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More than 20,000 years ago, melting glaciers deposited enormous amounts of gravel in what is now New Zealand's most prestigious grape-growing region. In more recent times, the overflowing Wairau River left silt and river loam that also helps define the varietal's unique character. Hot summers and long, cool growing seasons encourage evenly ripened fruit and flavor concentration. Fresh and vibrant, this wine is a silky blend of ripe passion fruit, tangy citrus, tart apple and grapefruit with a crisp, well-balanced acidity. Very food friendly. Good with seafood dishes, asparagus with Hollandaise and other buttery sauces, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. Available at Cork & Bottle, Whole Foods Market-Uptown and Dorignac's. (Store listings current at press time.)

Questions? Email winediva1@earthlink.net.

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