Wine of the Week

New Zealand winemaker extraordinaire Kim Crawford shot through Austin a few weeks ago leaving a trail of happy wine consumers and professionals. He made sure everyone around him had the chance to taste his world famous Sauvignon Blanc ($15).

These grapes are grown in the Marlborough region’s Wairau Valley and the neighboring Awatere Valley and instantly recognizable by their pile driver grapefruit aromas. As popular as his Sauvignon Blanc is in the U.S., it’s his clean flavored Unoaked Chardonnay ($15) that is the most popular at home.

It is a Chablis style wine with clean acidity tropical fruit aromas.

But the stunner of his latest vintage is the Kim Crawford Small Parcels “Favourite Homestead” Pinot Gris ($28). This white wine is made from the grape that the people of Alsace like to pair with pork! It is plenty potent with powerful aromas and a brawny texture that you usually only find in far more expensive wines. Try it along with grilled pork tenderloin (if we ever again have a cool enough night to have an outdoor party) and be prepared to be amazed. This is the best Kim Crawford wine I’ve experienced.