Cabernet Merlot and Syrah events wow guests to Hawke's Bay
For two whole days 29 and 30 January, the eyes of New Zealand winemakers and viticulturists along with international trade and media were on Hawke’s Bay. The lucky ones, or perhaps more organised, had secured a seat at the 130-delegate events that had sold out before Christmas; others were no doubt scanning the blogs of the leading wine media who attended to get first-hand reports on proceedings.
Unprecedented demand for the New Zealand Cabernet Merlot Forum and the New Zealand Syrah Symposium saw hosts Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Inc. develop an extensive waiting list while continuing to field enquiries from international media and wine dignitaries, hopeful of last minute places.
“These were major, major events for Hawke’s Bay. The speakers were world class and VIPs in the wine industry renowned as international experts. The events provided unparalleled opportunity for the domestic wine industry to gain insight and knowledge to benchmark Hawke’s Bay wines against world competition,” says Lyn Bevin, Executive Officer, HBWG.
The two programmes packed in technical research; market commentary, local and international case studies from Tim Atkin MW, Brian Croser AO, James Halliday, Evan Goldstein MS, Jason Yapp, Dr Kees van Leeuwen and Simon Tam. The presentations encouraged discussion in all areas of production including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and blends, plus Syrah.
A winery dinner provided the perfect atmosphere for delegates and guests to mingle over dinner on the Friday night.
During the Cabernet Merlot forum, Dr Kees van Leeuwen, Professor of Viticulture and head of the Vine Ecophysiology laboratory at ENITA – Bordeaux University, presented extensive case study experimental data from Chateau Cheval Blanc determining the answer to the question “What is the role of soil, climate and cultivar in the terroir effect?”
Definitive results from the study were provided with the conclusion climate and soil act on vine water status. Water deficit stress was determined to be a considerable and significant factor in terroir expression. To further illustrate the conclusions, delegates were treated to an amazing tasting of Saint-Emilion wines from five Chateaux, personally selected by Dr van Leeuwen.
“This was one of the most valued presentations of the day given the experience and expertise the audience was privileged to share,” says Rod McDonald, Chair of Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Inc.
Tim Atkin MW was one of the featured speakers at the Syrah Symposium and concluded the information packed day with a look at New Zealand Syrah versus world styles. Comprehensive, entertaining and thought provoking, Mr Atkin prodded delegates to look deeper into New Zealand Syrah and the regionality of the variety.
His presentation was capped off with a tasting of 10 wines of which two were from New Zealand. He challenged the audience to pick their origins and determine whether New Zealand Syrah provided distinctiveness. Craggy Range Le Sol Syrah 2007 represented Hawke’s Bay and Man O’War Dreadnought Syrah 2008 stood up for Waiheke Island against a collection that included wines from South Africa, Italy, Washington, Napa Valley in America, Chile and Israel.
Mr Atkin is world renowned and a wine correspondent for The Observer and Wine Editor at Large of Off License News. He also writes for Wine & Spirit, Woman and Home, The World of Fine Wine, The Economist’s Intelligent Life, Country House and Observer Food Monthly.
For more information:
Lyn Bevin,
Executive Officer
Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Inc.
Phone 876 3418 or 027 621 7891
Unprecedented demand for the New Zealand Cabernet Merlot Forum and the New Zealand Syrah Symposium saw hosts Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Inc. develop an extensive waiting list while continuing to field enquiries from international media and wine dignitaries, hopeful of last minute places.
“These were major, major events for Hawke’s Bay. The speakers were world class and VIPs in the wine industry renowned as international experts. The events provided unparalleled opportunity for the domestic wine industry to gain insight and knowledge to benchmark Hawke’s Bay wines against world competition,” says Lyn Bevin, Executive Officer, HBWG.
The two programmes packed in technical research; market commentary, local and international case studies from Tim Atkin MW, Brian Croser AO, James Halliday, Evan Goldstein MS, Jason Yapp, Dr Kees van Leeuwen and Simon Tam. The presentations encouraged discussion in all areas of production including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and blends, plus Syrah.
A winery dinner provided the perfect atmosphere for delegates and guests to mingle over dinner on the Friday night.
During the Cabernet Merlot forum, Dr Kees van Leeuwen, Professor of Viticulture and head of the Vine Ecophysiology laboratory at ENITA – Bordeaux University, presented extensive case study experimental data from Chateau Cheval Blanc determining the answer to the question “What is the role of soil, climate and cultivar in the terroir effect?”
Definitive results from the study were provided with the conclusion climate and soil act on vine water status. Water deficit stress was determined to be a considerable and significant factor in terroir expression. To further illustrate the conclusions, delegates were treated to an amazing tasting of Saint-Emilion wines from five Chateaux, personally selected by Dr van Leeuwen.
“This was one of the most valued presentations of the day given the experience and expertise the audience was privileged to share,” says Rod McDonald, Chair of Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Inc.
Tim Atkin MW was one of the featured speakers at the Syrah Symposium and concluded the information packed day with a look at New Zealand Syrah versus world styles. Comprehensive, entertaining and thought provoking, Mr Atkin prodded delegates to look deeper into New Zealand Syrah and the regionality of the variety.
His presentation was capped off with a tasting of 10 wines of which two were from New Zealand. He challenged the audience to pick their origins and determine whether New Zealand Syrah provided distinctiveness. Craggy Range Le Sol Syrah 2007 represented Hawke’s Bay and Man O’War Dreadnought Syrah 2008 stood up for Waiheke Island against a collection that included wines from South Africa, Italy, Washington, Napa Valley in America, Chile and Israel.
Mr Atkin is world renowned and a wine correspondent for The Observer and Wine Editor at Large of Off License News. He also writes for Wine & Spirit, Woman and Home, The World of Fine Wine, The Economist’s Intelligent Life, Country House and Observer Food Monthly.
For more information:
Lyn Bevin,
Executive Officer
Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Inc.
Phone 876 3418 or 027 621 7891
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