10 April will celebrate my wine blogs first birthday. When I began www.magicsnewbiewines.com it was meant as an educational tool for new wine drinkers. The plan was to offer advice, reviews, tasting techniques on wines via simple and understandable language, without the use of colourful metaphors. As I was soon to discover it became something a lot bigger.
In June 2011 I discovered that Sam Neill, not only a very successful actor - Jurassic Park, Dead Calm, The Vow and his new Sci-Fi series Alcatraz, has been producing his own wine since 1993, Two Paddocks from Central Otago, New Zealand.
As an unknown, fledgling writer, I took a punt and emailed him, requesting an online interview. Much to my surprise he agreed.
Since then it has been my most viewed piece. To celebrate my blogs birthday, here it is for your pleasure. The success of this interview helped inspire me to dive deeper into wine writing. Let it be an example to all too. Sometimes if you ask, you might just get.
Name?
Sam Neill
Occupation?
Actor / Vigneron
Favourite Sport?
Rugby. But I was crap. World Cup should be good though.
How did you get into wine?
I started drinking wine from boxes. One day I found I could afford good wine, and I've never looked back. I tend to think one should drink less, but buy better wine. The first part is the hardest.
What is your favourite grape or is it Pinot all the way?
Pinot of course. My favourite white is Riesling. Coincidentally Two Paddocks produces both!
What are your favourite wines?
After my own, then Burgundies various, some other N Z and Australian Pinot's. I have recently discovered Austrian Rieslings, to good effect.
Besides New Zealand, do you have a country of preference?
I guess next up would be France. I have a long standing love affair with red and white Burgundies. One must be careful though : a lot of rubbish comes out of Burgundy too. And pricing is problematic : many Burgundies are not at all value for money.
How do you enjoy wine? With food, on it's own, social etc.
I'm a little bit rigid here. If I'm at home, I only drink wine with food - and only at dinner. But in fact - every dinner.
What influences your wine choices? Price, occasion, season etc.
I confess I drink a lot of Two Paddocks. But if I'm in a wine shop, I usually ask the chap at the desk. I've been steered in surprisingly good directions that way - they are often as enthusiastic about wine as you, and love to talk about it.
Champagne. Overpriced in the current climate or do sparkling wines offer better value?
Diplomatic pass.
What's more challenging, preparing for a new film role or waiting for the new vintage?
There is nothing as scary as the weather map in spring or autumn. If you want to grow good pinot you must exist on the very margins of climatic viability. Preparing for a new role can be scary too, but I'm used to that.
Whilst away filming or perhaps treading the boards, how much contact do you keep with your winery or are you incredibly trusting and let your guys get on with it?
I absolutely trust my guys, implicitly. But I like to keep in constant touch anyway. It's my other life. And there are always decisions to be made. Plus, there is the Two Paddocks blog, which has its own following. If I neglect it, I cop a lot of flack.
How much do your wines reflect you?
If I could honestly compare myself with TP wine, I'd be seen as something of a braggart. Modesty forefends. I think this is for others to judge.
Are boutique wineries the way forward or will the 'big brands' continue to dominate?
Being tiny , we are more naturally disposed towards the small producer . But in a tight dry corner I'll happily drink something from the Titanics.
Do you think retailers do enough to educate the public on wine? I don't mean health wise.
I don't think it's their job really. One of the pleasures of discovering wine is the process of learning for oneself. It's a lifetime's labour.
What do you think the wine industry needs to improve on?
Forget the cork. We have. And it's such a relief - no more cork roulette.
Which wines, countries or regions do you think are worth keeping an eye on for the future?
Diplomatic pass.
What tips do you have to anyone looking at getting into the wine trade?
As in all things, don't even think about it unless you really love it .
What are the best things, and worst things for you, about wine?
As a producer: best - the immense satisfaction of pouring a great wine you produced yourself. Worst - frost.
As a consumer: best - companionship, conversation, romance ... life. Worst - overpriced rubbish .
How is the next vintage shaping up?
Very very excited about 2011 - in barrel as we speak.
Finally. In wine terms, how would you describe yourself?
A reasonably good vintage, cellaring well.
Two Paddocks is a small family wine producing business that is entirely dedicated to making great wine.We started in 1993 with modest ambitions and first planted five acres of Pinot Noir at our original little vineyard at Gibbston, Central Otago in the deep south of New Zealand. At the same time, our friend Roger Donaldson planted the land next door, hence the name Two Paddocks. (Roger's paddock proved to be a slow starter, which meant we had to go it on our own; however we kept the title. His brand, Sleeping Dogs, takes its name from the first film we made together.) Quote taken from the Two paddocks website www.twopaddocks.com
Take it from me. If you have the opportunity to try Sam's Two Paddocks then do so. One of the best Pinot Noir's I've ever had. Review available on my blog. Wine sold in the UK from Haynes Hanson & Clark www.hhandc.co.uk