Pairing: Gazpacho Paired with a 2016 Tohu Sauvignon Blanc (Single Vineyard)

Food:  In his 1980 cookbook, Craig Claiborne’s Gourmet Diet, the author and late food writer for the New York Times, puts a low sodium, low cholesterol twist on the classic cold soup from Spain. Gazpacho is a perfect dish to help cool you off on a hot summer day. It can be chunky or smooth, with or without croutons, even sometimes containing a hard cooked egg. Claiborne’s recipe (created in partnership with his long-time collaborator, Pierre Franey) calls for a blend of raw, chopped tomatoes, onion, and cucumber, minced garlic, a little olive oil, black pepper, cayenne, red wine vinegar, and a base of unsalted tomato juice. Add some halved green grapes for an absolutely delicious flavor kick.

Wine:  Tohu Wines is the world’s first Mãori-owned winery; the Mãori being the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. Though it is a commercial enterprise, Tohu winemaking is infused with Mãori culture and spiritual beliefs. The company comprises more than 4,000 owner-families in the northern region of the South Island of New Zealand. New Zealand is widely regarded for its Sauvignon Blanc, and this Marlborough wine region of South Island produces some of the very best in the world.

Tasting Notes:  Pale gold color with some greenish tint. On the nose, the sensation is of clean, fresh mown grass; plus the smell of Charentais melon and a hint of green apple. The melon and apple carry over into the palate; lush and sweet combines nicely with clean and crisp. The finish follows with the lingering flavor of Granny Smiths. The pairing with the gazpacho is lovely … the clean, cool fruit of the wine balances beautifully with the spicy, pleasantly vinegary taste of the soup.

Other Wines That Pair Well with Gazpacho: Soave Classico (Italy), Riesling Kabinett (Germany), Pouilly-Fumé (France),  Fume Blanc (California)

Other Food That Pairs Well with Sauvignon Blanc: Goat Cheese, Fried Chicken, Oysters, Composed Salad

Maps and views of the Beautiful Marlborough NZ Wine Region:  marlborough new zealand wine region photos

A Source:  www. klwines.com