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New World Supermarkets not only show their top wines, but add food and wine pairing
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Local wineries toast multiple wins as 20th annual New World Wine Awards Top 50 list is revealed.
One of the most anticipated wine lists of the year is finally here, with today’s announcement of the 2022 New World Wine Awards Top 50 wines under $25.
The list reveals the best-ofthe-best from the 20th annual wine competition, where expert judges swirled, sniffed, tasted, debated and scored their way through more than 1,200 different wines to determine the 50 top-ranked Gold-medal winners.
These wines are now available at New World stores nationwide*, but for winedrinkers who still aren’t sure where to start, New World Wine Awards Co-Chair of Judges Sam Kim says this year’s Top 50 list is a particularly handy guide.
“The New World Wine Awards is all about taking the guesswork out of choosing a great wine at a great price, and this year’s Top 50 is especially helpful because it includes so many repeat winners from over the competition’s 20-year history. quality and consistency at an affordable price, and well worth a toast.”
“These are multi-winning wines and wineries that have made the grade time and again, proving their excellence year after year, bottle after bottle.
“Their achievements are great news for wine-drinkers who are on the lookout for
GIESEN ESTATE RIESLING CROWNED WITH GOLD AGAIN
A win for the Giesen Estate Riesling 2021 has brought this wine’s Gold-medal tally to seven and cemented it’s claim as the winningest wine in the New World Wine Awards so far**.
The Giesen team are well known in New Zealand and around the world for their expertise in Riesling, which they’ve been making for 34 years using Waipara and Marlborough-grown grapes.
Chief Winemaker Duncan Shouler says it’s fantastic to have another Gold-medal in the trophy cabinet for what his team refers to as ‘New Zealand’s favourite Riesling’. “We work hard each year to get every aspect of this wine just right. It’s balanced, juicy and versatile, and we hope this win will inspire more wine-lovers to give Riesling a go alongside their next summer platter or barbeque.”
SAVVY SAUVIGNON, BRILLIANT BUBBLES AND MORE…
This year Rapaura Springs Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2022 and Wairau River Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2022 have returned to the list for the fifth time, with Rapaura Springs also taking the Champion Sauvignon title for the second time.
Despite being accustomed to the winner’s circle, Rapaura Spring winemaker Michael Bann says this year’s recognition is particularly appreciated by him and his team after a challenging vintage. “It was one of those years that put our skills to the test and it's great to see our picking decisions and hard work pay off once again.”
Chardonnay devotees don’t need to worry either. Chardonnay sages at Church Road have taken the Champion Chardonnay and White Wine of the Show titles with their Church Road McDonald Series Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2021, headlining a six-strong range of options from Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne and Marlborough.
Also returning to the Top 50 as a Champion is the Lindauer Vintage Series Brut Cuvée 2017, a “seriously good” drop according to Kim, and incredible value at under $20 for a bottlefermented Kiwi bubbly that could easily rival your favourite French Champagne.
It’s flanked by the alwaysdependable drop, Verde Brut, and returning star, the Graham Norton Prosecco DOC -- a trendsetting collab between Waikato based Invivo Wines and the comedian and television personality of red chair fame.
In reds, boutique wine company SOHO Wines is celebrating a momentous third year in the Top 50 with their SOHO Bobby Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021 taking out Champion Pinot Noir and Champion Red Wine of the Show.
Founder Rachael Carter says: “We are truly passionate about the wine we make and we’re so excited to earn two Champion titles for our Pinot Noir, and to see ‘Bobby’ get front and centre with thousands of supermarket shoppers.” WINNINGEST WINERIES SPOTLIGHT FOR QUALITY, CONSISTENCY AND TRYING NEW THINGS
Scanning across the winners list, several wineries will be well known names, standing out for their multiple Top 50 placings over the years.
Villa Maria boasts an impressive haul of 38 Gold medals in these awards since 2008, Saint Clair Family Estate is hot on their heels with 21, and Mount Riley comes third with 19. Better still, all have two delicious signature variety wines in the Top 50 in 2022.
For those with more adventurous tastes, Kim says there is plenty new to explore, too.
“For every classic on the list this year, there is also something new and different to try.
“The Mount Riley Marlborough Albariño 2022 offers wine-lovers a totally new taste from this recognised brand, with a new white wine variety that is just starting to take hold in New Zealand vineyards and Kiwi wine palates.
“Rosé fans can choose from both New Zealand and French winning wines this year, and if you want a real adventure there are red wines from all around the world including Tempranillo, Malbec, Garnacha, and Sangiovese.”
*Liquor selling stores. **Based on results between 20082022. Detailed records are not available for prior years.
Winning wines
This year’s New World Wine Awards Top 50 list includes the opportunity to celebrate some of the competition’s most awarded wines and wineries.
The recently announced list reveals the best-of-the-best from the 20th annual competition, where judges swirled, sniffed, tasted, debated and scored their way through more than 1,200 different wines to determine the 50 top-ranked Gold-medal winners.
“There are a number of wines and wineries in this year’s list that have returned time and again,” says Co-Chair Sam Kim. “Their achievements are great news for wine-drinkers, demonstrating amazing consistency and quality year after year, and are well worth a toast.”
A win for the Giesen Estate Riesling 2021 has brought this wine’s New World Wine Awards Goldmedal tally to seven and cemented its claim as the winningest wine in the competition. The blend of Marlborough and Waipara grapes is an off-dry delight that Kim describes as “exquisitely balanced, juicy and laden with lime and mandarin.” (RRP $13.99)
The Rapaura Springs Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2022 and Wairau River Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2022 have both returned to the list for the fifth time this year, with the Rapaura Springs also taking the coveted Champion Sauvignon Blanc title for the second time. It is “powerfully expressed with passionfruit, kaffir lime, sweet basil and kiwifruit flavours with excellent fruit intensity and vibrancy,” says Kim. (RRP $16.99)
Also returning to the Top 50 as a Champion is the Lindauer Vintage Series Brut Cuvée 2017, a “seriously good” drop according to Kim, and incredible value. The wine has also since taken Champion titles at the NZ International Wine Show and the National Wine Awards of Aotearoa NZ. “Immediately enticing with ripe stone fruit, lemon curd and savoury pastry characters, it’s creamy and smooth in the mouth with a persistent silky finish,” says Kim. (RRP $16.99)
The Chardonnay sages at Church Road were also back, this time with both a Champion Chardonnay and White Wine of the Show title for their Church Road McDonald Series Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2021. Made from premium vineyards picked with the intention of crafting a supple, medium bodied wine, Kim noted flavours of “citrus, flint and a touch of lightly buttered popcorn.” (RRP $19.99)
In reds, boutique wine company SOHO Wines celebrated a momentous third year in the Top 50 with their SOHO Bobby Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021, winning Champion Pinot Noir and Champion Red Wine of the Show. Kim describes it as: “Seductive and plush with lovely intensity, juicy berries, red liquorice and savoury nuances.” (RRP $20.99)
Other New Zealand made Champions include the Mount Riley Marlborough Albariño 2022 (RRP $14.99), Russian Jack Marlborough Pinot Gris 2022, and Selaks Taste Collection Berries & Cream Rosé 2022 (RRP $14.99), which Kim says is “light, delicate and refreshing yet flavoursome and satisfying.”
Some winning wines also stand out for their contribution to multiple Top 50 placings over the years. This year’s Top 50 Villa Maria Private Bin East Coast Pinot Gris 2022 (RRP $13.99) and Villa Maria Private Bin Hawkes Bay Merlot 2021 (RRP $13.99) bring Villa Maria’s tally to an impressive 38 Gold medals in these awards since 2008.
Saint Clair Family Estate is hot on their heels with 21 Golds, including for 2022 winners Saint Clair Origin Marlborough Pinot Gris 2021 (RRP $15.99) and Saint Clair James Sinclair Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2021 (RRP $22.99), and Mount Riley is in the third place with 19 Golds, including for their Mount Riley Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021 (RRP $15.99).
The Top 50 list and full results are available at newworld.co.nz/wineawards
Winning food pairings
Here the New World team shares some winning wine and food pairing suggestions. These matches – from starters to finishing touches – are well-suited to the summer season, whether you are busy relaxing or hosting family and whanau.
SALADS & MUD HOUSE WAIPARA VALLEY RIESLING 2022
(RRP $13.99): Ideal for afternoon and evening gatherings, this medium-dry style wine has great energy and fruit purity. It’s a wonderful apéritif and sits nicely alongside a soft cheese platter to start, or a light salad with tangy feta and balsamic roasted tomatoes. For something more substantial, try it with Asian cuisine, like a Thai Green Curry.
BAKE BRIE & ROARING MEG CENTRAL OTAGO POINT NOIR ROSÉ
2022 (RRP $19.99): A gooey baked brie is a great way to elevate your cheese platter and this one is particularly festive – topped with sweet cranberries and crunchy pistachios. The delicate sweetness of this Rosé pairs perfectly with the topping textures, while its zingy acidity counters the creamy cheese. For a more relaxed option, enjoy this wine with a movie – it will handle fatty, salty snacks like popcorn or pizza.
CREAMY CHICKEN & SACRED HILL RESERVE HAWKE'S BAY
CHARDONNAY 2020 (RRP $18.99): For a low-effort but highreward meal, seek out New World’s one-pan Chicken with garlic and white wine sauce recipe. Made in less than 30 minutes, it is creamy and delicious, and well matched with this also creamy but refreshing Chardonnay. For something a tad more luxurious, try this wine with decadent crayfish.
RAGU & RUA PINOT NOIR 2021 (RRP $23.99): This complex and velvety wine loves meaty, slowcooked flavours. A red wine beef ragu can be both a warming weeknight meal, or an impressive but low stress option when hosting. Using your choice of red wine in the cooking, and enjoying a glass alongside, makes for a perfect flavour match. For a lighter dish, try this wine with grilled salmon.
GARNACHA & BROWNIES: For an end of meal treat, the sweet fruit flavours and soothing mouthfeel of the Vina Borgia by Borsao Organic Garnacha 2020 (RRP $16.99) is a pleasing partner to rich fudge brownies. Blue cheese also pairs well for those after a more savoury finish.
Full recipes, and more pairing ideas, can be found at newworld.co.nz/wineawards
