This is my first entry in "Wine Blogging Wednesday". I am not sure how this even works but here I go ....
It's "off dry" Wednesday and I was planning to taste a spicy French Vouvray which is made from the Chenin Blanc grape. There are a few of these out on the market and they can be acquired in the $10 range. Chenin Blanc is the perfect "off-dry" wine.
But...
Tonight I made myself a great tilapia marinated in a flavorful "Chermoula. A Chermoula is a Moroccan marinade (I didn't know that until after I ate the dish). It is made with cilantro, garlic, cumin, paprika and lemon juice. My wine selection to match this dish would be a fresh Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. I've been thinking of this all day.
click photo to enlarge
In my refrigerator I had a bottle of 2004 Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand that was suggested to me from a wine shop in California during a recent trip. Actually without even tasting this I bought a second bottle today at my local wine shop, The Shoppers Vineyard in Clifton, NJ. It was on sale for $8.99 so how could I pass that up?
Wine - House of Nobilo
Varietal - Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage - 2004
Appellation - Marlborough, New Zealand
Price - $8.99 at the Shoppers Vineyard, Clifton, NJ
click photo to enlarge
On the Nose - Tropical Fruits. I am on a island in the Pacific.
Through the Eyes - Pale Lemon
On the Palate - On the first sip I taste fresh floral notes, I'm in the Garden of Eden. After a few sips it turns grassy, very grassy and fresh with the slight sweetness remaining. The finish has a touch of pepper which is an interesting contrast. Its like someone dipped a peach into my grass as I cut the lawn in New Zealand.
Overall - Such a ripe yummy bottle of wine. It's nothing like a California Sauvignon Blanc. It's fresh, crisp, summery and has no aftertaste. The mild grass and tropical fruit flavors linger in your mouth as you lick the slightly sweet sugar taste off your lips. Perfect for Summer, fresh fish, grilled shrimp and sipping on the porch. I wouldn't call this completely dry, so I guess it can be an "off-dry".
In my opinion, you really can't go wrong with a fresh bottle from New Zealand.
Richard:
They also have an "Icon" line that I discovered a few months ago. It's really great, too! Check it out if you see it!
~ B
Posted by: Culinary Fool | Thursday, July 07, 2005 at 03:02 AM
i loved reading your description of the wine from new zealand. i usually find wine descriptions somewhat pretentious but your words seemed so genuine and really struck a chord with me. i'll be looking for more wine recommendations from you, richard!
Posted by: Lulu | Friday, July 08, 2005 at 03:27 AM