Clearview crowned supreme HB winery

15 November 2013

MEDIA RELEASE

Clearview crowned supreme HB winery

Three wineries went head to head in last night’s inaugural Great Hawke’s Bay Wine Off, and in a true David versus Goliath style, the smaller contender, Clearview Estate Winery was victorious.

The new event, held overlooking the Bay with guests watching the sun go down from The Peak, the revamped restaurant on Te Mata Peak, attracted 50 guests who voted for the wine they thought best matched each of the five courses served.

Competing were Trinity Hill, Rod McDonald Wines and Clearview, with the latter taking out all but the fourth of the five courses to be the undisputed winner. Now a wine bottle sculpture by Ricks Terstappen is resplendent at the beach side cellar door.

Triumphant Tim Turvey, Clearview co owner and winemaker, says he was humbled to win against heavy competition. He believes the fact that Clearview runs a restaurant on site at its Te Awanga winery was a strong factor in the win.

“We’ve run a restaurant for 20 years and matching wine with food is what we do. I guess it shows we’re good at it.”

He was also thrilled that the win validates Clearview’s winemaking skills. “We make wine for people to enjoy, and so to be voted as the best by those wine drinkers is a cool thing.”

James Taylor, The Peak general manager, believes the fun event was a great showcase for local wines, as well as showing off how well the revamped restaurant rose to the occasion as “an amazing venue”.

“We’re keen to remind people that Te Mata Peak is a special location and that once again there’s a venue to match, offering great food, fun events, and fantastic views.

“Everyone had a great night and enjoyed the spectacular food and wine. We’re thrilled with how it went and can’t wait to bring Clearview back to defend their title and the fantastic trophy they received next year.”

Courses and Clearview’s wine matches:

Honey & soy marinated yellow fin tuna

pickled baby vegetables & ginger, wasabi & crispy shallots

Clearview Coastal Gewürztraminer 2013

Tea smoked venison

beetroot puree, chocolate dukkah & young leaves

Clearview Old Olive Block 2009

Pan seared market fish

braised fennel, sauce vierge

Clearview Reserve Chardonnay 2012

Roasted breast of Duck

dauphinoise potato, shiitake & oyster mushrooms, pancetta & asparagus

Clearview Pinot Noir 2010

Dark chocolate & hazelnut delice

coffee & frangelico anglaise, strawberry nectar

Clearview Sea Red N/V

ENDS

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