Waimauku institution The Hunting Lodge has offered an innovative approach to create the ultimate summer varietal by launching New Zealand's first Crowd Blend Rosé.
Over 500 participants were sent three types of base Rosés to blend. Wine X was vibrant and generous, Wine Y more fragrant and refined, and lastly Wine Z opulent and expressive. Each participant created their preferred blend and a social media competition launched the search for the 2018 varietal name.
The 500 blends were averaged by Chief winemaker Pete Turner and have now created the profile for this year's Rosé release, with each "winemakers" name printed on the bottle. The winning name selected was Summer Mojo.
The Hunting Lodge trialled the initiative last year through friends, family and locals and the overwhelmingly positive response encouraged the winery to offer this year’s blend to the general public.
Chief winemaker Pete Turner says this year’s Crowd BlendTMproves New Zealanders’ taste for a pale and subtle Rosé, with a touch of sweetness.
“The Summer Mojo is a fragrant and seamless wine, with a harmonious balance of natural acidity and subtle residual sweetness, it will undoubtedly be a popular choice for the summer months,” Turner said.
Tasting notes include delicate white florals and strawberries which embellish the nose with shades of melon and yellow peach. The palate is lively, teeming with guava and red berry fruits, and finishing with a twist of Crème Brule.
