Foodepedia catches up with the latest news on three best selling New World wine brands.
In 2003, New Zealand winemaker Brent Marris discovered a promising terrain in his native Marlborough region; and three years later he launched The Ned, his own brand of the region’s favourite grape varieties; Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.
I really love The Ned Pinot Grigio 2013 (£10.99 Majestic) with its natural copper/pink colour and inviting nose of apricots and strawberries.
The mouthfeel is luscious and oily with a flavour profile akin to a fine Provençal rosé; but here with an added New Zealand zing!
Each Brent Marris wine combines respect for the grape variety with a distinct individuality.
Pale ruby coloured, The Ned Pinot Noir 2013 (£14.99 Majestic) is full of succulent, red cherry/berry fruit and notes of coffee and cedar derived from its nine months maturation in French oak barrels.
Brightening towards a clean acidity on the finish this Pinot Noir is well suited to food, especially best roasted poultry.
The [yellow tail] Pinot Grigio 2013 and the [yellow tail] Sauvignon Blanc 2013 are squarely aimed at the popular market and are both priced at £7.99.
Fruity and direct, these’easy drinkers’ are abundantly lively and vibrant.
With summer in mind, [yellow tail] wines are ideal all-rounders for the party / BBQ / dinner party scene.
These wines may be uncomplicated but, made by the excellent Chilean producer Concha y Toro, they display a recognisable pedigree. They are surprisingly good quality at just £5.99 from Tesco who supply the Merlot and Pinot Grigio varieties.
I particularly like the Frontera Merlot 2013, an easy going medium weight red with nice fresh fruit flavours, soft tannins and a chocolate/minty edge; so it’s time for me to sit back, enjoy a glass and read the poetry on the label.