The Independent

The average bottle price for Kiwi wine may be down to 5.68 from more than 6, but there's no need to panic, says ANTHONY ROSE. New Zealand is 'still way ahead of its closest rival with only Australia and France hurdling 4 a bottle, while the rest of the world languishes on a puny 3.85'. One of the reasons for this success, he continues, is 'because it plants only two hectares to every 15ha in Australia, it has had to make its voice heard by putting quality before big brands'. Malborough is still the region in the starring role with wines such as Jackson Estate Sauvignon (9.99; Tesco), although Rose discovers that other regions and varieties are beginning to make an impact. One example is 2004 Vidal Riesling (7.50-8.24; Kingsgate Wines, Wimbledon Wine Cellar, Noel Young Wines).

The Independent

The average bottle price for Kiwi wine may be down to 5.68 from more than 6, but there's no need to panic, says ANTHONY ROSE. New Zealand is still way ahead of its closest rival with only Australia and France hurdling 4 a bottle, while the rest of the world languishes on a puny 3.85'. One of the reasons for this success, he continues, is because it plants only two hectares to every 15ha in Australia, it has had to make its voice heard by putting quality before big brands'. Malborough is still the region in the starring role with wines such as Jackson Estate Sauvignon (9.99; Tesco), although Rose discovers that other regions and varieties are beginning to make an impact. One example is 2004 Vidal Riesling (7.50-8.24; Kingsgate Wines, Wimbledon Wine Cellar, Noel Young Wines).

The Sunday Express

JAMIE GOODE seeks out the best wines to suit Japanese cuisine. His first choice is 2004 Devils Rock Riesling (4.49; widely available): 'Wines like this are in danger of making German Riesling popular again. No, really.' He also picks 2004 Tesco Mcon Blanc Villages Chardonnay (4.99): 'This is a crisp, fresh all-rounder with a nice hint of lemon and apple and a minerally edge. You could match this with almost anything.' His last selection is Villa Maria Private Bin Gewurztraminer (8.25; Waitrose): 'With a sweet, musky smell of grape and melon, this remarkable white couples a rich texture with lovely fresh fruit.' n

The Sunday Telegraph

Rich, aromatic and white is the order of the day from GILES KIME and he suggests trying a 2004 Villa Maria Private Bin Gewurztraminer (8.05; Waitrose) or a Brown Brothers Pinot Gris (6.99; Waitrose). n

The Daily Mail

In the first of a six-part series examining grape varieties, MATTHEW JUKES chooses his favourite Sauvignon Blancs. His Wine of the Week is the 'very laid-back, mellifluous' 2004 Palliser Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Martinborough (10.49; D Byrne, Connolly's of Birmingham, Hoults of Huddersfield, Philglas & Swiggot). Other examples of this 'cheery, cheeky category of wine' to get the Jukes seal of approval include 2004 Quincy, Cuve Villalin, Domaine Jacques Rouz (8.40; Haynes, Hanson & Clark); and 2005 Dolphin Bay Sauvignon Blanc (3.99; Marks & Spencer).

The Sunday Telegraph

Likewise, GILES KIME's New Zealand Sauvie selection includes 2004 Asda Marlborough (5.48); 2004 Jackson Estate (8.99; Waitrose); and 2004 Sanctuary (6.99; Sainsbury's).

The Sunday Telegraph

To accompany Chinese food, GILES KIME selects 2004 Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Gris (6.99; Waitrose); 2004 Cono Sur Pinot Noir (4.99; Majestic); and 2003 Via Floriana Chardonnay (3.99, Sainsbury's).

Ara leases land to biodiesel New Zealand

Marlborough-based Winegrowers of Ara has leased 760 hectares of its land in New Zealand's South Island to solid energy business, Biodiesel New Zealand.

Montana winery commits to green packaging

New Zealand producer Montana has underlined its commitment to environmentally sound packaging and processes at its vineyards and wineries.

New Zealand Tasting: Podcast

The first Harpers' podcast, sponsored by New Zealand Winegrowers and produced by the UK Wine Show, gives behind-the-scene insight at this industry tasting.

Villa Maria picks up NZ Champion Wine Award

Villa Maria's Reserve Syrah 2006 has won the Champion Wine of Show Trophy in the 2008 Royal Easter Show.

Villa Maria hears Pinot persuasion

Over 80 Villa Maria grape growers have heard the argument for increasing the imports of New Zealand Pinots into the UK market.

Delegat's predicts 20% revenue increase in 2008

New Zealand wine export firm Delegat's is predicting 20% revenue increases in 2008.

New Masters of Wine announced

Seven new Masters of Wine (MW) were announced last night at the Institute of Masters of Wine Annual Reception including a Tesco buyer, two Australians and the first MW from Sweden.

Cloudy Bay spices it up

New Zealand producer Cloudy Bay is to launch its 2004 Gewurztraminer via its online search facility, Cloudy Bay Locator.

Ros Champagne boosts LVMH sales

Luxury goods company, Louis Vuitton Mot Hennessy (LVMH), has announced its wine and spirit sales have risen 9%.

Australia wins a third of all Gold medals

IWSC awards the country with 44 Best in Class and six Golds.

Tesco launches autumn wine promotion

UK: Tesco's autumn wine festival has wine discounts of up to 50%

Phylloxera strikes in New Zealand

A wine estate in Wairarapa has been hit by phylloxera, making it likely that the entire region will become infected.

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