WINE SHOWS A “WONDERFUL SCHOOL”
Diversity is the key to life . . . just ask Gisborne Wine Awards chair of judges, Simon Nunns.
He’s very keen to see more diversity in New Zealand wine, and in his eyes, Gisborne isn’t doing too badly.
“Gisborne is super lucky to have Riversun here,” says Mr Nunns, who headed the six-strong judging panel this week.
Riversun is applauded as New Zealand's leading supplier of certified grafted grapevines, and supply most of the country’s top vineyards.
“They brought in the last shipment of new cultivars to New Zealand, and are the perfect place for local growers to introduce new vines. It isn’t easy to get new cultivars in – it takes a lot of time and money and there are strict laws in place.”
As an island nation, Mr Nunns says there is plenty to protect.
As winemaker for Coopers Creek, Mr Nunns sources a lot of his grapes from Gisborne, including many an award-winning drop.
This is the third time he has judged at the regional wine awards, but has also twice been a judge at the International Chardonnay Challenge.
“I like coming here,” he says.
And he has a strong family connection too – his father was born in Gisborne and by his own admission, one of his earliest memories is of a family reunion in the city, back in the 1970s.
“I have a good deal of enthusiasm and passion for Gisborne,” he says.
But he stops short of naming a favourite wine or grape.
“Most years we make wine from up to 16 varieties across both red and white, that come from Auckland, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough and Central Otago. I consider myself lucky because every region does different things well.”
For him, the top wines in the 2015 awards were “delightful” but some fell a little short of expectation from what were excellent vintages.
A judge at many top shows, Mr Nunns says such events are about bettering wines and promoting regions.
“It is about pulling all the threads together,” he says. “And they are always a great opportunity to learn from others. One of the keys of wine judging is not just knowing a lot, but being willing to learn. It is a wonderful school.”
