If Kiwi wine drinkers aren’t already over the prolonged winter chill, two new releases from Ti Point will certainly have them salivating about the summer ahead. The Matakana Coast grown wines, a traditional Rose and a White Merlot with just the faintest hint of blush, have been released this month with summer in mind.
Both wines are from the 2015 vintage, which saw Ti Point benefit from its stunning coastal vineyard locations north of Auckland, harvesting healthy grapes with vibrant fruit flavours and crisp refreshing acidity.
The Merlot grapes for the 2015 Matakana Coast Rose were hand picked and chilled overnight, before a light crush and pressing to release the delicate coloured juice, which was fermented in stainless steel to retain its freshness and abundance of flavours. It is a distinct and delightful Rose with aromas and flavours of crushed strawberries and grenadine with a touch of herbes de Provence. It flows across the palate like a ribbon of silk and has a satisfying refreshing finish. The secret to the 2015 Matakana Coast White Merlot came from handpicking, chilling and whole bunch pressing the fruit to minimise colour extraction. This enabled the retention of the Merlot’s savoury fruit flavours without the colour. A delicate blush of the palest salmon pink colour, the rich but fresh wine has aromas of peach, almond and vanilla bean with a touch of cherry blossom. On the palate it is round and velvety with almond and red cherry flavours. Elegant and finely structured, it finishes with clean, lingering, summer fruit flavours.
The result is a pair of stylish and elegant wines that cry out to be enjoyed with family, friends and food over the months ahead.
2015 Ti Point Matakana Coast Rose and 2015 Ti Point Matakana Coast White Merlot are available at selected fine wine retailers throughout New Zealand.
