Winemakers John Forrest from Forrest Estate and Anna Seifried from Seifried Estate at the Embassy of New Zealand in Washington DC, USA

Picture: Christian Schiller, John Forrest from Forrest Estate and Annette Schiller from ombiasyPR and WineTours

One of the wine success stories in the past couple of decades is New Zealand. New Zealand’s wine makers have penetrated the global wine market with stunning Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir wines, but also with other grape varieties and sparklers.

Pictures: The Embassy of New Zealand in Washington DC

At the initiative of Pacific Prime Wines, an US importer of family produced New Zealand Wines, winemakers John Forrest from Forrest Estate and Anna Seifried from Seifried Estate were at the Embassy of New Zealand in Washington DC, USA, to present their wines. I got an invitation by Laurent Lala from Elite Wines, a Distributor of Pacific Prime Wines.

Pictures: New Zealand Wine Party at the Embassy of New Zealand in Washington DC

The Wines of New Zealand

I used to travel quite a bit to New Zealand, when I was working for the International Monetary Fund and had assignments in the Pacific Ocean region, including in Vanuatu, Fiji Islands and Timor Leste. Also, my daughter Cornelia spent a few years in Brisbane (Australia) doing her Bachelor. Never, however, would my visits exceed a 12 to 24-hour stop-over in Auckland.

My other main contact points with the wines of New Zealand are Weingut Johner in Baden, Germany, and the Tapas Bar and Providores on Marilyboon Highstreet in London.

Weingut Johner in Germany and Johner Estate in New Zealand

Karl-Heinz Johner, the founder of Weingut Johner in Baden, branched out a few years ago and decided to create a second winery, this time in New Zealand. So, when you visit Weingut Johner in Baden for a tasting of their wines, you are inevitably also being poured the wines of Johner Estate in New Zealand. In September 2014, we visited Weingut Johner on the Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014) and tasted the Johner Estate wines from New Zealand along with the Weingut Johner wines from Germany.

See for more:
Weingut Karl-Heinz Johner in Baden: Cellar Tour and Tasting with Karl-Heinz and Patrick Johner – Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)
German Wine Makers in the World: Karl Heinz Johner in New Zealand

Pictures: Christian Schiller and Patrick Johner, Weingut Johner and Johner Estate, in Baden, Germany, with the Wines of Johner Estate

The Providores and Tapa Room in London

The Providores and Tapa Room is one of my favorite wine bars in London. If you want to taste New Zealand wines and if you are in London, this is the place to go. I have never seen such a broad and deep selection of excellent wines from New Zealand outside of New Zealand. Naturally, the focus is on Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.

When my daughter Cornelia got her Ph.D. from the University of London last year, we had dinner at The Providores and Tapa Room, with Framingham wines, to celebrate the achievement.

The Providores and Tapa Room, 109 Maryleborne High Street, London, W1U 4RX

See:
Dinner at The Providores and Tapa Room in London with Framingham Wines, UK/New Zealand
New Zealand Wine El Dorado in London: The Providores and Tapa Room 

Pictures: The Tapa Room

Wine Country New Zealand

Here is an introduction to the wine country New Zealand, as the wine makers advertise themselves.

New Zealand Wine – Pure Discovery. New Zealand is a land like no other. New Zealand wine is an experience like no other. Our special combination of soil, climate and water, our innovative pioneering spirit and our commitment to quality all come together to deliver pure, intense and diverse experiences. In every glass of New Zealand Wine is a world of pure discovery.

Picture: Christian Schiller, Laurent Gevry and Laurent Lala of Elite Wines, and Annette Schiller of ombiasyPR and WineTours

International acclaim. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is rated throughout the world as the definitive benchmark style for this varietal. The growing recognition for New Zealand Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Méthode Traditionelle sparkling wines, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends is helping to further cement New Zealand's position as a producer of world class wines.

Picture: Art Hauptman, Public Policy Consultant and Restaurant Owner, including Cassatt’s Kiwi Cafe on Lee Highway and Bistro 360, Laurent Lala of Elite Wines, Winemaker John Forrest and Eric Platt, Vice-President of Pacific Prime Wines

Diverse styles. New Zealand is a country of contrasts with dense, native forest, snow-capped mountains and spectacular coastline. With wine growing regions spanning the latitudes of 36 to 45 degrees and covering the length of 1000 miles (1,600km), grapes are grown in a vast range of climates and soil types, producing a diverse array of styles. The northern hemisphere equivalent would run from Bordeaux (between the latitudes of 44 and 46 degrees) down to southern Spain.

Picture: Annette Schiller with Margaret and Laurent Janowsky of Del Ray Café and of La Bergerie, see also: Bordeaux Winemaker and Owner Marc Pasquet - Château Mondésir-Gazin - at Del Ray Café in Alexandria, Virginia, USA

Temperate maritime climate. New Zealand's temperate, maritime climate has a strong influence on the country's predominantly coastal vineyards. The vines are warmed by strong, clear sunlight during the day and cooled at night by sea breezes. The long, slow ripening period helps to retain the vibrant varietal flavours that make New Zealand wine so distinctive.

Picture: Annette Schiller of ombiasyPR and WineTours, Paul Couldrey, Founder and Senior Vice-President of Pacific Prime Wines and Winemaker John Forrest

Food friendly wines. New Zealand cuisine draws inspiration from the traditional kitchens of France and Italy, as well as the exotic dishes of Asia and the Pacific Rim. Wine styles have evolved to compliment this extensive menu. There are bright and zesty wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling for fresh and subtly spiced dishes, while complex, mellow Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blends and Pinot Noir offer a timeless marriage with the classical dishes of Europe.

Ensuring the future. New Zealand's small population, distant location and agricultural economy have earned the country a 'clean, green' image. Visitors often describe it as 'an unspoiled paradise'. New Zealand's winemakers and grape growers are determined to keep it this way. Innovative practices in the vineyard and winery which deliver quality in a sustainable and environmental manner, ensure that New Zealand meets a growing world demand for wines that have been produced in a 'clean and green' fashion.

Anna Seifried and the Wines of Seifried Estate in Nelson

The Seifried family has been making wines since 1976. The range includes rich full Chardonnays, fine floral Rieslings, lively herbaceous Sauvignon Blancs, warm plummy Pinot Noirs and when conditions are right, intensely delicious dessert wines.

Pictures: Anna Seifried from Seifried Estate with Annette and Christian Schiller

Sun and blue skies all year round, nearby mountains (often snow capped), lakes, forests and beaches, the most beautiful winemaking region in New Zealand - this is Nelson. Pristine conditions, along with specially selected north facing vineyard sites, offer a range of soils from free draining gravels to heavy alluvial clays and a climate tailor-made for growing richly varietal, elegant wines. Still, frosty winters, long dry summers, cool autumn nights combined with the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand - this is Nelson.

Austrian born Hermann and his New Zealand wife Agnes chose land sloping gently northwards, where the soil is clay and the area is very sheltered. The first 2ha of grapes planted out included 14 different vnifera varieties which were all grafted on to phylloxera-resistant rootstock. 1976 saw the first harvest, with five distinctive varietal wines being made. At that time wine sales were entirely mail order and cellar door. In 1979 a further 16ha was planted in Redwood Valley. Due to the different climate and soils of this vineyard, the grapes in Redwood Valley ripen slightly earlier than in the Moutere Valley, hence spreading the vintage. The establishment of the third vineyard took place in 1988 on stony land in the Rabbit Island/Appleby area.

Pictures: Anna Seifried from Seifried Estate with Annette and Christian Schiller

Today the key varieties grown include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. Currently Seifrieds have over 180 hectares of producing vineyards, with a further 5ha too young to yet be bearing fruit. With 35 permanent employees at the winery/vineyard complex and a further 10 involved in the domestic sales and marketing of the wines, Seifrieds is a company with a strong direction on growth.

In 1993 Seifrieds opened their magnificent Vineyard Restaurant and Function Centre located within the Rabbit Island vineyard. Since opening, it has hosted many weddings, seminars and other functions in a serene, rural atmosphere - the perfect ambience for wine and food to be enjoyed together!

In 1996 Seifrieds operations moved from the original Upper Moutere winery to a new winery complex adjacent to the restaurant on the Rabbit Island vineyard. This move highlights the confidence Seifrieds have in the future of both the Nelson and the New Zealand wine industry. Exports are a major focus for Seifrieds, with 40% of turnover now coming from international sales.

Seifried Wines Available through Pacific Prime Wines/ Elite Wines

Seifried Nelson Pinot Gris 2013
Seifried Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Seifried Nelson Riesling 2012
Seifried Nelson Pinot Noir 2013
Old Coach Road Nelson Chardonnay 2014
Old Coach Road Nelson Pinot Gris 2013
Old Coach Road Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Old Coach Road Nelson Pinot Noir 2013
Seifried "Sweet Agnes" Riesling 375ML 2013
Seifried Nelson Gewurztraminer 2012
Seifried Nelson Gruner Veltliner 2013

John Forrest and Forrest Estate

Family owned and operated, Forrest Wines have defined 'Quintessential Marlborough' since 1988. Dr. John and Dr. Brigid Forrest are Forrest wines, applying their farming heritage and scientific background to the craft of winemaking. The result is wines of the highest quality and purity. Dr. John and Dr. Brigid Forrest are Forrest, a small, very much 'hands-on" producer, of premium quality white wine from their home vineyards in Marlborough, whilst in, partnership, they produce the Cornerstone Bordeaux red from their vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels Region of Hawkes Bay and premium Pinot Noir from their vineyards in Bannockburn and Waitaki Valley, Otago.

Pictures: John Forrest of Forrest Estates with Annette and Christian Schiller

Leaving behind careers in molecular biology and medicine John and Brigid returned to Marlborough in 1988 to establish their first vineyard at Renwick - at the heart of the stony Wairau River Valley. Vintage 1990 saw the first Forrest wine and immediate success with a trophy at the national wine awards - success that has been repeated many times both nationally and internationally over the subsequent vintages. To the often asked question "why did you do it?" the answer is, a mixture of the wine 'passion' and a desire to achieve and be recognized and rewarded for ones efforts. In hindsight we struck upon a career which suits our personalities - a perfect blend of art and science. Grape growing and winemaking is an exacting science, however it must have the artistic touch to give the wines 'soul'. That individual expression of style is the trademark of our wines - rich aromatic white wine, and powerfully scented reds - all impeccably structured and a joy to drink.

Pictures: John Forrest of Forrest Estates with Annette and Christian Schiller

Forrest Estate Wines Available through Pacific Prime Wines/ Elite Wines

Forrest Estate Marlborough Pinot Noir 2012
Forrest Estate "The Doctors" Marlborough Riesling 2012/2013
Forrest Estate Botrytised Riesling 2011
Forrest Estate "The Doctors" Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Forrest Estate "Wairau" Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Forrest Estate "The Doctors" Gruner Veltliner 2011

schiller-wine: Related Postings

4 Wine Tours by ombiasy coming up in 2015: Germany-East, Germany-South. Germany-Nord and Bordeaux

Weingut Karl-Heinz Johner in Baden: Cellar Tour and Tasting with Karl-Heinz and Patrick Johner – Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Wines and Winemakers from Australia and New Zealand at the 2nd International Riesling Symposium, Rheingau, Germany

New Zealand Pinot Flight – Maude of Central Otago, New Zealand, with Winemaker and Owner Dan Dineen

New World Wine Country: New Zealand - Facing the Fate of Australia?

German Wine Makers in the World: Karl Heinz Johner in New Zealand

New Classification of New Zealand Pinot Noirs

Dinner at The Providores and Tapa Room in London with Framingham Wines, UK/New Zealand

New Zealand Wine El Dorado in London: The Providores and Tapa Room

Bordeaux Winemaker and Owner Marc Pasquet - Château Mondésir-Gazin - at Del Ray Café in Alexandria, Virginia, USA

Dinner at The Providores and Tapa Room in London with Framingham Wines, UK/New Zealand

Pictures: The Providores and Tapa Room in London. Peter Gordon (right) and Michael McGrath (left) with Christian G.E.Schiller

My daughter Cornelia Schiller Tremann graduated from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London with a PhD in late 2013. The annual graduation ceremony took place in July 2014. My wife Annette and I accompanied Cornelia and her husband Chris to London for the graduation ceremony. We celebrated the event at Peter Gordon’s Providores restaurant with a fabulous menu and wines from Framingham.

Picture: Dr. Cornelia Tremann with a SOAS Faculty Member

The Providores and Tapa Room is a top-notch restaurant and a wine bar, run by New Zealand’s star chef Peter Gordon and business partner Michael McGrath. The wine list is large and the wines are exclusively from New Zealand.

Picture: The Providores and Tapa Room, 109 Maryleborne High Street, London, W1U 4RX

I picked The Providores for a number of reasons: I had been to the Tapa Room a couple of times, but never eaten upstairs at The Providores restaurant. Before moving to the London School of Economics and then to SOAS in London, Cornelia lived for 3 years in the greater New Zealand area, i.e. in Brisbane in Australia. The Providores and Tapa Room is located in Maryleborne (109 Maryleborne High Street), which is a very interesting area. For example, one of the new and hip 28-50 winebars is just around the corner.

See.
New Zealand Wine El Dorado in London: The Providores and Tapa Room 
Wine Bars in London: Vats Wine Bar, the Cork and Bottle, the Providores and Tapa Room

The Place

The Providores and Tapa Room is a hip place divided into a restaurant (upstairs) and a wine bar (downstairs). Plus, there are a few tables on the sidewalk of Marylebone High Street.

Pictures: The Tapa Room

Downstairs is the buzzing Tapa Room, with a large communal table. Breakfast is very popular here, in addition to the selection of excellent tapas. A long classic wood high counter table stands in the center of the Tapa Room. So, lots of chatting with people you don't know. Einstein-esque orange light bulbs hang from the ceiling. And an enormous Rarotongan Tapa, or ceremonial cloth from the South Seas, is covering one wall, hence Tapa Room. Tapa cloth can be found throughout the Pacific and is used either as a decorative piece, as a ceremonial floor covering at feasts, or in some cases as fabric for clothing.

Pictures: The Providores

Upstairs is the serene Providores, a classic dining room, where you order fixed-price menus.

Chef Peter Gordon

Gordon is of Maori descent and born in the coastal town of Wanganui, New Zealand. He moved to Melbourne, Australia, in 1981 where he worked for five years before travelling through Asia for a year, and then returned to Wellington, New Zealand. He is now based in the UK and New Zealand. In 2005, he was ranked as one of Britain's 100 most influential gay and lesbian people.

Picture: The Providores and Tapa Room Kitchen in the Basement

Peter Gordon: I love to cook creatively, and my excitement about new flavors and textures from all around the world defines that I create fusion cuisine. If you've visited any of my restaurants - The Providores and Tapa Room or Kopapa in London, or The Sugar Club, Bellota or dine by Peter Gordon* in Auckland - you'll already know something about fusion. But if not, you can get a primer in the Fusion section, or take a look at the Food page. I'm based in the UK and New Zealand, and I travel a lot, so I mean it when I say that the global pantry is my inspiration.

The Wines

The wine list is almost entirely from New Zealand and has well-chosen growers. If you do not like New World wines, do not go there. But if you are open to the wonders of the New World, your will find them there, right in the center of London. If you do not like wines from New Zealand, stay away. But if you like them, this is the place to go. I have never seen such a broad and deep selection of excellent wines from New Zealand outside of New Zealand. Naturally, the focus is on Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.

In terms of wine by the bottle, there are about 100 wines on the list, with a sentence or so of explanation. The bottles are in the BP 30 to 40 range with some wines going for BP 20 and some for up to BP 60.

The Dinner

You could choose from a menu with about a dozen courses plus desserts. We went for the 4 courses option at BP 57. Here is what we picked.

Picture: Crab and coconut laksa, a bream and pink peppercorn dumpling, soba noodles, soft boiled qual's egg, crispy shallots, coriander

Picture: Salad of freekeh, goats' curd, endive, hazelnuts, grilled aubergine and spring onions, pickled raisin puree, roast tomato miso dressing

Picture: Spiced dahl stuffed tempura inari pocket, aubergine, spinach, yellowbean ginger dressing

Picture: Pan-fried Scottish scallops, celeriac puree, fennel, apple and radish salad, yuzu, manuka honey dressing, crispy shallots

Picture: Smoked Dutch eel, samphire, sesame and seaweed salad, chilli furikake, ponzu tapioca

Picture: Pan-fried gilt-head bream, clams, coconut, tofu, aubergine, curry, coriander

Picture: Roasted, smoked Somerset lamb loin, minted peas, baby vegetables, pommegranate yoghurt

Picture: Dessert

Picture: Dessert (This was Chris Tremann's Favorite of the whole meal on account of the hint of truffels in the chocolate cake)

The Framingham Wines

For the wines, we chose 2 wines from Framingham, a Riesling and a Pinot Noir. Annette Schiller and I had just met the cult winemaker Andrew Hedley of Framingham at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in Germany.

See:
Wines and Winemakers from Australia and New Zealand at the 2nd International Riesling Symposium, Rheingau, Germany

Framingham was founded in 1994; it is owned by Sogrape Vinhos. Annual production is 26000 cases. Riesling accounts for 8% and Sauvignon Blanc for 75%. Andrew Hedley, who overcame throat cancer, is the head winemaker.

Picture: Winemaker Andrew Hedley and Annette Schiller at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany

Pictures: The Framingham Wines

The Providores and Tapa Room, 109 Maryleborne High Street, London, W1U 4RX
www.theprovidores.co.uk
www.peter-gordon.net

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 New Zealand Wine El Dorado in London: The Providores and Tapa Room

Wines and Winemakers from Australia and New Zealand at the 2nd International Riesling Symposium, Rheingau, Germany

New Zealand Pinot Flight – Maude of Central Otago, New Zealand, with Winemaker and Owner Dan Dineen

New World Wine Country: New Zealand - Facing the Fate of Australia?

German Wine Makers in the World: Karl Heinz Johner in New Zealand

New Classification of New Zealand Pinot Noirs

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Wines and Winemakers from Australia and New Zealand at the 2nd International Riesling Symposium, Rheingau, Germany

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Stephen Henschke, Henschke, Australia, at the 2nd International Riesling Symposium, Rheingau, Germany

The 2nd International Riesling Symposium took place on May 26 and 27, 2014, at Schloss Rheinhartshausen in the Rheingau. Riesling experts from around the world - top winemakers, representatives from the trade and restaurant sector, and journalists – gathered to celebrate, discuss and taste the arguably most noble white grape in the world - Riesling.

I have already provided an overview about the 2nd International Riesling Symposium event: The 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany.

This posting focuses on Australia and New Zealand, more specifically, the wines from Australia and New Zealand that were presented and the winemakers Australia and New Zealand participating in the 2nd International Riesling Symposium.For other specific postings, forthcoming and already released, see below.

Riesling in the World

There are about 47000 hectares planted with Riesling worldwide. Germany – with 22500 hectares – accounts for about half of the total. The second and third largest Riesling producer are the US (mainly Washington State and Finger Lakes Region) with 4800 hectares and Australia with 4100 hectares. But this is only about 1/10 of the total. Alsace follows with 3500 hectares. Alsace, Ukraine and Austria follow with 3500 hectares, 2700 hectares and 1900 hectares, respectively.

Picture: Riesling in the World

Overall, Riesling is really a niche wine, accounting for less than 1 percent of total wine production in the world - but a very special niche wine. In terms of quality wines, Riesling is usually included in the top three white wine varieties, with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Riesling is highly terroir-expressive, meaning that the character of Riesling wines is clearly influenced by the wine’s place of origin.

Australian Winemakers at the 2nd International Riesling Symposium

Jim Barry Wines, Clare Valley
Frankland Estate, Frankland River
Grosset, Frankland River
Henschke, Barossa Valley

Winemakers from New Zealand at the 2nd International Riesling Symposium

Felton Road, Central Otago
Framingham Wines, Marlborough

Wines from Australia and New Zealand at the 2nd International Riesling Symposium

Wines from Australia and New Zealand were included in 2 of the 4 tastings: (1) Rieslings from the New World – More Traditional than Rieslings from the Old World? A Tasting at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany, Moderated by Stuart Pigott, and (2) Riesling and Aging Potential. A Tasting at the 2nd International Riesling Symposium, led by Caro Maurer, MW, Germany

Rieslings from the New World – More Traditional than Rieslings from the Old World? A Tasting at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany, Moderated by Stuart Pigott

Picture: Stuart Pigott and Annette Schiller, ombiasyPR and WineTours, at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany

Australian Terroir

Picture: Australian Wines

Grosset, 2013 Springvale Riesling

Stuart Pigott: Jeffrey Grosset, owner and founder, has always been an innovator, challenging tradition and questioning accepted practices. The winery was founded in 1981. The vineyard area totals 21 hectares. Production is 11000 cases. Riesling accounts for 70% of the production. The Claire Valley, north of Adelaide, where Grosset is located, is one of Australia's oldest wine regions, best known for Riesling wines. It has a climate of daily extremes.

Grosset, 2013 Polish Hill Riesling

Stuart Pigott: Both are extremely bright wines. Both wines are bone dry. Both wines have strikingly different personalities.

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Jeffrey Grosset at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany

Henschke, 2013, Lenswood Green’s Hill Riesling

Stuart Pigott: Henscke is a sixth generation family estate established in 1868 in the Barossa’s Eden Valley. The vineyard area totals 100 hectares. Production is 40000 cases. Riesling accounts for 10% of the production, Shiraz for 40%. Stephen and Prue Henschke believe in careful traditional winemaking and use organic and biodynamic practices.

Lots of apple notes, high acidity, long finish.

Henschke, 2013, Julius Eden Valley Riesling

Stuart Pigott: Striking acidity, with aromatic layers. One of my Australian favorites. All 4 of them, you could leave for another 20 years in the cellar.

Frankland Estate, 2011, Riesling Isolation Ridge Vineyard

Stuart Pigott: Frankland Estate is a family owned and operated wine producer located in the isolated Frankland river region some 380 kilometers south-east of Perth in Western Australia. It was founded in 1988. The vineyard area totals 30 hectares. Annual production is 20000 cases. Riesling accounts for 30% of the production.

11% alcohol – so much for New World wines being high in alcohol.

Pictures: Christian G.E. Schiller and Hunter Smith, Frankland Estate, at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany

Jim Barry, 2009, The Florita Riesling

Stuart Pigott: Back to the Claire Valley. Jim Barry was founded in 1959. The vineyard area totals 243 hectares. Annual production is 80000 cases. Riesling accounts for 30% of the production, Shiraz for 40%.

I cannot imagine a more prototypical Australian Riesling than this one. Has the lime aroma, which is so typical for Australian Riesling. The wine has lost first flush of freshness.

Picture: Peter Barry and Ernst Loosen in China during the "Riesling Revolution" Tour in 2014 (Source: Dr. Loosen Website)

New Style Natural Sweet Rieslings from New Zealand

Picture: New Style Natural Sweet Rieslings from New Zealand

Felton Road, 2013, Riesling Block 1
Felton Road, 2002, Riesling Block 1

Stuart Pigott: A wonderful combination of wines, showing very well how these wines can age. Mosel has played a role in these wines, but they have their own personality. Demeter-certified viticulture and very simple “hands off” winemaking.

Felton Road was founded in 1991. Annual production is 12000 cases. Riesling accounts for 10% and Pinot Noir for 70%.

Pictures: Owner Nigel Greening, Felton Road with Lukas Pichler, F.X.Pichler, and Christian G.E.Schiller at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany

Framingham, 2013, Riesling Auslese “F-Series”
Framingham, 2013, Noble Riesling

Stuart Pigott: These wines caused quite a storm at a blind tasting in which I participated. People thought that this was not possible in New Zealand. You have to be daring. Obviously, such wines can not only be made in the Mosel Valley.

Framingham was founded in 1994; it is owned by Sogrape Vinhos. Annual production is 26000 cases. Riesling accounts for 8% and Sauvignon Blanc for 75%.

Picture: Winemaker Andrew Hedley and Annette Schiller at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany

Stuart Pigott: These and the other wines show that New World wines can be subtle, can be intense, can be mind-blowing.

Riesling and Aging Potential. A Tasting at the 2nd International Riesling Symposium, led by Caro Maurer, MW, Germany

The Tasting

Caro Maurer: Riesling is one of the best grape varieties for aging, because of the acidity and – in some cases – sweetness.

Picture: Caro Maurer, MW, at the Riesling and Aging Potential Tasting, 2nd International Riesling Symposium

Henschke Australia

2004 Julius Eden Valley Riesling

Caro Maurer: Germans often forget that we have Riesling all over the world. This wine – and the next wine – both have screwcaps, which keeps them fresh. The Henschke Riesling has at least 20 more years of aging potential. A lean, clean, forward style, which is so typical for the region.

Stephen Henschke: Vines are 50 years old, biodynamically made, cool fermentation, bottled early.

All 4 of them, you could leave for another 20 years in the cellar.

Pictures: Stephen Henscke and Annette Schiller at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany

Framingham New Zealand

2004 Dry Riesling

Caro Maurer: The vines were planted in Marlborough in 1981. It is a cool climate region. Andrew Hedley’s objective is to make new world wines in an old world style. Stony, flinty, not fruit driven, pure, has its elegance. 5 grams RS.

Dirk Würtz: Unglaublich spannend zu sehen war auch das Reifepotenzial der trockenen Rieslinge aus Australien und Neuseeland. Beide Vertreter aus dem Jahr 2004 standen kaum gealtert im Glas. Herausragend war der Riesling von Framingham aus Neuseeland. Perfekt balanciert, extrem jugendlich. Überhaupt sollte man sich diesen Framingham merken. Seine edelsüßen Weine gehören zum besten, was ich in diesem Bereich in den letzten Jahren getrunken habe.

Postings about the 2014 International Riesling Symposium on schiller-wine

This posting is part of a series about the 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany. Here is a list of the Postings already published and those still coming.

The 2nd International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
A Tour through the Rheingau - Visit of 3 Prestigious, Historic Rheingau Wineries: Weingut Robert Weil, Hessische Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach and Schloss Johannisberg, Germany
Rieslings from the New World – More Traditional than Rieslings from the Old World? A Tasting at the 2nd International Riesling Symposium, led by Stuart Pigott, Germany
The Grand Cru Couple from VDP.Grosse Lage – Riesling Grosses Gewächs and Riesling Spätlese. A Tasting at the 2nd International Riesling Symposium, led by Giuseppe Lauria, Germany
Riesling from Danube, Rhine, Nahe, and Moselle: the European Riesling Route - A Tasting at the 2014 International Riesling Symposium, Germany, Moderated by Cornelius and Fabian Lange
Riesling and Aging Potential. A Tasting at the 2nd International Riesling Symposium, led by Caro Maurer, MW, Germany

Wines and Winemakers from Australia and New Zealand at the 2nd International Riesling Symposium, Rheingau, Germany
Austrian Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
German Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany
American and Canadian Riesling Producers at the 2. International Riesling Symposium in the Rheingau, Germany

schiller-wine: Related Postings

The 4th Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle: Impressions from the Grand Tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Washington State, USA

The World of Riesling in Seattle - Fourth Riesling Rendezvous in Washington State, USA

Visiting Wilhelm Weil at his Weingut Robert Weil in Kiedrich, Germany

Tasting with Wilhelm Weil the 2010 Weingut Weil Wines in Kiedrich, Germany

Stepping up: From 3 … to 4 Quality Levels - The New Classification of the VDP, Germany

When Americans Drink German Wine - What They Choose

German Wine Basics: Sugar in the Grape - Alcohol and Sweetness in the Wine

1st International Riesling Symposium, Rheingau, Germany

Approaches to Classifying German Wine: The Standard Approach (the Law of 1971), the VDP Approach and the Zero Classification Approach

Riesling, Pinot Noir and Indian Cuisine: A tête-à-tête Dinner with Winemaker Ernst Loosen, Weingut Dr. Loosen, at Rasika in Washington DC, USA

In the Steinberg, Eberbach Abbey, Rheingau, Germany

Top 10 Riesling Producers in the World – Snooth 2012

The German Winemakers at the 4th Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, USA

3 Wine Tours by ombiasy Coming up in 2014: Germany-North, Germany-South and Bordeaux 

VDP Vineyard Illuminations at Johannisberg Castle

The Role of Government - Government Owned Wineries in Germany