American blog writer finds positive wine stories

15 November 2010

MEDIA RELEASE

American blog writer finds positive wine stories in Hawke’s Bay

Air New Zealand wine judge and wine writer, American Eric Arnold has found plenty of positive news to write about during his time in Hawke’s Bay, with the region’s Chardonnay and Syrah varietals being top of the list.

“I’ve sampled some really tasty wines that are very true to the varietal style, yet are distinct and unique for this place,” says Mr Arnold, who was visiting Hawke’s Bay as guest of Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Inc. last week.

“I think these wines have very broad appeal as easily enjoyable, yet have distinctive qualities for the more discerning wine consumer. They are certainly better than a lot of other places in the world and there’s no reason why they shouldn’t have plenty of sales potential both domestically and abroad.”

The freelance journalist who writes blogs for The Daily Sip and The Booze Blog was also impressed with the Tempranillo wine he sampled. “I think this wine has potential, especially if it is an affordable choice.”

He was also surprised at the range and elegance of style evidenced in the Sauvignon Blanc wines that he sampled as part of the regional tasting hosted by HBWG and led by winemaker and retiring HBWG chairman, Rod McDonald.

Mr Arnold, who visited eight wineries while here, was also taken with the candidness of those involved within the wine industry in this region. “I think the honesty is great. People openly talk about what they do well and what they are still developing and can improve on. It’s quite refreshing and serves the region well.”

In New Zealand as a judge at the recent Air New Zealand wine awards, Mr Arnold took the opportunity to visit a number of wine regions around the country sourcing material for his writing.

Initial medal results from the Air NZ Wine Awards continue to support the promotion of the region as New Zealand’s premium red wine producer.

Although Pinot Noir wines scooped the highest number of gold medals, Hawke’s Bay accounted for half the Pure Gold and Gold medals awarded to Chardonnay and took all the Pure Gold and Gold medals for Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot / Cabernet Sauvignon blends, and Syrah.

The Pure Gold category represents wines that are 100 percent sustainably produced in the vineyard and winery. Hawke’s Bay also gathered a Gold medal in the Other Red category and two dessert wines making the Hawke’s Bay gold medal total 23.

Trophy winners will be announced at the Air NZ Wine Awards Dinner held on Saturday 20 November.

Mr Arnold said he enjoyed the opportunity to take part in judging New Zealand wines. No stranger to New Zealand, he is the author of First Big Crush, which chronicles a year he spent working at Allan Scott Wines in Marlborough; the film option has been purchased by a New Zealand production company.

Also in his career, he spent three years as an editor and writer at Wine Spectator, and two years as a lifestyle editor at Forbes, a prestigious online source for the latest international business and financial news and analysis, where he also launched Forbes’ Booze Blog.

ENDS

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