WINE: Nobilo Icon Pinot Noir & Sauvignon Blanc

November 24, 2012 at 8:25 am · Filed under Wine

We’ve never been to New Zealand, but friends who moved there from the U.S. love it.

It sounds like paradise: pristine waters, lots of sunshine and clean air, not to mention wonderful lamb and delicious wines.

Considered one of the great wine-growing regions of the world, Marlborough, located on the northeast coast of New Zealand’s South Island, is one of the country’s sunniest areas. The climate is perfect for growing crisp, zesty Sauvignon Blancs and complex yet fruity Pinot Noirs.

The Nobilo winery is one of the best in the region, with two award winning lines: Nobilo Regional Collection and Nobilo Icon. Founder Nikola Nobilo emigrated from Croatia in 1937, ordered by his uncle who saw the signs of what would become World War II.

Nikola and his family began to plant grapes in 1943, and pioneered planting of classic European grape varieties in New Zealand that produced higher quality wines than the hybrid grapes the industry had been planting.

We received a gift of a bottle of the Sauvignon Blanc and the Pinot Noir. Both honor their founder:

The full-bodied 2011 Sauvignon Blanc had a lovely nose of gooseberry, peach and lemon, with a rich palate. The citrus and gooseberry continue on the palate, along with a flinty minerality that we enjoy in Chablis. It’s impressive and well-priced at less than $20.00.

Nobilo Icon Pinot Noir, one of two delicious wines we enjoyed on Thanksgiving. Photo courtesy Nobilo Winery.

The rich 2011 Nobilo Icon Pinot Noir has classic pinot notes: berry aromas (blackberry, cherry, raspberry), with toasty oak and spice underpinnings. A classic wine to pair with beef, lamb and pork, it was delicious with the Thanksgiving turkey. It retails for about $23.00.

If you need to pick something nice for holiday meals and gifting, look for Nobilo Icon. The inspirational story behind it makes it even tastier.

Learn more on the winery’s website.

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