Wellington 28-31 January 2013
There is a lot of excitement and anticipation as we enter the last few days before the Pinot Celebration. There are great expectations building around the event which is held every three years.
In 2010 Grasshopper Rock had its first year as a participating winery. 2013 will be our second event.
The 2013 event, with over 100 of the top Pinot noir wineries, feels more important than ever. NZ Pinot noir has come a long way in a couple of decades, from nothing until Martinborough started leading the way in the 1980s, through to today when NZ’s place as a world-class producer of Pinot noir is undisputed. Not only is Martinborough producing world-class Pinot noir but also Nelson, Marlborough, Waipara and of course Central Otago.
There is a lot for the international wine community to look at. There is a diverse range of Pinot noir styles but all the Pinot noir wineries participating in Pinot2013 are the very best NZ has to offer.
The event has attracted some of the world’s most influential and passionate wine people. They will fly in from around the globe to participate in one of the world’s most exciting Pinot noir events.
I am excited about showing visitors what we have achieved. Even in the three years since the 2010 event NZ’s place in the world of Pinot noir has moved forward. I believe we will be able to show greater consistency in quality and greater character coming through from individual vineyards. These things are becoming clearer with vine age and understanding of the vineyards.
Grasshopper Rock is a good example. At the 2010 event our three wines were from vines three to five years old (planted 2003, first vintage 2006), now in 2013 we have wines to show from vines five to eight years old. The difference in the wines is obvious. The increasing complexity and character in the wine with vine age is significant.
We will be showing seven vintages during the event, from our second (2007) to the latest (2011).
Delegates will have the opportunity to taste Grasshopper Rock 2008, 2010 and 2011 at the regional themed tastings. At the public tasting 2010 and 2011 will be available. And 2007, 2008 and 2009 will be served at some of the dinners and lunches (If at the event, check the official programme).
With the focus on the 2010 vintage for the regional tastings we could not have picked a better vintage to show to our NZ and international visitors. Grasshopper Rock Pinot Noir 2010 has attracted a lot of attention taking out gold medals in four consecutive NZ wine competitions, number one in Cuisine magazine and the ultimate gongs – Champion Wine and Champion Pinot Noir at the most important wine competition – the Air New Zealand Wine Awards.
The event is guaranteed to be lot of fun. See you there hopefully.
http://www.pinotnz.co.nz/programme.php
There is a lot of excitement and anticipation as we enter the last few days before the Pinot Celebration. There are great expectations building around the event which is held every three years.
In 2010 Grasshopper Rock had its first year as a participating winery. 2013 will be our second event.
The 2013 event, with over 100 of the top Pinot noir wineries, feels more important than ever. NZ Pinot noir has come a long way in a couple of decades, from nothing until Martinborough started leading the way in the 1980s, through to today when NZ’s place as a world-class producer of Pinot noir is undisputed. Not only is Martinborough producing world-class Pinot noir but also Nelson, Marlborough, Waipara and of course Central Otago.
There is a lot for the international wine community to look at. There is a diverse range of Pinot noir styles but all the Pinot noir wineries participating in Pinot2013 are the very best NZ has to offer.
The event has attracted some of the world’s most influential and passionate wine people. They will fly in from around the globe to participate in one of the world’s most exciting Pinot noir events.
I am excited about showing visitors what we have achieved. Even in the three years since the 2010 event NZ’s place in the world of Pinot noir has moved forward. I believe we will be able to show greater consistency in quality and greater character coming through from individual vineyards. These things are becoming clearer with vine age and understanding of the vineyards.
Grasshopper Rock is a good example. At the 2010 event our three wines were from vines three to five years old (planted 2003, first vintage 2006), now in 2013 we have wines to show from vines five to eight years old. The difference in the wines is obvious. The increasing complexity and character in the wine with vine age is significant.
We will be showing seven vintages during the event, from our second (2007) to the latest (2011).
Delegates will have the opportunity to taste Grasshopper Rock 2008, 2010 and 2011 at the regional themed tastings. At the public tasting 2010 and 2011 will be available. And 2007, 2008 and 2009 will be served at some of the dinners and lunches (If at the event, check the official programme).
With the focus on the 2010 vintage for the regional tastings we could not have picked a better vintage to show to our NZ and international visitors. Grasshopper Rock Pinot Noir 2010 has attracted a lot of attention taking out gold medals in four consecutive NZ wine competitions, number one in Cuisine magazine and the ultimate gongs – Champion Wine and Champion Pinot Noir at the most important wine competition – the Air New Zealand Wine Awards.
The event is guaranteed to be lot of fun. See you there hopefully.
http://www.pinotnz.co.nz/programme.php