Rest of the World — By themiamiguide on November 19, 2009 at 8:30 pm
Filed under: Events, Food & Beverage, top-feature

Making the Miami – New Zealand Wine Connection

Is Miami a growing hub for the import and appreciation of beverages from around the world? In fact, the city has indeed become a key point on the national and global map for international wine consumption. As a crossroads between north and south, it’s not so surprising there is an expanding market here for varieties of wine from other parts of the Americas and Europe.

(credit: Jane Watkins)

Over the past seven years, Miami has also been home to the country’s leading wine trade show and Florida’s largest wine tasting event, the Miami International Wine Fair. Most recently, this Fair attracted more than 6,700 attendees, and presented more than 1,500 wines from 20 countries. No wonder Florida (including Miami) is ranked number 2 as the largest region in the U.S in wine consumption. What is even more interesting is that it has become a prime market for wines from points trans-Pacific — and New Zealand’s wines are a leader in this geographic category.

At the New Zealand Wine Showcase Miami 2009, a recent wine tasting event at South Beach’s Sagamore Hotel presented an extensive range of New Zealand vintners and their premium labels, received with the genuine enthusiasm among wine connoisseurs who turned out in force for the exhibit and tasting. New Zealand’s climate, geography, and human skill have combined to produce some highly distinctive, premium quality wines that are becoming a staple on the tables of Miami residents and easily available at local retail outlets. For instance, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is rated internationally as the definitive benchmark style for this varietal. And the growing recognition for New Zealand Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Syrah, Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon and sparkling wines are all further enhancing this Pacific nation’s position as a world-class producer of fine wines. New Zealand’s wine growing regions are situated over a distance of 1,600 kms (1,000 miles) from most northern to most southern. Vineyards exist in a wide rang of local climactic conditions and soil types, so highly distinctive regional flavors have emerged.

(credit: Jane Watkins)

Among the leading labels that are appearing on Miami dining tables these days and that were also a highlight at the recent NZ wine tasting in South Beach: Spy Valley - a Sauvignon Blanc from the vineyards at Marlborough (South Island); The Crossings - winegrowers also from the Marlborough region, producing an unoaked Chardonnay; Woollaston Estates - this winery produces high quality, distincitve wines in Nelson, New Zealand, using a natural approach and is implementing organic and biodynamic practices. Particularly impressive to the production of New Zealand wines is the commitment by the country’s winegrowers to sustainable wine growth by the year 2012.

New Zealand wines are presently available at a variety of outlets around the city, including Crown Wine & Spirits (a chain store in Miami), and La Bottega (in the Grove behind the Taurus, next to Calamari) – managed by Henry (former football voice for dolphins), and also Publix supermarkets. Wish Restaurant also has an extensive library of New Zealand wines for those going to dinner.