This series of reviews stems from a blind tasting of three white wines, all of which were touted as typical representations of their respective terroir/location. Our journey began in Burgundy, France, and ended in Alto Adige, Italy, via Marlborough, New Zealand.
For our pick of the lot, read on…
Wine 1: Louis Jadot Pouilly-Fuissé
Vintage: 2014
Producer: Louis Jadot
Region/Country: Pouilly-Fuissé, Bourgogne, France
Grape Varietal(s): Chardonnay
Consumed: At home
Cost: $36.95
Bottle Presentation: Traditional, distinctive, easily recognizable label.
Appearance: Medium gold.
Nose: Light intensity with initial notes of perfume, pear, white peaches, and nuttiness. This evolved into brioche, vanilla, popcorn, and some tropical notes as the wine opened.
Taste: Dry, medium acidity, low tannins, and medium-to-full body, with flavours of butter, steely minerality, wet stone, lime, and white grapefruit rind.
Finish: Short and, to be honest, lacking a little in complexity.
Rating: 85/100
Value: 2/5
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Wine 2: Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc
Wine 2: Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon BlancVintage: 2015
Producer: Dog Point Vineyard
Region/Country: Marlborough, New Zealand
Grape Varietal(s): Sauvignon Blanc
Consumed: At home
Cost: $24.95
Bottle Presentation: A clean, easy-to-read label.
Appearance: Pale lemon.
Nose: Light intensity with classic aromas of elderflower, asparagus, grass, dandelions, and minerals.
Taste: Dry, medium acidity, low, bitter tannins, and a light body, with notes of lemon rind, green apples, and minerals.
Finish: Medium, bitter finish.
Rating: 88/100
Value: 3/5
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Wine 3 Name: Peter Zemmer Pinot Grigio
Wine 3 Name: Peter Zemmer Pinot GrigioVintage: 2014
Producer: Peter Zemmer
Region/Country: Alto Adige, Südtirol, Italy
Grape Varietal(s): Pinot Grigio
Consumed: At home
Cost: $16.95
Bottle Presentation: Modern, clean, classy appearance.
Appearance: Pale lemon.
Nose: Light intensity, with aromas of tropical fruit (lychee, banana), pear and citrus.
Taste: Off-dry, medium-to-high acidity, low-to-medium tannins, and a light body, with notes of spices (white pepper), lemon rind, white flowers, and a touch of caramel.
Finish: Medium, agreeable citrus finish.
Rating: 86/100
Value: 4/5
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Overall Impressions:
The Louis Jadot, a good representation of an oaked Chardonnay from Burgundy (Pouilly-Fuissé), came across as balanced, with an array of flavours, including fruit, perfume, butter/brioche, and minerality. We would be interested in comparing this offering with a Premier Cru or Grand Cru from the same producer to see how the aroma and flavour complexity develops for Burgundian whites. The finish left us wanting more. But, overall, a good Chardonnay.
The New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc provided a classic representation of the varietal. With layers of tastes and aroma, it complexity shone through. As a bonus, the finish proved agreeable, without the harshness often associated with Sauvignon Blanc. Although not the best we have had from the region, the Dog Point Vineyard showcases many of the attributes that make New Zealand such an impressive Sauvignon Blanc producer, and it earned our top marks.
The Pinot Grigio from Alto Adige, with its tropical notes, was arguably closer in style to French Pinot Gris than the more neutral Italian Pinot Grigios. Easy to drink, we enjoyed this wine on its own, but we could also see it paired with an array of foods or being enjoyed on its own. Although it had slightly less complexity than the Sauvignon Blanc, it offered excellent value for the quality. We will be looking to get an extra bottle in our cellar for a warm summer evening.