Summer nouveau has arrived again this year from New Zealand, located in the southern hemisphere!
New Zealand Nouveau usually goes on sale in early July, but this year (2021), due to the impact of COVID-19, there has been a delay in the start of sales. Therefore, this year we are updating the information in order of the wines that have gone on sale.
COVID-19 has had a major impact on the wine industry. Despite this, producers have been working hard to deliver delicious wine, and New Zealand Nouveau has arrived in Japan this year, albeit a little late.
For me, who believes that "summer doesn't begin until I've drunk this," this year's Nouveau felt even more moving than usual.
And for those who haven't yet experienced New Zealand Nouveau, I would like you to take this opportunity to try it once. The 2021 harvest is also very delicious!
-
Natchan
I'm 29 years old and work for a web company. I'm studying wine in the hopes of being able to enjoy it more.
- Iwasu is a sommelier who oversees this website. He runs a bar in Nagoya that stocks a wide range of New Zealand wines.
Characteristics of "New Zealand Nouveau"
First of all, what kind of wine is "New Zealand Nouveau"?
Yes, let me start by telling you the basics.
Nouveau means "new" in French, and in the world of wine it refers to "new wine made from grapes harvested that year."
In other words, "New Zealand Nouveau" is a fresh New Zealand wine made using grapes that were just harvested this year.
Most of the major wine producing countries in Europe and America are in the Northern Hemisphere, and the peak grape harvest season is around August to October. On the other hand, New Zealand is a country in the Southern Hemisphere, so the seasons are the opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere, and the grape harvest season is around February to April. As a result, New Zealand is one of the first countries in the world to produce wine using grapes harvested that year.
"New Zealand Nouveau" is packed with many of the charms that are unique to New Zealand wine. First of all, "Sauvignon Blanc" , which accounts for more than 70% of New Zealand wine, is characterized by its bursting fruitiness such as passion fruit and tropical fruits, and its refreshing, sharp acidity.
It is said that Sauvignon Blanc is a variety that shows off its individuality more quickly after bottling. Since Nouveau is a freshly made wine, the freshness of Sauvignon Blanc stands out.
In addition, some wineries make new wine using Pinot Noir, the main variety of red wine in New Zealand. This wine has a very familiar red berry aroma and is recommended to be drunk slightly chilled.
Regardless of the variety, New Zealand Nouveau is a wine that goes well with outdoor activities, such as on an open terrace, or under the sun. If you have the opportunity, please try it under the blue sky.
The 2021 vintage (the year the grapes were harvested) saw a significantly smaller grape yield than normal.
However, the grapes are of excellent quality, and there are many reports that this is a promising year. This year's wines have the potential to be very concentrated and powerful.
Definition of "New Zealand Nouveau"
When I hear the word Nouveau, I think of Beaujolais Nouveau, but how is it different from New Zealand Nouveau?
Well, let's just briefly touch on that.
Beaujolais Nouveau is a new wine made in the Beaujolais region of France using grapes harvested that year. It is also known for being sold simultaneously around the world at midnight on the third Thursday of November every year.
In addition, even outside of the sales release date, there are strict rules regarding the grape varieties used and the production method for wine sold as Beaujolais Nouveau.
→ For more information about Beaujolais Nouveau and new wines from around the world, click here
On the other hand, there are no clear national rules or definitions for wines called "New Zealand Nouveau." Each winery uses the name "Nouveau" to clearly indicate to consumers that the wine is new (made from grapes that have just been harvested).I see, so there are no strict rules for New Zealand Nouveau. Does that mean there is no release date like there is for Beaujolais?
Yes, that's right. Each company is free to set their own release dates, rather than starting sales at the same time.
This year, sales of Villa Maria Nouveau began in late July, and Sileni Nouveau in mid-August.
Now, let me tell you about them in order.
Nouveau from NZ's popular winery "Villa Maria"
Image source: Kinoshita International Co., Ltd.
Villa Maria , which Iwasu often introduces on this website, is one of New Zealand's leading wineries and has won numerous awards at wine competitions around the world.
The Nouveau sold at Villa Maria comes in two varieties: the classic Sauvignon Blanc and the somewhat rare Blush Sauvignon , a rosé made mainly from Sauvignon Blanc. Let's start by looking at the classic Sauvignon Blanc.
Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Villa Maria's Sauvignon Blanc Nouveau will be sold under the name "Early Release."
The Early Release uses early-ripening Sauvignon Blanc grown across Villa Maria's multiple sub-regions of Marlborough.
| Wineries | Villa Maria |
|---|---|
| region | Marlborough |
| variety | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Vintage year | 2021 |
| alcohol | 13.5% |
| Recommended dishes | Seafood, white meat dishes, appetizers |
| Suggested retail price | 2,200 yen (tax included) |
How are the grapes this year?
The dry, mild summer combined with the generous sunshine and cool nights that Marlborough is known for provided ideal conditions for grape growing, and the early autumn weather was stable, helping the grapes to remain healthy, ripe and flavourful.
In addition, by limiting the grape harvest, we have been able to produce grapes with a concentrated, punchy aroma.
About the brewing and maturation method
The grapes used are from the Wairau Valley and Awatere Valley, two of Marlborough's most iconic sub-regions.
The harvested grapes are crushed, pressed, and then left to rest for 48 hours, after which they are fermented at low temperatures (12-14°C) in separate stainless steel tanks.
Iwasu's tasting comment
As one of New Zealand's leading wineries, Villa Maria is known for its high quality wines.
First of all, you will notice a very strong, gorgeous scent of citrus and passion fruit.
The taste is of citrus fruits such as grapefruit and lime. It has a strong acidity and a slightly bitter aftertaste. You can also feel a slight spiciness. Overall, it is a very clean, refreshing dry wine.
It goes well with salads using salmon or prosciutto, or fried foods such as fried horse mackerel or fried chicken, or chicken or pork (sautéed or grilled). With just one bottle of this wine, your table will instantly feel like summer. I'm sure your meal will be more festive.
▶ Pontovigno/Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Blush Sauvignon 2021
Image courtesy of Kinoshita International Co., Ltd.
A new addition to Villa Maria Nouveau is a wine called "Blush Sauvignon," which allows you to enjoy the best of both Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé, both popular in New Zealand, at the same time.
You can enjoy the vibrant aroma of passion fruit and fresh herbs from Sauvignon Blanc combined with flowers and delicate berries from Merlot.
| Wineries | Villa Maria |
|---|---|
| region | new zealand |
| variety | 88% Sauvignon Blanc, 12% Merlot |
| Vintage year | 2021 |
| alcohol | 12.5% |
| Recommended Scenes | Aperitif and outdoor scenes |
| Suggested retail price | 2,200 yen (tax included) |
This wine should be served well chilled. Its refreshing taste makes it perfect for outdoor occasions such as BBQs and camping.
▶ Pontovigno/Blush Sauvignon 2021
The wines with the "Nouveau" sticker from Villa Maria are limited editions that are only available for early shipment. If you find them, grab them as soon as possible!
"Sileni" Nouveau is now on sale!
Image source: Enoteca Online Shop
Sileni, which boasts one of the highest import volumes of New Zealand wines into Japan, began selling its Nouveau from mid-August 2021.
How are the grapes and wine this year?
In 2021, the grapes ripened rapidly, leading to an early harvest. Warmer and drier weather than usual throughout the year produced grapes with excellent color and flavor.
Sileni's Senior Winemaker, Kane Coghill, had this to say about the 2021 vintage:
Thanks to the hard work of the harvest team and winery team, we were able to produce Sileni wine using selected grapes again this year (Source: Enoteca Online Shop)
He commented,
About the wines on sale
Sileni sells two types of Nouveau: Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. They also sell gift boxes containing two bottles, perfect for gifts.
As mentioned above, there is no particular rule for the production method of "New Zealand Nouveau". However, in the case of Sileni, the wine is made using a special method for Nouveau. Therefore, the difference between regular vintage wine and Nouveau should be more clearly felt.
Sileni Nouveau Sauvignon Blanc
Source: Enoteca Online Shop
| Wineries | Sileni Estates |
|---|---|
| region | Hawke's Bay |
| variety | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Vintage year | 2021 |
| alcohol | 13.5% |
| Recommended dishes | Salmon salad, summer vegetables, seafood |
| Suggested retail price | 2,090 yen (tax included) |
At Sileni, their Sauvignon Blanc usually comes from grapes grown in Marlborough on the South Island, but their Nouveau is made from grapes grown in Hawke's Bay on the North Island.
The winemaking process involves first soaking the grape skins in the juice for a short time at low temperature in a stainless steel tank. Then, the main fermentation and malolactic fermentation take place, which is a fermentation process in which the malic acid in the wine is converted to lactic acid. This mellows the acidity and brings out the aroma and fruitiness.
The wine has a light style with aromas of ripe peaches, tropical fruits, and citrus fruits, layered with refreshing herbal nuances, and a pleasant balance of fruitiness and acidity.
Chilling it well will allow you to enjoy the aroma even more. If you prefer chilled wine even if it becomes a little diluted, adding ice is also a good idea.
Sileni Nouveau Pinot Noir
Source: Enoteca Online Shop
| Wineries | Sileni Estates |
|---|---|
| region | Hawke's Bay |
| variety | Pinot Noir |
| Vintage year | 2021 |
| alcohol | 12.5% |
| Recommended dishes | Pork sausage ragout gnocchi |
| Suggested retail price | 2,090 yen (tax included) |
The Pinot Noir is made using the conventional method and a small amount of it is blended into the grapes that have undergone carbonic maceration, a process that is also used to make Beaujolais Nouveau.
Carbonic maceration is, simply put, a method of fermenting wine in a sealed tank with grape bunches without crushing them, in an environment filled with carbon dioxide and low in oxygen. The wine produced in this way is characterized by its fresh fruitiness and soft tannins, resulting in an aromatic style.
It has a vivid floral aroma of cherry and strawberry. It has a soft mouthfeel, fresh and juicy fruitiness. And the lively acidity lingers for a long time. It is a charming wine that tastes even better when lightly chilled.
I think this Sileni Pinot is probably the only New Zealand red Nouveau wine coming to Japan. It's light and easy to drink, which is great.
A few years ago, I took a chilled bottle of this Nouveau to the beach and drank it, and I realized at the time, "This is the perfect wine to drink in the summer!"
Enjoy fresh New Zealand Nouveau this summer!
"New Zealand Nouveau" is one of the earliest wines in the world to be made from grapes harvested this year. Due to the impact of COVID-19, it has arrived in Japan a little later than usual.
New Zealand Nouveau is specially made from grapes that have just been harvested, and its aroma and flavor are full of freshness. This style further emphasizes the fruity qualities of NZ wine, so we recommend drinking it chilled.
We hope that fresh New Zealand sake will become a staple for you as you get through the hot Japanese summer!
