NZ & International Albariño

February 26, 2025 (Cuisine magazine Issue 228)

The growing popularity of albariño delights MARY-THÉRÈSE BLAIR

The 2024 Cuisine ‘other whites’ tasting will live in infamy as the first year that there were enough albariños to have their own class. New Zealand’s first albariño was made in 2011 and now the day we have dreamed of has finally arrived. Seeing the number of examples grow over the past years has been exhilarating for lovers of the varietal such as myself and head judge Simon Nunns.

To add to our collective giddiness, the top five wines come from Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough, which is a clear example that albariño can excel across a range of New Zealand terroirs and regions.

While this class is still small we believe it is far from its peak so we will do whatever we can to champion the wine. It’s not wholly selfish, it’s practically altruistic as we know that once you crack and sip your first New Zealand albariño from the selection below, you’ll thank us.

top NZ & International Albariño

Mount Fishtail Albariño 2024 (Marlborough)

When I first started out in this world of wine, Misty Cove was a brand that piqued my interest as it seemed to be on the same wavelength as was I. It aimed to do something different, to be fresh and modern in a world which has a reputation for being fusty and snobbish.

Its tagline is ‘Wine for Good Times’ and it’s an ethos that the team live and breathe. The small, hardworking team is looking to disrupt how wine ‘looks’ and how we think about this elixir in a bottle that is made to be shared and loved, not hoarded and analysed.

Way back then Misty Cove had a handful of wines, so it’s been a real joy to see the portfolio grow, new labels emerge and see this team succeed. Fishtail is a new sub-brand for Misty Cove that I have previously been unaware of, but it’s coming in strong as our top albariño for 2025 and I couldn’t be more thrilled.

Bright and punchy with a comingling of lemon and salt on the nose that is reminiscent of eating fish and chips on the beach (that’s a Kiwi meal that would be nothing short of divine with this wine). The palate is fresh and powerful with wonderful intensity of flavour and a juicy midpalate that just can’t seem to quit. Long and delicious and altogether moreish, it’s the perfect wine to share with friends and a salty snack while the days are still long and warm.

| $25
→ more 1 View All Results in the Mount Fishtail Albariño 2024 (Marlborough) Tasting

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