Happy birthday sauvingnon blanc

Don’t break out the bubbles – best toast this one in still wine because it’s 30 years since Montana  first launched sauvingnon blanc.

Just think what’s happened since – arid, stoney farmland which wasn’t much use for growing grass has been transformed into vinyards. In the wake of the vinyards have come cafes, art galleries and other businesses providing more jobs and bringing new life to communities in places like Central Otago, North Canterbury, Malborough, Wairarapa and Hawkes Bay.

That’s had a huge impact on the domestic economy and  has earned significant export income:

. . . wine exports earned the country $1.25 billion last year.

Most of the Sav Blanc is grown in Marlborough and one of my favourites is that produced by Charles Wiffen.

First bbq of the season

It’s very pleasant to pass a Friday evening with good friends, a glass or two of wine (Charles Wiffen sauvignon blanc) and the first barbeque of the season.

However, just a wee quibble, having been to Argentina,  no food from a gas barbeque – not even fresh asapragus – can match that from an asado like this. . .

. . . which was cooked by an Argentinean friend for a party at our place in February.

Or this in Argentina:

Or this in Uruguay: