Flying the Waikato wine flag

Waikato winemakers say they are more determined than ever to prove the region has what it takes to produce top-quality wine.

Growers and winemakers from four of the region's wineries have joined forces with other wine industry enthusiasts to produce a cabernet franc wine due for release in February 2012.

Vilagrad winemaker Jacob Nooyen said the group are keen to have a wine that Waikato could be proud of and renowned for.

''The wine will go up to Auckland to the critics, and it will stand up. The wine really is excellent.'' The group met this week to discuss the next step in the wine's production and to discuss negative comments made by Hamilton wine shop owner Henry Jacobs, who criticised the region's wine industry ahead of this year's Rugby World Cup.

Mr Nooyen said he, and other winemakers, were concerned Mr Jacobs did not believe Waikato wines were up to standard and worthy of inclusion on wine lists in restaurants.

''Between us we have won more than 100 medals for our wines and to say that we aren't up to the task is misleading and wrong,'' Mr Nooyen said. ''We were gutted.'' But they now plan to let their latest venture do the talking for them and are currently working on concepts and designs for a ''uniquely Waikato'' label.

''We are looking at imagery including the Fairfield Bridge and the river.

''But whatever we all decide, we know it has to be something the region can be proud of.'' The cabernet franc has been five years in the planning and is the first time growers from a New Zealand wine region have combined grapes from a variety of properties to produce wine.

Mr Nooyen said cabernet franc had proven itself as an excellent red wine. ''Cabernet franc ripens before cabernet sauvignon, and is popular in areas like Bordeaux in France.'' Ohinemuri Wines, Hilltop Winery, Lanes End and Vilagrad Winery are all involved in the project, along with several smaller winegrowers, while Mystery Creek winegrower Neil Redgrave has offered his expertise helping to source grapes from around the region.

Mr Redgrave said while the joint approach was a first for New Zealand, it was common in other wine-producing countries such as South Africa, Italy and Germany.

''It's becoming a necessity as individual players start to struggle. But it is a good concept to share risk, and with so many trained winemakers coming together, it's an excellent pool of resource.'' Those resources include renowned Waikato winemaker Rainer Eschenbruch, who said Waikato conditions were perfect for growing cabernet franc grapes.
Dr Eschenbruch said the idea of bringing together grapes from several vineyards and properties was ''always going to make for an interesting wine''.

''The most interesting wine you often have is when you put bits and pieces together  they each contribute something different.'' The retired scientist said the 2011 cabernet franc would be light, fresh, aromatic and well-balanced. ''And the fact we all pulled together gives it even more impetus.'' The wine was barrelled over the weekend at Vilagrad Winery and will eventually produce 200 cases of product in time for the Waikato Wine and Food Festival in February.

The wine is being sold '' en premier'' [pre-purchased] for $149 per case and Mr Nooyen said anyone interested in learning more about the vintage could find more information through the Hamilton Wine Company.