The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2019 - Issue 26

bite drinks Totara - Marlborough, New Zealand T he name of this winery is taken from the Totara tree which is native to New Zealand and has long been revered by the indigenous Maori, as well as early European settlers for its diverse qualities and uses. “The Totara possesses strength and durability, properties we strive to emulate with the Totara wines brand.” True to their region, Totara expresses typical varietal charac- ters, complexity, and like the Totara tree, are made for longevity. The fruit and winemaking techniques used in the production of these wines are focused on producing wines with a point of difference, and to be food-friendly in style. Alan Peters-Oswald joined the Totara Wines team as a winemaker in October 2010, bringing with him a desire to promote the regional and varietal identity of each of the Totara wines. Based in Marlborough, he spent his early years in Central Otago and is excited to produce and promote wines from two regions that have had a huge influence on his winemaking career. Totara Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is described as a bright yellow in the glass, with hints of green at the core. This wine is punchy and aromatic on the nose showing notes of lemon, passion fruit, and honeydew melon. Refreshingly lively on the palate, you will discover a core of rich citrus, stone fruit, and a mouth-watering minerality. It drinks wonderfully for 2-3 years from vintage and pairs with all seafood dishes, salads, goat cheese, and spicy Thai or Indian food. www.totarawines.co.nz Images courtesy of The Hairy Arm Wine Co Kelman - D ã o, Portugal O ne of the oldest demarcated (DOC) wine regions in Portugal, Dão, is located between the Mondego and the Dão rivers in the north-centre part of the country, a mountainous region with a temperate climate. Located in Nelas, in the heart of the Dão region and home to historical sites such as Vilar Seco and Santar, the Kelman Family Vineyard is run by husband-and-wife team Rafael and Juliana Kelman. Rafael is a civil engineer with an MSc in water resources and a PhD in systems engineering and works as a consultant in the water and energy sectors. Juliana who has duo-citizen- ship (Brazilian and Portuguese) is a business executive with a Bachelor’s degree and MBA in Marketing and has extensive experience in the advertising industry. Their vineyard has six hectares that were planted in 2000 with traditional grape varieties in which Touriga Nacional accounts for more than 50%. Kelman Encruzado Reserva white wine is described as fresh and youthful, with white fruit aromas flecked with hints of tropical fruit. It has some toasted and citrine notes present while the mouth presents itself fresh with good acidity and minerality. The five months of bâtonnage is balanced on the palate by bracing minerality, with a saline hint to the flavour profile. This full-bodied wine has structure, volume, and a lingering aftertaste and is best enjoyed with fish or white meats. www.kelman.pt/home Images courtesy of Kelman