Wines Hawke's Bay Church Road - 1 - 2021

Church Road Cuvée 1 2021 from Hawke's Bay is a vibrant expression of New Zealand’s winemaking prowess. As a red wine, its precise blend is not specified, but many of the region’s top reds are known to be blends often inspired by Bordeaux, possibly incorporating varietals such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, or Malbec. The vintage 2021 reflects a recent harvest, likely offering a generous fruit profile with appealing freshness and structure. Church Road is a respected name, renowned for combining modern technique with respect for tradition, and the wine is likely matured in a mix of tanks and possibly some oak, enhancing its complexity and ageing potential.

Hawke’s Bay, situated on the east coast of the North Island, is New Zealand’s oldest and second-largest wine region. It benefits from a warm maritime climate with long sunshine hours and cooling sea breezes. The region’s alluvial soils, gravel beds and varied topography enable the production of ripe, characterful reds with finesse and depth. Historically, Hawke’s Bay has prided itself on producing some of New Zealand’s most prestigious reds. The area’s reputation is especially strong for its red blends, often mirroring the classic French styles but with a unique New Zealand vibrancy.

A wine of this style pairs excellently with hearty dishes. Think roast lamb or beef, especially with herbs such as rosemary or thyme, to complement the likely herbal and spicy notes in the wine. Rich game dishes, such as venison or duck, would also suit the wine’s depth. For a local touch, slow-cooked New Zealand lamb shanks or a robust beef and kumara pie would be marvellous companions.

For optimum enjoyment, serve this red at 16-18°C after allowing it to breathe to express its full aromatic potential. If you wish to cellar the wine, it should develop well over the next few years, gaining further complexity and depth.