2022 ALBARINO, Left Field. Gisborne, New Zealand

Gisborne is a warm and quite humid area on the east coast of New Zealand’s north island – conditions not unlike those of Galicia in north west Spain, the home of Albarino.

Albarino; gently pressed, cool fermented and bottled early to retain maximum aromatics of this fairly delicate variety.

Left Field winery is in the Gimblett Gravels, part of the Hawkes Bay region. It’s part of the Te Awa estate, which is owned by Villa Maria. Winemaker is Richard Painter, who previously worked at various NZ wineries but also in Oregon and Washington State.
The idea is, obviously, to try out new projects and varieties in the ‘Left Field’ range.

Really successful attempt at a tricky grape variety. A touch fruitier than Spanish examples, but retaining delicacy and freshness. Great value too.