Fromm (Marlborough)
19th May 11am - 2pm

Free tasting in store with Adam Balasoglou from Fromm

'A Marlborough producer of Grand Cru quality' is how wine writer Paul WhiteAnother figure central to NZ's long-term success is Swiss-born Hatsch Kalberer, of Fromm Winery in Marlborough. Despite the fact that Marlborough is the center of industrially-made wine in NZ, since its inception, Fromm has quietly shown an alternative route to great wine. This wasn't a matter of being contrary; it was more like a default setting destined to run its course. After many years, Fromm is about as close as Marlborough gets to a grand cru level producer. described Fromm in the prestigious UK publication 'The World of Fine Wine'. Blending European style with new world terroir, Fromm wines are renowned for their purity of fruit, very fine balance and restrained use of oak. Pinot Noir is Fromm's signature wine (they were a Marlborough pioneer of the variety) and cool climate Syrah is another red variety they are successfully championing.

The tasting will feature Fromm's new release 2010 Pinot Noirs from the Clayvin and Fromm Vineyards; 2009 La Strada Pinot Noir; plus the 2009 Fromm Vineyard and La Strada Syrahs. As an aperitif to the reds, Adam will be opening the new release 2011 Riesling Spatlese. To show how wonderfully Fromm wines age he'll also be bringing along some older vintages for sampling. All the wines will be at great special prices for the day:

Riesling Spatlese 2011 Special $27.99 (Usual $34.00)

New release. The previous vintage sold out quickly. Typically a beautifully balanced, intense, pure and fresh low alcohol Riesling.

La Strada Pinot Noir 2009 Special $32.99 (Usual $39.00)

Made for earlier drinking than the single vineyard wines below. "The 2009 was matured for over a year in French oak barriques (10-20% new). Ruby-hued it is a 'serious' yet highly approachable wine, mouthfilling with rich flavours of cherries, spices and nuts, good concentration and complexity, and a well rounded finish." 4.5 stars Michael Cooper

Clayvin Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010 Special $59.99 (Usual $72.00)

New release. "Clayvin vineyard draws its name from the clay soil which lies beneath the vineyard, and is characterized by its beautiful, ripe dark-fruit flavours, richness, elegance and fine texture." A Michael Cooper "Classic Wine of NZ"

Left: Clayvin Vineyard | Right: Fromm Barrel Room

Fromm Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010 Special $59.99 (Usual $72.00)

New release. "A classic Fromm Vineyard Pinot Noir does not fit the New World profile for this variety. It is a multi-layered wine, very concentrated without appearing big or heavy, with positive tannin support. Restrained and often unyielding in its youth, this wine may require 3-6 years of cellaring. At its best it shows a masculine charm with a distinct terroir related identity, aging superbly."

La Strada Syrah 2009 Special $31.99 (Usual $38.00)

"Strong sweet fruit with lovely pepper/spice character seasoning a solid core of ripe plum and dark berry flavours. Richly textured wine - very classy." 90/100 Bob Campbell

Fromm Vineyard Syrah 2009 Special $48.99 (Usual $59.00)

"Bold and youthful in colour, it is powerful, sturdy and firmly structured, with rich blackcurrant, plum, spice and nut flavours, showing excellent ripeness and density. It's built for the long haul; open 2013+." 4.5 stars Michael Cooper

La Strada places more emphasis on variety than terroir
& is drawn primarily from younger vines

Johanneshof (Marlborough)
12th May 11am - 2pm

Free tasting in store with winemaker Warwick Foley

Top aromatics & bubbly for Mother's Day! Johanneshof Cellars have established an outstanding reputation for their aromatic & sparkling wines. With strong European connections, they established NZ's first underground rock cellarWest Coast coalminers helped create NZ's first underground rock cellar, blasting 50m into the sandstone hillside behind the winery. The cellar temperature remains a constant 12°C at their winery in 1993, located just south of Koromiko along the road from Blenheim to Picton.

Johanneshof wines have won numerous accolades in top national wine competitions, with Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and Noble Late Harvest Riesling all scoring "Champion" wine in their category over the years. Johanneshof Gewürztraminer is a Michael Cooper 'Super Classic Wine of NZ' and the latest 2011 Gewürztraminer has also already been awarded 5 stars in Cuisine Magazine. Warwick will be opening the following great Johanneshof wines, all of which will be at special prices for the day:

Blanc de Noirs NV Methode Traditionnelle Special $35.99 (Usual $42.00)

"This vivacious Marlborough bubbly was made from barrel-aged Marlborough Pinot Noir and disgorged after three years on its yeast lees. Pale straw, it has an inviting scented, slightly biscuity bouquet. Crisp and lively, citrusy, nutty and yeasty, it shows excellent freshness and complexity, with an almost bone-dry but finely balanced, smooth, long finish." Winestate Magazine

Riddling at Johanneshof

Pinot Gris 2011 Special $26.99 (Usual $32.00)

"Dryish to taste, this is rich and fulsome with a weighty, concentrated palate. An amalgam of ripe stonefruit, spices, flint and minerals forms a solid core that leads to a sturdy, dry, sustained finish. This full-bodied, dense and rounded Pinot Gris is in an Alsace style that will match Mediterranean cuisine over the next 3-5 years." 18/20 Raymond Chan

Gewürztraminer 2011 Special $26.99 (Usual $32.00)

"Yet again, this boutique winery has produced a stunner. It's luscious and opulent, with citrusy notes and fresh herbs providing a counterpunch for the sweet spice and passionfruit flavours. The finish doesn't know when to stop, and nor might you if you serve it with ripe, soft cheese. Medium Dry." 5 Stars Cuisine - A Michael Cooper "Super Classic Wine of NZ"

Johanneshof's underground rock cellar

Gewürztraminer Vendange Tardive (Late Harvest) 2009 375ml Special $29.99 (Usual $35.00)

"The 2009 vintage, grown in Marlborough, is rich and ripe, sweet but not super-sweet, with concentrated lychee and spice flavour, slightly gingery and honeyed, and impressive freshness and concentration. It should be long-lived." 4.5 stars Michael Cooper

Noble Late Harvest Riesling 2008 375ml Special $35.99 (Usual $41.00)

"Lovely now, but likely to be long lived, the 2008 vintage is a fresh, honey sweet (198 gms/litre of residual sugar) Marlborough wine, fermented in tanks and French oak barrels. Light gold, with nectareous bouquet and flavours, it has very rich peach and apricot flavours enlivened by racy acidity, and a finely poised, lasting finish." 5 Stars Michael Cooper - 'Best NZ Dessert Wine'- Wine of the Year Award 2011 Winestate

Spanish Tasting
5th May 11am - 2pm

Free tasting in store with Juliane Cormier from Eurovintage (Distributors)

Juliane will be opening four terrific Spanish wines on Saturday, matched with some tasty tapas. The featured wines are from some of Spain's top producers, and will all be at great special prices for the day:

Torres Viña Esmeralda Moscatel Gewurztraminer 2011 Special $21.00 (Usual $23)

From fourth-generation Catalonian pioneer producer Torres (founded in 1870), this aromatic white takes its name from the emerald colour of the Mediterranean Sea. It's a blend of 85% Moscatel de Alejandria and 15% Gewurztraminer grown in the mountainous area of the Upper Penedès. "Sublime served with seafood, fish and paté, or as an aperitif"

Bodegas Carchelo Monastrell Syrah Cabernet 2010 Special $16.99 (Usual $18.99)

Carchelo's irresistible red blend of 40% Monastrell, 40% Syrah and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Jumilla, Spain's most arid wine region, in the southeast of the country. The vineyards are planted on rocky but fertile soil, at elevation as high as 800 metres. "Bright purple. Smoky aromas of cherry-vanilla and cassis, with a spicy quality that gains strength with air. Juicy and broad on entry, then firmer in the mid-palate, offering sweet black and blue fruit flavors lifted by tangy acidity." 89+ Points, Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Sept 2011

Torres Gran Coronas Reserva Cabernet Tempranillo 2008 Special $28.99 (Usual $32)

This red wine blend is Spain's answer to the Bordeaux blend. It's from the Penedès area of Catalonia, a major centre of modernisation and innovation in Spanish winemaking. Torres began experimenting some 40 years ago, growing international wine varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, alongside the native Catalan grapes, in a quest for greater quality. The Gran Coronas oak aged blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Tempranillo is one of Torres classic wines. "Aromas of cherries and blackcurrants, green coffee beans, liquorice and the characteristic vanilla and leather notes from ageing. On the palate the wine is full and silky with dense, well-structured tannins."

Pesquera Crianza Tempranillo 2007 Special $45.90 (Usual $52.90)

Alejandro Fernández has been dubbed 'a living icon of Spanish wine' and 'the Master of Tempranillo'. He established Pesquera in 1972, in the Ribera del Duero wine region in northern Spain, and produces world famous, concentrated, long lived red wines from the native TempranilloSpanish red, a primary Rioja varietal: grows best in cool climates with moderated heat (tem-prah-NEE-yoh) grape. "The 2007 Crianza is crimson-colored with an enticing nose of leather, Asian spices, incense, violets, and blackberry. Smooth-textured, ripe, and concentrated on the palate, it has the structure and balance to evolve for several years and will offer prime drinking from 2013 to 2022. " 91 Points, The Wine Advocate

Kina Beach Vineyard (Nelson)
28th April 11am - 2pm

Free tasting in store with Dave Birt & Pam Robert

Kina Beach Vineyard was established by Dave Birt & Pam Robert in 1998, on 6 hectares of spectacular north facing clay gravel slope overlooking the Moutere Estuary. Since 2003 the vineyard has been producing tiny quantities of impressive award winning wines. The Chardonnay in particular has had huge success, taking numerous Gold Medals and 5 star awards. High flying Swiss couple Achim Bauer and Karin Schoch purchased Kina Beach Vineyard in December 2011 and have exciting plans for future expansion of the label. In the meantime, Dave and Pam are staying on until the end of this year. They'll be opening the full range of delicious Kina Beach wines on Saturday, all at great special prices for the day:

Kina Beach Merlot Rosé 2010 Special $17.99 (RRP $20)

15% Cabernet Franc blended with the Merlot adds complexity. On the palate it's smooth with good body, creamy strawberry and a hint of spice.

Kina Beach Estuary Block Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Special $17.99 (RRP $20)

"The 2010 is delicious from the start. Freshly scented, poised and punchy, it is lively, with melon/lime flavours showing very good delicacy and depth, and a well-rounded finish" 4 stars, Michael Cooper

Kina Beach Reserve Chardonnay 2010 Special $26.99 (RRP $30)

Typically a powerful, concentrated and refined Chardonnay this latest release 2010 vintage has already been awarded 5 Stars Michael Cooper in the Winestate New Release Tasting

Kina Beach Reserve Pinot Noir 2009 Special $35.99 (RRP $40)

- New Release -



Kina Peninsula

Gran Sasso (Italy)
21st April 11am - 2pm

Free tasting in store

This Saturday we'll be opening a couple of terrific value Italian reds from Gran Sasso. The Gran Sasso vineyards are located in the hills of Chieti and Teramo, in the Abruzzo region of east-central Italy. The unique location near the Adriatic Sea and attention to quality in all aspects of production, produces exceptional wines for the price. Their moderate alcohol (12.5%) makes them very food friendly - both wines are perfect to partner with pasta, pizza, meats and cheeses. Details and ongoing special pricing as follows:

Gran Sasso Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 2010 Special $17.95 (RRP $22.00)

Montepulcianopronounced mawn-teh-pool-CHA-noh is the main red grape of the Abruzzo region. It's typically a robust dry fruity wine with earthy soft tannins. "I defy you to find a more interesting, savoury wine with modest alcohol and food friendliness for the price. Drink 2012-2016." 91 points Gary Walsh, The Wine Front

Gran Sasso Sangiovese Terre de Chieti 2010 Special $17.95 (RRP $22.00)

Sangiovesepronounced san-joe-VAY-zee is the most widely planted grape variety in Italy and the primary grape of Chianti, Italy's best known wine. It's a versatile grape that produces everyday quaffers through to some of Italy's most prized cellaring wines. The Gran Sasso has delicious ripe dark fruit and soft tannins. Silver Medal, NZ International Wine Show 2011

A welcome solution to wet weekend blues
NEIL HODGSON 24/06/2011

I don't know about you, but I am fed up with wet weekends. Working inside all week I really look forward to getting outside at the weekend, whether it is the Saturday market, lunch at a cafe or stopping in at one of my favourite stores, Casa del Vino.

Fortunately it doesn't have to be fine to visit this little treasure of a wine shop on Hardy St, and Saturdays are the perfect day because every week the owner, Ann, has some bottles open for free in-store tasting. Some of these tastings give you the chance to talk to the owner or winemaker, while other weeks the focus is on a grape variety or maybe a different country.

When I stopped in last Saturday there were two South American reds open. Both were varieties we don't grow much of in New Zealand - Santa Ana Eco Malbec 2010 from Argentina ($22.50) and Chateau Los Boldos Carmenere 2008 from Chile ($24.95).

Malbec is Argentina's flagship variety and Santa Ana Winery is a quality producer based in the Maipu area of Mendoza, the main wine region in Argentina, located in the foothills of the Andes. Santa Ana Eco is made from 100 per cent organically grown, hand harvested malbec. It is lush and ripe, packed with soft sweet blackberry and plum flavours. Very soft tannins mean this is great drinking right now.

Carmenere is Chile's signature grape - the red variety that disappeared from Bordeaux vineyards in the mid-19th century and reappeared among Chile's merlot vines 100 years later. Chateau Los Boldos is located in the Cachapoal Valley, in the Rapel region south of Santiago. The Momentos was made from 100 per cent carmenere, hand-harvested and aged six months in French (50 per cent) and American (50 per cent) oak barrels.

The carmenere is a different beast to the silky malbec. Big, rich and supple, this has classic flavours of blackberries and chocolate with plenty of blackcurrant freshness. The tannins are a little more drying, but pair it with a nice steak and an open fire and you have the perfect wet Saturday night in.

Along with these Saturday tastings, where the wines being tasted are always on special for the day, Ann also has monthly tutored tastings. These can cover anything from exciting new producers to the classic wines of Bordeaux and Champagne. To find out about these, check out their website and register to get the weekly emails: casadelvino.co.nz.

This week at Casa del Vino you will be able to taste the newly released Rewa Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine from Tohu. Maybe I will see you there.