First founded in 1973 by Austrian born Hermann Seifried and his wife Agnes. Having arrived in New Zealand as a young winemaker in 1971, and marrying Agnes, he felt Nelson was the perfect place to plant their first vineyard. Already famous for its world class hop production, Hermann felt both the soil and the climate would be perfect for making great wines. Seifried is the oldest commercial winery in the South Island of New Zealand and today Hermann and Agness work alongside their three grown up children, Heidi (winemaker), Chris (winemaker) and Anna (sales and marketing). The estate grown and bottled, family-owned winery is sustainably accredited and is home to one of New Zealand’s most awarded dessert wine.
What characteristics of your wine are influenced by the physical landscape of your winery?
“Grown and made in Sunny Nelson – famous for high sunshine hours, and with protection from the mountains to the East, West and South, and influenced by the maritime conditions with the Tasman Sea out to the North the sheltered Waimea Plains are perfect for grape growing.”
What is one of the most rewarding things about winemaking?
“We graft the young vines, manage them through their time in the nursery, then out to the vineyard, where land is chosen for its soil and micro climate and the best varietals for that location. We then grow, harvest and make the wines, bottle onsite, then.”
TASTING NOTES
“The 2020 Seifried Nelson Gewurztraminer comes from our outstanding vintage in Nelson. An idyllic growing season meant the fruit was harvested in perfect condition. Intense and perfumed on the nose with notes of toffee apples and stem ginger. The palate is luscious with medium natural residual sweetness. Vegetarian AND vegan friendly.”
What was important in making this award-winning wine?
“Precision at harvest time – waiting for optimal ripeness to ensure flavours, sugars and acids are in harmony. Close monitoring during fermentation – we stop the fermentation slightly early to retain some of the natural residual sweetness of the grape.”
Food Pairing?
“Anything with some heat or spice. Try with a spicy green curry, or chilli dish. Just divine.”
How long can you shelf your winning bottle of wine for?
“If the cellar is well maintained, cool, dark and uninterrupted, 8 – 10 years would be amazing on this Gewürz.”
Who would your wine appeal to?
“With a touch of sweetness, it is a wine that goes well on its own or with a meal. Super juicy with a luscious mouthfeel, it’s a fun and easy to drink wine. Goes well for a well-trained wine palate, or for someone just getting into wine for the first time. Perfectly versatile.”
How would you describe this wine to someone who's never had this grape varietal/blend before?
“Super fragrant with lovely fresh lavender and rose characters on the nose, followed by a luscious, juicy palate with a touch of sweet and spice all wrapped up in one mouthful. Gorgeously memorable!”
FAST FACTS:
Founders: Agnes and Hermann Seifried
Current Owners: Agnes, Hermann, Heidi, Chris and Anna Seifried
Winemaker: Heidi Seifried-Houghton and Chris Seifried
Location: Nelson, New Zealand
Wine varietals produced: 100% Gewürztraminer
