This vintage is certainly surprising when American wineries are still harvesting the 2008 vintage. But New Zealand’s harvest occurs between February and May. It’s young but it’s deliciously refreshing. It opens with pink grapefruit, grass, and herbal notes with a zippy high note of lemon-lime. Tasty as an aperitif and it complements shellfish, tuna Nicoise, or pizza with shrimp and feta cheese. Widely available in grocery stores, and at Trader Joes where it’s a good value at $14.99.
You can reach New Times’ Cuisine columnist at khardesty@newtimesslo.com.
This article appears in Oct 16-23, 2008.