Lighter easier drinking wines are filling the shelves at our favorite wine shops. There are many wine choices, some we seek out to enjoy for a special occasion, others we stock up on for all occasions.
Mt. Beautiful wines are made in the Southern Hemisphere. The vineyards are located in North Canterbury, the South Island of New Zealand. Mt. Beautiful is named after the group of mountains along the coastal range within eyes view. The country is known for its breathtaking scenery and beautiful wines.
New Zealand sits in the middle of the South Pacific, adjacent to Australia, made up of two islands called the North Island and South Island. The North Island is smaller and more populated than the South Island, which is filled with lakes, rivers, glaciers, mountains, volcanoes, and sheep. Both Islands produce wine.
The country has 10 main wine regions. The cooler maritime climate conditions create wines with very distinct characteristics. The Marlborough region (South Island) basically put New Zealand on the map as a wine region with its renowned Sauvignon Blanc. White grape varietals dominate the landscapes, and the Rieslings are famous from Canterbury, and for reds New Zealand Pinot Noir is some of the best I have tasted.
The North Canterbury wine region can be found on the east coast on the South Island, not far from the Pacific Ocean. Mt. Beautiful wines are the expression of the wild, rugged and breathtakingly scenic region. Only seven miles from the Pacific Ocean, their namesake, Mt. Beautiful, protects the vineyards from harsh sea winds.
New Zealand native, Dr. David J. Teece, a well-known scholar, author, and entrepreneur, spent two years searching for the ideal place to pioneer an undiscovered region and fulfill a dream of bringing the best of New Zealand to the world. In 2003, he found the perfect place to attain his mission of producing certified-sustainable, estate-grown, and distinctively restrained wines.
Mt. Beautiful wines are unique from most New Zealand wines by way of their location in up-and-coming North Canterbury, but they are also different in style. The wine style captures the essence of New Zealand while embracing a more restrained approach. Consulting winemaker Sam Weaver describes the winemaking style as clean wines with "drive" and length of flavor. They show abundant fruit but “pull in the reins” to manage it with more balance. All of the wines carry the North Canterbury appellation and are 100% varietal.
Mt. Beautiful wines exceed expectations. The Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, Rosé are all delicious, and the Pinot Noir is a show stopper.
The wines are affordable ($16-$30), easy to drink, and pair beautifully with seasonally fresh foods or opened for special occasions.
2016 Mt. Beautiful Pinot Noir
Violet aromas followed by vibrant berry fruit flavors.
2018 Mt. Beautiful Sauvignon Blanc
Floral aromas and tropical fruit flavors that sustain a smooth balance with each sip.
2018 Mt. Beautiful Rosé
Dry yet very refreshing with floral notes and flavors of sweet cherry, orange marmalade, and some dried herbs. A great go to summer wine!
For more information, visit mtbeautiful.com
Cheers!