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FT-Mar17-eMag

TOP FIVE AMERICAN WINES STRONG BEER OF BUTTERFLIES Nestled into Yealands’ vast Seaview vineyard in Marlborough is ‘Butterfly Gully’ which, for several years, has been planted in more than 200 swan plants to attract monarch butterflies. Over the summer months the gully, which is sunny and well protected from the wind, attracts spectacular orange wings. While swan plants host monarch caterpillars from egg to chrysalis, the bright wild flowers between the rows of vines provide nectar for the adult butterflies. Further along the gully, stinging nettle has been planted to host the caterpillars of multi-coloured red and yellow admiral butterflies. Head groundsman James Morison has become an enthusiastic lepidopterist and has worked closely with the NZMBT to establish the butterfly friendly garden, Yealands founder Peter Yealands says there is “something joyous about butterflies that makes our vineyard team smile. And when you learn more about them; their diversity, lifecycle and vulnerability; you can get pretty passionate about helping them survive and flourish.” Butterfly gully has been incorporated into Yealands’ White Road Tour, which enables visitors to drive through the vast vineyard and learn about wine-making, sustainability and biodiversity. Informational signs describe the metamorphosis of the butterflies and the plants they need. www.foodtechnology.co.nz 35 SEES BIG INCREASE High-strength available beer has doubled in five years, with Statistics New Zealand reporting low-strength beer was down in 2016. “Although the total volume of beer available increased in 2016, low-strength beer was down on 2015,” international statistics manager Nicola Growden says. “In contrast, high-strength beer continued to rise. The volume has doubled in the past five years, reflecting the growing demand for craft beers.” In 2016, 17% more high-strength beer was available, compared with a rise of 38% in 2015. Growden says highstrength beer with an alcohol content above 5% helped to drive a 3.7% lift in total beer volumes, with low-strength beer volumes falling 3.5%. The total volume of all alcoholic drinks rose 4.2 percent in 2016, with increases in each division - beer, wine and spirits. This contrasts with 2015 when there was little overall change in the total volume available, and a 2% fall in 2014. “There was enough alcohol for each adult New Zealander to drink the equivalent of two standard drinks a day,” Growden says. “This is 500ml of 5% alcohol beer, or two glasses of wine per person.” Statistics NZ compiles alcohol statistics from figures on alcoholic beverages produced for local consumption, on which duty is paid, and imports less re-exports. The statistics provide information on the volume of alcoholic beverages released to the market, and therefore what is available for consumption rather than actual consumption. BEAUTY THE Yealands Family Wines has gained certification as New Zealand’s first Butterfly Friendly Organisation by the Moths and Butterflies Trust of New Zealand. WINE ON THE WAY The value of New Zealand wine imported into the United States has grown significantly in the past 12 months, according to a recent Gomberg Fredrikson Report. Last year the total value of New Zealand wine imported into the US reached US$400 million, now only surpassed by Italy (US$1,960 million) and France (US$1,589 million). “To be third ranking in terms of value in the world’s largest wine market is outstanding, especially given New Zealand produces less than one per cent of the world’s wine,” New Zealand Winegrowers chief executive Philip Gregan says. New Zealand wine, especially Sauvignon Blanc, continues to grow at a rate much faster than the total market, Gomberg Fredrikson Report owner Jon Moramarco says. “The growth doesn’t surprise me, just because of the quality and value of what New Zealand has to offer.” New Zealand wine exports now stand at $1.61 billion, up 5% for the year ending January 2017. New Zealand wine is exported to more than 90 countries, and is New Zealand’s seventh largest export good. According to the ‘World’s Top Most’ website, the top five American wines to seek out this year are: 5 4 32 1 Wines that Rock Rolling Stones ‘Forty Licks’ 2012 Merlot (US$17)…a vintage feel tried and tested with a rich aroma of apricot and cherries Bon Affair 2012 Sauvignon Blanc Spritzer (US$15)… sparkling white wine that serves as a great alternative to champagne and is sugar-free Veuve Clicquot Brut (US$60)…expensive, but still manages to sweep you off your feet with the first sip Chocolate Shop Red Wine (US$15)…hailing from Washington, this wine has an alluring aroma of dark chocolate with slight bits of cocoa powder that lurk in the taste buds ONEHOPE Californian Sauvignon Blanc (US$11)…a Napa Valley wine that’s aged in stainless steel and exudes a tang of squeezed lime.


FT-Mar17-eMag
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