FFW 2021 Wine Catalogue

New Zealand and Australia

NEWWORLD NEWZEALANDANDAUSTRALIA We at Farthinghoe are only just beginning our wine relationship with Australia. A hugely important player in the world of wine, and a place I was lucky enough to live in for almost 3 years in the early 90s. Huge players like Penfolds , part of Treasury wine estates, Yalumba , and McGuigan ensure a ready volume of great drinking wine for the world, and equally, of course there are amultitude of small estates turning out some exceptional juice.

Otago - a winery we have beenworking with since it was founded in 2002. These constitute a large part of my own cellar. Situated in the South Island of New Zealand, Central Otago’s dramatic vineyard-scape is the world’s most southern, and the country’s highest. Climate is semi-continental with frosts often occurring, high sunshine hours averaging 1,973 per annum, tempered by cool nights, making for a harsh environment for

vines, so site selection is critical. Pinot Noir is king here, occupying 1,484 hectares, followed by Pinot Gris at 226 hectares, Riesling at 86 hectares and Chardonnay with 52 hectares. Sauvignonmakes a cameo appearance with 45 hectares, in stark contrast toMarlborough in the north of the South Island where it rules. “Central,” as it is known, is responsible for only 2.4% of total New Zealand wine production, but WOW – the Pinot is good! Akitu , whose first vintage came in 2012, has been a complete pleasure to work with, and I am so thrilled with howwell it has gone down. The 2016 vintage saw it become the first NZ red to win 3 trophies at the International Wine Challenge 2018, sweeping the board for “Best New Zealand Red”, “Best Central Otago andWanaka Pinot Noir” and “Vest New Zealand Pinot Noir”. Do enjoy its outrageous drinkability, and I will look forward to hearing your comments.v Julian Chamberlen

I visited the Yarra valley north of Melbourne in February 2018, and if you are heading to Melbourne, I recommend wholeheartedly heading there yourselves. It takes about an hour to get there. I tasted at five wineries, the best of which was the impressive Giant Steps . Owned and run by Phil Sexton, who founded Devils Lair over inMargaret River, this boutique operation produces some amazingmineral Chardonnays, so far removed from the oily, richOzzie chardonnays of old, and pure, expressive Pinot Noir. I assure you, you will enjoy their easy engaging style and effortless drinkability. These wines are really very good indeed. For a very comprehensive commentary on the Australian wine scene, have a look at Matthew Jukes’ 100 Best AustralianWines. New Zealand is home to bountiful wines, and we are buyers of many of them, including Cloudy Bay , Felton Road , and themighty and ever increasingly respected Akitu in Central

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WINE CATALOGUE