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edited by Sue Courtney
e-mail address: winetaster@clear.net.nz
Featured Publication
posted 9 December 2001
Taste of the Earth
Creating New Zealand's Fine Wine
by Keith Stewart
Photographs by Kevin Judd
published in 2001 by Craig Potton Publishing
ISBN 0-908802-74-9
From the moment you see this book, the stunning photograph on the front cover captures you. It is the essence of New Zealand's wine success - the sauvignon blanc grape. And throughout the book, photos of ripe grapes ready to harvest prepare the eyes for the taste that's to come.
Keith Stewart, the "Listener" wine columnist and one of the country's most outspoken wine critics, has chosen fifteen boutique wineries to discuss with their owners the history, the grapes, clones and winemaking styles and the aspirations for the future. It is a series of case studies as to how these producers have adapted to the evolving culture of winemaking in New Zealand.
From north to south the "taste" takes us to -
Goldwater Estate on Waiheke Island
Millton in Gisborne
Ngatarawa, Te Mata Estate and Stonecroft in Hawkes Bayt
Dry River, Ata Rangi and Martinborough Vineyards in Martinborough
Neudorf in Nelson
Cloudy Bay and Seresin in Marlborough
Vavasour in the Awatere
Pegasus Bay in Waipara
Felton Road in Central Otago
Twelve of the wineries were featured in one of Stewart's earlier book, The Fine Wines of New Zealand, the newcomers being Seserin, Pegasus Bay and Felton Road.
It really is a sumptuous feast and some of the photos are breath taking.
What a great book for Christmas, for reference or just to read about some of the country's most respected winemakers.
This book has a recommended retail in New Zealand of $49.95 and seems to be widely available.