blancs from the South Island’s Marlborough region first put New Zealand on the winemaking map. Crafted by one of the region’s founding winegrowing families, Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc starts with citrus aromas of grapefruit and tangerine. Softer tropical flavors of guava and mango round out the crisp finish.
Look for abundant up-front fruit in Kim Crawford’s Pinot Gris. Ripe peaches, Asian pears and a touch of cinnamon give way to an attractive minerality in the medium finish. This is hard to find anywhere else but at Whole Foods Market!
Sleek, well-balanced Oyster Bay Chardonnay comes at you with Meyer lemon and green apple aromas. A touch of oak softens the fruitiness and adds complexity to the creamy, rich finish.
The Reds
Spicy, well-rounded and smoky, Grove Mill Pinot Noir shows a nice complexity of flavors, ranging from cherry and cassis to sassafras and even a hint of campfire! There’s a subtle tartness in the peppery finish.
Lush and rich, The Red Blend from pioneering winery Villa Maria begins with aromas of dark chocolate and a wisp of eucalyptus. Hints of mint and black olive move to chocolate cake and blackberry flavors in the elegant, structured finish.
The Bubbles
The surprising richness of flavor is enhanced by a lasting creaminess from the persistent bubbles in Sophora’s Sparkling Cuvée. Ripeness and notes of baked fruits are all swept away in a bright, clean, bubbly finish.
You Could Win a Trip for Two to New Zealand!
Now that you know a bit more about the wines, here’s how you could win a 9-night/10-day trip for two to New Zealand! Simply pick up an entry form in a Whole Foods Market opens in a new tab wine department*, fill it out and match each Wine from New Zealand with its perfect food pairing by September 30, 2014 for a chance to win. Find suggested pairings two ways: displayed on cards and posters throughout the wine department, or ask a Team Member!
The fine print: No purchase necessary. Promotion ends September 30, 2014. Must be a legal resident of the US, age 21 or older to participate. Taxes on prize, if applicable, are the responsibility of the winner. Employees of Whole Foods Market, Inc., are not eligible. Void where prohibited.
*Sorry, some of our stores sell alcohol, some don’t. It’s the law.
We’re excited about this winemaking country and would love to hear your thoughts. Which great New Zealand wines have you discovered lately?
