NZ & International Méthode Traditionnelle Tasting results

01 November 2024 (Cuisine magazine Issue 226)

New Zealand méthode traditionnelle continues to improve and MARY- THÉRÈSE BLAIR sees no reason for that to change.

Méthode Traditionnelle is a very exciting class of wines to judge as the quality of New Zealand’s méthode is forever in the ascendance. Both the quality of the fruit and the production improve year on year as our understanding grows of how to make this most technical of wines, which would test the patience of the most saintly winemaker (not to speak of the winery accountant). The addition of international méthodes allows our judges to assess those who have been making these wines through the ages against us sparkling newbies here in New Zealand. While we are improving our quality with each passing vintage, there’s no reason to believe that we have reached the zenith in terms of quality, which simply means the best is still yet to come. Now that’s something to raise a toast to this Christmas and New Year.

top NZ & International Méthode Traditionnelle

Lindauer Special Reserve Blanc de Blancs NV (Gisborne)

I have a deep affinity for Lindauer Special Reserve Blanc de Blancs as each glass is loaded with good memories. Some years ago, during my time working at Lion (which produces Lindauer), I got to truly understand the quality behind the brand. I worked at Lion for three years and it was one of the happiest professional times of my life. Our team, led by the incomparable Suse, worked hard and celebrated every success as a team – with Lindauer Special Reserve Blanc de Blancs. In fact, it was Suse who encouraged me to pursue the WSET qualification that ultimately jump- started me into the world of wine writing, and for that I’m eternally grateful.

A respected wine critic once told me that the Lindauer Special Reserve Blanc de Blancs was one of the best New Zealand bubbles, in the worst bottle. His comment was in no way a slight on the Lindauer production or marketing teams, but the recognition that people had a preconceived negativity when it comes to Lindauer; a notion that I have yet to understand because time after time these wines win big accolades. Is it any surprise that they do so in blind tastings?

There is no doubt our team of judges were impressed; a rich gold-yellow in the glass with honeyed aromas of toast and brioche on the complex nose alongside fresh lemon citrus that gives an aromatic lift in the glass. The palate has elegance and refinement with a creamy complexity and mouthwatering minerality all culminating in a crisp, refreshing finish.