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News & Press

February 2016

drinking faux pas - 28 Feb 16

Domain Road Vineyard - drinking faux pas - <p></p>

There is no 't' in Pinot Noir (or Merlot!) - read on before you say yes there is!!  Whilst we might cringe at the thought, according to a recent survey carried out by the British newspaper the Telegraph pronouncing the 't' in Pinot Noir and Merlot are two of the UK's top 20 wine drinking faux pas.  Others include complaining that the red wine isn't cold, putting red wine in the fridge and adding lemonade to your red wine.  

It appears that for the British (like many of us I suspect) price is a serious consideration when selecting a wine - but looks (attractive labeling) and familiarity are also key factors.   The writer of the article, Joe Wadsack, made the point that "If shoppers spot an International Wine Challenge medal on a wine, they can buy with confidence knowing that it has been blind tasted by some of the best wine judges in the world".  

And the point of this story, our 2012 Pinot Noir has such a medal (and an IWC regional trophy) so if you have not tried it yet - call by the cellar door where we are tasting it or if not in Central Otago then listen to Joe's advice and buy with confidence!!

Posted by: Jennie @ 15:03:11 - View comments (0)   Add a comment   |   Share on Facebook   |   Tweet this

Bird netting - 14 Feb 16

    Domain Road Vineyard - Bird netting - <p></p>
  • Bird netting - <p></p>
  • Bird netting - <p></p>
  • Bird netting - <p></p>
  • Bird netting - <p></p>
  • Bird netting - <p></p>
  • Bird netting - <p></p>
  • Bird netting - <p></p>

By this time next week both Domain Road and Defiance vineyards will look very different as once more we are putting nets over the vineyards before the birds start to realise that we have grapes ripening.  Most of the Pinot Noir grapes are now under cover - we do these first as birds are very discerning in their tastes and prefer Pinot to any other grape variety that we have!!  Fortunately the 30 degree days we have been having eased, instead though we had our first significant rainfall for months and quite strong winds so it has been a tough week for Fiona and her team - it is hard, physical work for all concerned.  

For those of you who have never visited us at this time of year - we mainly use overhead nets as they are more effective than side nets and still allow access for canopy management.  These photos give you some idea of the work that is involved.  

Posted by: Jennie @ 15:54:07 - View comments (0)   Add a comment   |   Share on Facebook   |   Tweet this

Water Race Riesling 2014 - 7 Feb 16

    Domain Road Vineyard - Water Race Riesling 2014 - <p>In the bottle - pour!</p>

    In the bottle - pour!

  • Water Race Riesling 2014 - <p>In the bottle - pour!</p>
  • Water Race Riesling 2014 - <p>In the glass - enjoy!</p>
  • Water Race Riesling 2014 - <p>In the vineyard - pick!</p>

From vine to wine - this week saw the release of our 2014 Water Race Riesling - it is almost two years since the grapes were hand-harvested from our vineyard on Domain Road but the wait has been well worth while.  Like our previous Water Race Rieslings the 2014 is dry in style, with a lovely balance between the amount of residual sugar retained and its crisp acidity.  Citrus aromas dominate on the nose with a hint of ginger and citrus and stone-fruit flavours come through on the palate.  So next time you are in Central Otago call in for a taste and maybe take a bottle or two home to have with your favourite fish or seafood meal.  

Posted by: Jennie @ 13:27:57 - View comments (0)   Add a comment   |   Share on Facebook   |   Tweet this

Romance in the vines - 7 Feb 16

Domain Road Vineyard - Romance in the vines - <p>Sunlight in the vines </p>

Sunlight in the vines

I've just been proven wrong - working in vineyards may not be that romantic at times but they are clearly considered to be romantic places.  Domain Road has had yet another first, this time a proposal of marriage amongst the Pinot Noir vines, the young man concerned even had the ring ready and luckily the young lady said 'yes' - the occasion was celebrated with a taste of our 'Paradise' Pinot Noir.  Very appropriate.  We wish them every happiness and who knows they may even decide to have a vineyard wedding!!.  

Posted by: Jennie @ 13:14:33 - View comments (0)   Add a comment   |   Share on Facebook   |   Tweet this