The Evolution of New Zealand Wine with Erica Crawford of Loveblock Wine

Summary

In this episode of Sipping Point, host Laurie Forster prepares for Thanksgiving by discussing how Sauvignon Blanc is perfect for your upcoming holiday meals. Laurie speaks with Erica Crawford who shares her journey from co-founding the iconic Kim Crawford brand to launching her new venture, Loveblock. She discusses the evolution of New Zealand wine, the unique characteristics of Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir as well as the benefits of screw caps. Erica emphasizes her commitment to organic and vegan-friendly winemaking practices, and introduces innovative techniques such as using green tea extracts in Sauvignon Blanc to enhance flavor without sulfites. The discussion also touches on the influence of terroir and biodynamics on wine production. They discuss the importance of terroir, the challenges of organic certification, and the growing presence of women in the wine industry. The dialogue is rich with insights on wine tasting, food pairings, and the personal experiences that shape winemaking.

Takeaways

Love Block represents a new vision focused on organic practices.
Pinot Gris from New Zealand offers a unique flavor profile compared to Italian versions.
Screw caps provide better preservation for wines compared to corks.
Organic winemaking practices enhance the quality and texture of wines.
Vegan-friendly wines replace traditional fining agents with plant-based alternatives.
Innovative techniques like tea extracts can replace sulfites in wine.
Terroir and lunar cycles significantly influence wine flavor and quality.
Terroir significantly influences the taste of wine.
Pinot Noir from Central Otago offers intense flavors.

Wines Tasted
Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc Sustainable Marlborough 2021
Loveblock Pinot Gris Sustainable Marlborough 2022
Loveblock TEE Sauvignon Blanc No Sulfur Added Sustainable Marlborough 2022
Loveblock Pinot Noir Sustainable Central Otago 2021Go here for all your Thanksgiving Resources from Wine Pairings, Chef Michael's carving video and more!