Nikki Callaway is not reticent about the 2014 vintage at Quails’ Gate Winery, where she is winemaker. “We were fortunate to have an incredible harvest, in both volume and in quality.” A prime example is the extremely fragrant, delicate gewürztraminer, loaded with tropical fruit notes braced by good acidity and even some allspice notes. A great aperitif wine, especially well-chilled, but the first courses you serve, such as grilled prawns or scallops laced with some chili flakes, will do well with this wine.
The 2014 Rosé, a dark pink colour, is another great example of how fruit-forward the vintage is. A blend of gamay noir (80 per cent), pinot noir (10 per cent) and pinot gris (10 per cent), the wine has bright fresh strawberry aromas, and a most welcome trace of black pepper, to give it that extra push. Charcuterie would be a great option, according to Callaway, and we concur. Perfect for watching the Cumberbatch/Freeman Sherlock Holmes stories.
