Media Release – 23 August 2012
New Zealand’s first Albariño wine awarded a Trophy on debut!
In 2011 Coopers Creek Vineyard crafted the first Albariño wine made in New Zealand; now the 2012 vintage has won a major Trophy.
In 2011 one barrel of New Zealand’s first Albariño wine was made by Coopers Creek Vineyard and praised by wine critics. The second vintage has just been released and in
its very first outing has been awarded a Trophy at the prestigious Bragato Wine Awards, held during the wine industry’s
annual conference. The Select Vineyards Gisborne Albariño 2012 is available in restaurants and fine wine stores
nationally.
Albariño is widely planted in northwest Spain and Portugal, where it is recognised as their best and most fashionable
white grape varietal. A member of the aromatic group of grape varieties, Albariño is loaded with classic peach and
citrus fruit flavours backed up by zesty acids and a touch of saline minerality. Coopers Creek source the grapes from a
Gisborne vineyard that specialises in a fascinating set of emerging varietals that are well suited to New Zealand’s cool
climate terroir and intensive viticulture.
The new Albariño joins the Coopers Creek Select Vineyards range, a set of captivating new wines including Arneis, Grüner
Veltliner, Viognier, Montepulciano, Syrah and Malbec. Its nickname is “Bell-Ringer”, reflecting a purity of flavour, its
immediate appeal and quite appropriately the name of the grape growers in Gisborne, Doug & Delwyn Bell!
Albariño is perfect with fish, seafood and sushi, but the pairing possibilities are endless. It’s a food-friendly wine
that pairs well with all sorts of cuisine, Albariño will stand up to spicy Thai or Indian dishes, Mexican and even
Chinese. Recently Food described Albariño as “the next great summer wine” – we quite agree!
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