What makes a Dessert Wine?

We often get asked about the differences between different styles of dessert wine. It used to be quite easy - the grapes were Semillon, and they were deliberately left on the vines to encourage a botrytis rot, which would shrivel the grapes, concentrate the juice and then ferment for a relatively short period before all the sugar could be turned to alcohol. But many more styles have emerged over time and that produced a broad range of flavours: From cloyingly sweet, to crisp citrus sweetness, or 'sticky' mouthfeel to much less viscous examples. In summary, here are three of the most common types to be produced out of New Zealand:

Botrytis (or Noble Rot)

Out of New Zealand, these are most often made with Riesling grapes. Botrytis rot (sometimes referred to as 'Noble') naturally occurs in the grapes if not managed, particularly in wet conditions. Some winemakers will actually introduce water to their vineyard to encourage botrytis if weather conditions are not conducive in a particular vintage. The wines will have high residual sugars, generally very rich & honey-like, with a high viscocity (i.e. extremely sticky in the mouth). Botrytis can sometimes impart a 'burnt rubber' or 'flat tyre' aroma to the bouquet. The natural acidity of the Riesling, if properly managed, provides an excellent balance to these wines so that the sweetness does not become overbearing and too 'sickly sweet'. Our pick of the site at the moment is the Ata Rangi 'Kahu' Botrytis Riesling. Match it with some creamy blue cheese & pear - Yum!

Late Harvest

'Late Harvest' wines, are as the label says - The grapes are left on the vines longer than usual, and harvested later than they normally would be. The grapes dehydrate, conentrating the juice and hence the sweetness. Late Harvest wine are also often affected by Noble Rot, and will tend to be even sweeter again. Check out Cloudy Bay's example - Their 2004 Late Harvest Riesling is drinking beautifully now.

Ice Wine

Ice Wine is traditionally made by allowing grapes to freeze on the vines, harvesting whilst frozen and then extracting the concentrated juice. Because of the very small yields, this is an expensive method of winemaking and the prices per bottle can easily exceed $200. In New Zealand, where the temperature would rarely get low enough for this practice, Ice Wine is made by extracting the juice from frozen grapes, leaving the frozen portion (i.e. the water) behind - again concentrating the juice. Seifried of Nelson do a lovely example with their award-winning wine Ice Wine.

 Latest Specials

 Free Shipping is Back! All orders over $240 in November will be shipped anywhere in Australia for free - a great opportunity to stock up for Christmas.

 20% off all Bubbles - We've slashed the price of our Bubbles range for the festive season. Help yourself to a case of Lindauer (just $12.75 per bottle) for the relatives, and some Deutz (Just $20.75 per bottle) or Quartz Reef Chauvet (now just $26.35) for yourself!

 

Product Update

New Wines Added to the site Julicher Estate - 99 Rows Pinot Noir - We're excited to exclusively offer this quality, boutique Martinborough Producer to our site. Pre-order this stunning Pinot for delivery in November. Julicher Estate Martinborough Pinot Noir - 2007 was a stunning year for grapes due to a low yield. This Pinot does not disappoint - Dark, brooding fruits combine with incredible length and that trademark Martinborough 'earthiness'. Julicher Estate Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc - A wonderful food wine - a lovely minerality and less pungent grassy notes that you would taste in a Marlborough example. Jackson Estate 'Stich' Sauvignon Blanc  - Jackson Estate are doing some stunning wines at the moment and we're expanding our selection. 94/100 from James Halliday. Jackson Estate 'Shelterbelt' Chardonnay- An incredibly balanced Chardonnay, wonderful judicious use of oak and malo fermentation. 95/100 from James Halliday.

Stock with Limited Quantities Te Mata Elston Chardonnay 2007 - One of New Zealand's great chardonnays, we have only 12 bottles left before rolling to 2008 Te Mata Coleraine 2007 - 'New Zealand's Best Wine' according to wine writer Sam Kim. Only 10 bottles left before a long drought for the next release of the '08. Felton Rd Central Otago Pinot Noir 2008 - 96/100 in the latest Gourmet Traveller Wine magazine. Our last consignment of 24 bottles has arrived and we won't receive any more until the '09 is released (some months away!)

 

Upcoming Wine Events

The Great NZ Wine Tasting - 18th November, 2009 - Pavilion on the Park, Sydney

Our first annual Great NZ Wine Tasting is being held in the most picturesque surroundings of The Domain, in the Pavilion on the Park, opposite the NSW Art gallery. Come join us for an incredible collection of  over 100 NZ wines from over 25 wineries, meet some of the winemakers and indulge in delicious cheeses with your wines. A truly spectacular wine event! Tickets are limited and we do expect a sell-out (over 165 tickets already gone!) - Tickets available now for just $35. CLICK HERE to purchase. We look forward to seeing you there. Note to our Melbourne & Brisbane customers, we do hope to get this show on the road in 2010! We'll keep you all updated as we finalised details.

Pinot Noir 2010 - Wellington

This is a truly spectacular celebration of the noble Pinot Noir grape, being held over 4 days in Wellington. The programme is an incredible mixture of Pinot Noir tastings, food events and educational seminars for the Pinot junkies. It has to be seen to be believed! Click here for a detailed programme. We do strongly encourage you to participate in this incredible event. More details available on our website or visit www.pinotnoir2010.co.nz

Follow us on Facebook & Twitter

NZWINEONLINE supports the responsible sale of alcohol. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or to obtain alcohol on behalf of, a person under the age of 18 years.

NSW Liquor License # LIQP770010076