You did a fantastic job in explaining, very much appreciated. I completely understand the "experience" aspect and how it cannot be quantified in the way that a simple photo of a large fish can. We have similar trade offs in Colorado when choosing between trophy hunting and beauty and solitude.
I have another question that will probably cause you anguish. What is your favorite NZ wine? Multiple answers are fine ;D
Also, where did you fish when you came to Colorado?
Questions about wine cause me anguish ? No way as is one of my interests therefore have to say you seem to have the knack of asking the right questions. Actually we were on a 10 acre block on the city outskirts & my interest in wine lead to my planting approx. 500 vines for our home production of wine.
I made the mistake of planting too many varieties consequent spray programs & suchlike became something of a nightmare as they became staggered due to the differing schedules required. Anyway be that as it may I planted the following :-
Gewurtztraminer = a low yielding early fruiting variety from the Alsace region but with very distinctive aromatic properties
Cabernet sauvignon = Grown in many counties around the world.
Malbec & merlot = both stand alone wines & used for blending with the cab sav in order try to produce a Bordeux style of claret.
Sauvignon Blanc = a relatively new variety introduced from Davis university by Ross Spence who was studying winemaking there & now NZ's largest grown variety by far, largely due to it being in favour overseas hence is exported in ever increasing volumes ... more on that later.
Chenin blanc = a variety largely from the Loire valley , not widely grown elsewhere apart from South Africa where it is known as "Steen"
Shiraz :- From Sthn France was experimental, as it is generally accepted is better suited better suited to Australias' warmer climate & in some years could struggle to ripen in NZ. However with the gradual change in global warming the NZ product is gaining growing recognition of the NZ product being more refined whereas the traditional Australian equivalent are becoming heavier with high alcohol often approaching 15% tending to make them a tad overpowering as well as unforgiving next morning.
Pinot noir :- the classical burgundy variety grown successfully in very few countries & the French appellation area is very small so as the NZ product is gaining ever increasing recognition worldwide as a worthy competitor.
Pinotage :- grown only in NZ & South Africa. Could be likened in certain aspects to your Zindfandel nevertheless has quite a following of devotees particularly in the UK. Unfortunately the initial cuttings introduced here were infected by fan leaf virus consequently did not ripen completely making them rather acidic. However the infected vines have now been ripped out & the virus free replacements are showing promise. The name Pinotage come from the crossing of two vinifera varieties namely pinot noir & hermitage but the latter was a misnomer for was actually an obscure variety by the name of cinsault.
Palomino :- to produce sherry.
Table grapes :- a couple of US labrusca varieties.
OK as to those wines I personally favour would include but not be restricted to are :-
Sauvignon blanc obviously but despite it being in vogue overseas must admit having drunk so much often find after a couple of glasses the herbaceous character becomes a bit tiring similar to having eaten too much ice cream. Therefore generally speaking nowadays prefer a pinot gris.
Pinot noir :- softer & more complex than most reds plus enjoy the P/N rose's so enough said.
Chardonnay :- the white burgundy variety when it was in vogue years ago, too many poor examples were made locally to cash in on the name, so it largely fell from grace, however now producers are concentrating more on quality so it is making a comeback with some fine examples now available.
Bubbly :- but who doesn't ?
Flor fino Sherry :- if I had to choose one wine only to drink for the rest of my life this would be it, as it is admirably suited to most if not all occasions.
OK ... once again probably far more than you wanted to know & now regret asking so will leave the fishing queries re Colorado for later if you were still interested.
Phew ....... that was lucky as took the precaution of copying the above before posting which was just as well as when I posted it advised I had timed out !
