April is Earth Month, a time where we should all pay attention to wineries that pay attention to the 3 P’s: people, planet, and finally, profit, especially during this time of COVID 19.
So you might want to pay attention to Waipapa Bay Wines which pledges support for Whale and Dolphin Conservation by aiding efforts in protecting whales and dolphins in oceans around the world via Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), “the leading global charity dedicated to the conservation and protection of whales, dolphins and their ocean home. Their mission is to educate people on the significant ecological role whales and dolphins play in the marine ecosystem, and inspire global action to protect them. This is not a noble gesture, but an essential means to sustain the future of our Earth by increasing the planet’s climate resiliency.”
As a global organization founded in 1985 WDC “has led the charge on protections for whales and dolphins in all our world’s oceans, an essential means to sustain the future of the planet’s climate resiliency and future. WDC has around 80 staff worldwide working in six locations dedicated to research and action to support this mission.”
WDC’s Melissa Walker says “The future of grape growing and agriculture overall are dependent on healthy oceans, so it is imperative that we unite for this common goal.” Waipapa Bay Wines pledges to “support WDC in their four principal goals—end captivity, stop whaling, create healthy seas, and prevent accidental deaths in fishing gear—with a particular emphasis on raising awareness for the intern program, which fosters careers in conservation biology for young adults.
According to a press release, “The name Waipapa Bay comes from a renowned whale-watching coastal site on the South Island of New Zealand where Brent and Shirley Rawstron—who oversee viticulture and winemaking—often visit when traveling to the vineyards in Marlborough.”
The press release states that “Waipapa Bay Wines reflect and respect the stunning, natural beauty of the place they take their name from–Waipapa Bay. ..The close proximity to the Pacific Ocean provides ideal climatic conditions for the vines to thrive and gives a signature fresh character that carries through each of the four wines.” For more visit: waipapabaywines.com.
Waipapa White Wines from Marlborough, NZ
- Sauvignon Blanc SRP $15
- Pinot Gris SRP $15
- Chardonnay SRP $15
Vegetarian Earth Friendly Menu
- Cheeses, vegan brie, vegan mushroom pate
- Arugula salad with tangerine, toscana crusted fontina, toasted cashews and an orange vinegarette
- Mushroom red rice stuffed squash
While all of the wines were fantastic in their own way with this menu, the Sauv Blanc and the Pinot Gris went best with the squash dish. The Chardonnay needed more buttery richness, maybe sand dabs; the earthy richness just didn’t work as well.
2019 Waipapa Bay Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough SRP $15
This Sauv Blanc has surprised me over and over again.
Color: White, platinum gold, grapefruit
Nose: No mistaking this is a New Zealand Sauv Blanc. Gooseberry, tons of grapefruit.
Palate: Grapefruit from the front of the palate through the end, citrus, sea grass, great acidity and a lingering finish
Pairing: I would have never thought that Sauv blanc would go well with pate, but it worked so well with the vegetarian mushroom. Not as much with the vegan brie; the spices make the wine too fruity.
2019 Waipapa Bay Pinot Gris, Marlborough – 13% alcohol
Color: Pale lemon with a tinge of pink
Nose: Peachy, fresh, nectarine, white stone fruit, the nose totally over delivers for $15
Palate: Very nice mouth feel, silky smooth, like a nectar, nice acidity. Apricot nectar without being sweet. There is an essence of sweetness without being sweet. This is a very pleasing wine. John: “This is a conversational wine.”
Pairing: Fantastic with our vegan mushroom pate, the spices in the pate just bounce off the fruit. Great with mushroom brie, and goose liver pate as well. So good with the arugula salad. The peppery arugula is a ying and yang to the fruit in the wine. The squash in Sue’s garden was so sweet and yummy. It went very nicely with the meal. The nutty rice in the squash even liked the Pinot Gris
Waipapa Bay – Marlborough Chardonnay – New Zealand – 13% alcohol
Color: Pale straw, for a Chardonnay, this wine is very light in color
Nose: Apples, pineapple, fresh tropical fruit,
Palate and Pairing: Oak comes through on the palate, which is surprising because it is not very present on the nose. This makes it more flexible with pairing. On a subsequent evening I tried it with roast chicken and was much more satisfied.
wine predator.............. gwendolyn alley 