Erica Crawford of Loveblock Wines
It was so great to meet Erica Crawford of New Zealand’s Loveblock wine tonight.
Fresh in from Auckland, she came prepared with her Pinot Gris, two styles of Sauvignon Blanc, and a delicious Pinot Noir.
The restaurant venue was midtown’s Osteria La Baie. A chilled glass of the 2020 Pinot Gris greeted me – perfect for a balmy near-summer night.
The Loveblock Story
Erica Crawford and her partner husband Kim met in her native South Africa, where she had studied bio-chemistry, and played professional basketball.
Together they moved to New Zealand. Erica always had a passion for organic wine. They are in the process of ensuring all their wineries are certified organic by BioGro New Zealand.
To achieve this, they use traditional methods from earlier centuries, such as composting to promote biodiversity and to build soil.
Sauvignon Blanc with Oysters
The Pinot Gris was rich and creamy, perfect to pair with a dish of oysters. But then again, so was the Sauvignon Blanc 2021, very fresh and zest with brisk acidity.
Yet Erica had another Sauvignon Blanc to show, vintage 2020, called “Tee.” This wine is made without sulphur, giving it an aroma of apples in a cellar and a hint of the spice clove.
Great Value Wines for the Price
One of my favorite wines of the evening was the 2019 Pinot Noir, beguiling with its zesty acidity, silky tannins, and flavors of red cherry and black berry.
It was really interesting to meet Erika and discover her passion for organic winemaking and delicious wines.
