The masterclass panel
70 of the UK’s top trade and media tasted a selection of New Zealand’s most respected Pinot Noirs at the London Wine Trade Fair in May including Nautilus Pinot Noir 2010. The tasting was organised by the Family of Twelve – a group of twelve quality-focused family-owned wineries across New Zealand. Tim Atkin MW lead the discussions around regional terroir with aplomb, mentioning the incredible progress that NZ Pinot Noir had made and the skill of many of the producers. While the discussion was focussed on defining regional styles/distinctions within New Zealand and clear differences were evident between the wines, it was felt they were as much driven by producers’ approach as by terroir. It was also clear from the comments that the audience felt that comparisons with Burgundy were a thing of the past – we should be confident in our own style and our own expression of terroir. These wines were all felt to represent good value in the UK market with prices ranging from 15-45 pounds, and no other region from Burgundy, Oregon or California, would be able to offer such consistent good quality at all price points. Nautilus was singled out for particular mention as a wine that delivers on both quality and value.
