PINOT 2013 TESSA NICHOLSON
T
here were a number of highlights at Pinot Noir 2013. The Wellington weather for one, the camaraderie among those attending, the guest speakers, (most of them anyway) the willingness to share from the winemakers and viticulturists, the catering by Ruth Pretty and the frank and open discussions held. But the stand out of the four-day event was the wine itself. 2010 was a great vintage for New Zealand and that was obvious from comments by those attending. A step up in terms of what New Zealand is doing and producing was the over-riding
2010 was a great vintage for New Zealand and that was obvious from comments by those attending. A step up in terms of what New Zealand is doing and producing was the over-riding feeling, especially from those who had attended previous events.
feeling, especially from those who had attended previous events. Every one of the four days began with an international guest speaker. Their observations were then discussed later on in each of the regional venues, allowing some thought provoking debate.
Thankfully there were some words that were banned from the discussions. Passion was one of those, referencing Pinot Noir as the Holy Grail was an immediate red card dismissal for anyone uttering the words and later on in the week, the name Burgundy was
also banned from conversation. This was after all an event designed to celebrate New Zealand and the many diverse regions within it. So to the event itself. Opening day and 500 delegates and wine industry personnel arrive at the Wellington Town Hall, fanning themselves from the heat of a perfect day. Welcomes are given, introductions made and it’s time for the
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NZ WINEGROWER FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 // 11