Press release: Launch of Tongue in Groove Wines
A new label has established itself in the Waipara Valley/ North Canterbury wine region in New Zealand. Tongue In Groove Wines had its first trot out at the recent Pinot Palooza event in Melbourne, where they were voted in the top three NZ favourites, alongside Ata Rangi and Craggy Range.
The wines are the brainchild of six long-time friends and came into existence after the February earthquake in Christchurch in 2011. “Being in the CBD that day and surviving led to one of those moments in your life where you decide something brave needs to be done next” said managing director Angela Clifford. “We’d gone to Roseworthy (wine campus of the University of Adelaide) back in the day, and had always thought we’d love to do something together. There is a perfect combination of skill sets between the six of us; winemakers, a viticulturist, marketers and money. In the wine industry that’s a ‘full hand’, and that’s where the name ‘Tongue In Groove’ came from; together we’re the perfect fit”.
The unusual name is reflected in the unique labels and brand design, which can be seen on the recently launched website: www.tongueingroove.co.nz “We wanted to capture the creative, organic nature of Christchurch at the moment. There is an energy in this part of the world that embraces change, and boldness. We felt it was time to have a new conversation about the way wine and wine labels look. We found a young Christchurch designer and design company to help us tell the story of our wines and the six of us” said Angela.
Tongue in Groove produce both a Riesling and a Pinot Noir, which is no surprise given the winemaker is Lynnette Hudson. Lynnette has been making some of New Zealand’s best Riesling and Pinot Noir in the Waipara Valley for the last twenty years. She represents New Zealand on the International Riesling Federation Board and will be summarising the Waipara Valley/North Canterbury region for delegates at the upcoming Pinot Noir NZ 2013 conference.
“Tongue in Groove is an opportunity to do something for myself, with people I enjoy working with” said Lynnette. The brand reflects a freedom from convention and a chance to take things into the future”.
The 2011 Tongue in Groove Pinot Noir comes from a close planted 17 year old vineyard in the centre of the Waipara Valley situated on the free draining terraces that are the remains of an ice age glacier. The 2011 Riesling is from 12 year old vines on the same terraces, but further to the west . The free draining nature of the soil naturally devigorates the vines giving small berries & wines of richness with texture. There were only 300 cases of this first vintage produced in total.
Managing director Angela Clifford also knows these two varieties well, and tells their story nationally. She helps to bring Summer of Riesling to New Zealand and looks after the social media and communications for Pinot Noir NZ 2013. “I’m totally passionate about Riesling and Pinot Noir, and their expression in the Waipara Valley/ North Canterbury in particular” said Angela.
Tongue in Groove Wines will be available in a few chosen restaurants and retailers in New Zealand from next year, they are available directly via the website http://tongueingroove.co.nz/shop/ , and will be distributed in Sydney by Cogito Wines from March 2013 onwards.
For more information please contact: Angela Clifford (aka ‘The Tongue’)
Phone: 0274 242 871
Email: angela@tongueingroove.co.nz
Twitter: @TongueinGroov (or @RieslingNZ or @PinotNoirNZ )
Facebook: Tongue in Groove Wines
Instagram: @TongueinGroov
Website: www.tongueingroove.co.nz