Would you pay more for an organic wine? Demand is growing in Europe, especially among young, urban, high-income earners concerned about the environment. Many are willing to pay about €3 ($5) extra for an organically certified bottling.
About 10% of New Zealand’s wine producers are fully or partly organic. Compared with many other countries, demand here was slow until recently, reports Erica Crawford, co-owner of Loveblock Wines in Marlborough, but it is now rising. “Dedicated organic wine shops and restaurants, and retailers highlighting organic status on menus and shelf talkers, are happening more often.”
$25 AND UNDER
Decibel Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2022
This characterful, single-vineyard, merlot-based rosé was grown in the Bridge Pā Triangle. Bright, light pink, it has generous peach, strawberry and spice flavours and is fresh and finely balanced. (13% alc/vol) $24
Greenhough River Garden Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Grown on the Waimea Plains, this consistently rewarding wine is mostly handled in tanks; a small portion is fermented and lees-aged in French oak casks. Freshly aromatic, it is medium-bodied with intense, vigorous tropical-fruit and herbaceous flavours woven with appetising acidity, and has a dry finish. (12.5% alc/vol) $22
Loveblock Marlborough Pinot Gris 2022
This characterful,
