Pinot, Politics, Parliament and Palates

Pinot, Politics, Parliament and Palates

Wellington, October 21

It was taste buds at twenty paces in parliament this evening as MP’s went up against the press gallery in a Pinot Noir taste-off to mark the launch of Pinot Noir 2010.

“As our most significant international wine and food event it seemed fitting that we should put the palates of MP’s and gallery journalists to the test,” said Pinot Noir 2010 Board Chairman and Villa Maria Group Winemaker, Alastair Maling MW.

Press Gallery Chair, Jane Patterson, and Minister of Economic Development Hon Gerry Brownlee lead their respective teams through a series of blind tastings and questions about the Pinot Noir they were sampling.

Points were scored as the regional differences, type of winemaking process and the general appeal of each wine was debated. And in the end the media team pulled ahead to win, not only bragging rights, but a handful of tickets to Pinot Noir 2010’s Grand Public tasting.

“The questions weren’t easy but it was obvious that both teams knew a lot about wine – and weren’t afraid to show it,” said Alastair.

Pinot Noir 2010 is held every three years with the 2007 event regarded as signalling the coming of age of our Pinot Noir.

“Pinot Noir 2010 is more than a wine event however – it is a four day exposé of our best wine food and hospitality – a truly New Zealand experience for a very influential audience,” said Alastair.

The official score in the taste off was 9 points to 8 to the media team.

Ends

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