20CENT Style A trip to New Zealand with Rimapere
A journey to the antipodes
Here comes a new discovery in this 20/CENT Style section with Rimapere wines. This estate takes us to New Zealand's Marlborough Valley, the country's premier wine-growing region. During a pleasant lunch, thanks to Schenk Benelux, I had the opportunity to discover this vineyard, which extends over 24 hectares in a region conducive to the production of top-quality wines.
In the valley where the estate is located, the vines are protected from sea winds by the New Zealand Alps and from Pacific storms by the North Island. A river once threaded its way through the land, depositing layers of pebbles and gravel that form naturally draining alluvial terraces. These terraces are the source of the richness of the prestigious Rapaura area, where the 24-hectare Rimapere terroir is planted.
Five arrows
The estate is owned by the de Rotschild family, and the name Rimapere was chosen to mark the link with the land and the local people. But the name also means five arrows in the Maori language, and pays tribute to the owner's family by evoking the five sons of the founder of the Mayer Amschel Rothschild dynasty, who set out to conquer the world.
Great typicity and aroma
When you think of New Zealand, you immediately think of Sauvignon Blanc and perhaps also Pinot Noir for the specialists. And indeed, these are the grape varieties used on the estate, of which I was recently able to discover three quite typical, full-flavored wines.
- Rimapere Sauvignon Blanc: a 100% Sauvignon Blanc grape variety for a wine that can be enjoyed on its own as an aperitif, or with light dishes such as poultry or white meat.
- PLOT 101: a Sauvignon Blanc as well, but made with grapes hand-selected from a specific parcel on the estate that has preserved a very rich and particular soil composition.
- Rimapere Pinot Noir: 100% Pinot Noir grape variety, best enjoyed with white meat or veal. Very typical, with a hint of smoky toast.
Rimapere wines are available from the best wine merchants and restaurateurs.
More info : https://www.schenk-wine.com/en/negociant/schenk-benelux-2/
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