Welcome to an exciting episode of “Learn by Tasting,” where we explore the captivating world of wine. Today, we delve into the magic of a particular wine that comes from a remarkable climate. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind this exquisite glass of wine.
The Perfect Wine Climate
Did you know that just over 2% of the world’s landmass boasts a Mediterranean-type climate? This unique climate, known as the Goldilocks climate, is characterized by hot and dry summers without extreme cold temperatures. And guess what? It happens to be the ideal climate for producing exceptional wine. But can you guess where you’ll find this type of climate?
Unveiling Clues
Let’s take a closer look at this wine. It flaunts a deep purple Ruby color, hinting at grapes cultivated in a warmer climate with thick skins and higher tannins. Now, pay attention to the intriguing aromas of black cherry, pencil lead, chocolate, violet, black currant, and a touch of green pepper corn. These scents reveal the presence of elevated methoxy pyosin—a family of grape varieties found in France.
An Artful Creation
Examining the structure, we find a moderately full-bodied wine with a refined velvety chocolaty tannin structure and a delightful hint of oak. The minty note lingers in the aftertaste, making this wine a true masterpiece crafted by a skilled blender. So, what could it be? Is it a Cabernet Bordeaux-style blend, a melbeck Cabernet blend, a sarrabased blend, or a Mero Bordeaux-style blend?
Seeking Expert Guidance
To unravel the mystery, we turn to a master of wine, Christine Marcilio. With her expertise, we explore the hints hidden within the wine. Despite the absence of a black pepper note typically associated with sarrabased blends, we discover the presence of Violet notes, which align beautifully with a melbeck. However, the key lies in those green herbal notes, suggesting Cabernet svon. The smooth and velvety tannins, coupled with the abundance of chocolate, indicate a Mero right Bank blend.
The Global Popularity
Cabernet and Mero are the most widely planted grape varieties worldwide, accounting for 133% of total grape plantings. Their popularity stems from their exceptional taste, both as standalone wines and when blended together. These grapes thrive in moderate to warm climates with well-draining gry soils, providing the perfect conditions for growth.
Decoding the Terroir
Let’s examine the wine’s color, a rich and extracted purple hue. This is often observed in Bordeaux blends grown in aluvial soils, sometimes intermingled with gravel. The wine’s upfront fruitiness, with no signs of being cooked or dried, suggests the potential influence of cooling factors, perhaps from a large body of water nearby. So, where do you think this wine is from? Napa Valley, California? Paso Robel, California? Hawks Bay, New Zealand? Or Mendoza, Argentina?
A Taste of New Zealand
In this wine, you can taste the sunshine. Although Napa Valley and Paso Robel produce bold and fruit-forward wines, the pristine character and precision of this wine lean towards Hawks Bay, New Zealand. Located on the southern portion of the North Island, Hawks Bay enjoys abundant sunshine, making it an optimal region for ripening red grapes like Mero and Cabernet saon.
The Secret of Hawks Bay
How is it that this secluded paradise can produce wines that rival those of Bordeaux? The answer lies in the grally soils of the subregion gimblet gravels. Similar to Bordeaux, these soils provide the perfect foundation for winemaking.
Revealing the Wine
And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for. The wine we’ve been exploring is none other than the Kagy Range Tahu from Hawks Bay. This exquisite blend consists of 69% Mero, 13% Cabernet Saon, 10% Cabernet Fran, 4% Malbeck, and 4% Petite Verdox. The Kagy Range Winery, a family-owned winery since its inception in 1998, invested heavily in establishing vineyards in the renowned Gimblet Gravels area of Hawks Bay.
Cheers to New Adventures
We’ve taken another step deeper into the captivating world of wine. If you’d like to join us in our tastings, be sure to check out the Wine Folly club. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more exciting wine adventures. Until next time, happy tasting!