Wine evolution at Boneline
Paul Goodege thinks a lot about evolution, from the change in wines and vines at Boneline, to the ancient geology beneath them.
How Long Have You Worked In Waipara?
I’ve been in Waipara, North Canterbury since February 2013, so two years now
What Brought You To Waipara?
The opportunity to work with Mat Donaldson, he’s a legend! It’s been and continues to be an amazing learning experience and a ton of fun. We have a wide range of grape varieties in our portfolio but particularly having the chance to work more with Riesling as we have five different styles within our range.
Where Have You Travelled In Wine To Get Here?
I lived in Hawke’s Bay for my first couple of vintage experiences, then Martinborough which was my home for eight years. Seven of those vintages were at Ata Rangi where I was assistant winemaker for Helen Masters. I’ve worked in France three times (Burdundy twice, Champagne once), California, Oregon, and South Africa. One of the highlights of being a winemaker is working with international people who are just as excited as you about wine and food and enjoy having a good time. Then when you met up again on the other side of the world you have an amazing time all over again. Lots of fantastic memories!
What Do You Enjoy Most About Your Job?
Apart from the above mentioned I love that every season is different and provides a new set of weather conditions and decisions that need to be made that will ultimately have an affect on the wine you end up bottling. Always learning. Working with motivated people, fabulous wines and delicious food.
What Do You Enjoy Most About Waipara?
There is a lot of diversity in North Canterbury in terms of produce. I love hunting, diving and foraging for food and here in Waipara we have a fantastic selection. We are smack bang in-between the coast and the mountains with the rivers flowing in the middle of it all. Kaikoura, Hamner Springs, Lake Sumner all at our doorstep. Christchurch is really handy for everything else you might need (a city break? Or the airport!) Most of all there is a terrific group of people in the community who are pumped with positive energy and making some tasty vino. They dig the same things I do with regard to local produce, homemade, home grown!
When You’re Not Making Wine Or Growing Grapes?
Preserving, hunting, growing veges, heading away for a long weekend to see friends and family scattered around the country… a lot of partying of late with the festive season and all… people keep talking of AFD’s (alcohol free days) so maybe its time for a rest pre the coming vintage?! I’m helping organise the first North Canterbury local wild food challenge www.localwildfoodchallenge.com Its going to be epic! But a lot of work to do in the coming couple of months!
It Sucks When….
That bottle you’ve been waiting for the right moment to open is corked. Also when you put too much fish sauce in your satay or anything for that matter. (Last night after a rather large party weekend I was thinking about satay the entire trip home, stuffed it up rather badly.. disappointment!)
Your Favourite Wine?
Mmmmm that’s a tough one. Depends on so many factors (time of day, food, mood, company.) We had a Domaine Ramonet 2004 Montrachet on the weekend and that was mind blowingly epic! But so was the 1995 Tignanello…. If I’m on my death bed a Mugnier Musginy or a Rousseau Chambertin Clos de Beze with some Epoisse will do. (But so would a great Kiwi drop like Neudorf Moutere Chardonnay with pan fried scallops or Quartz Reef Methode and crayfish with aioli and a squeeze of lemon.
Which Wine Region Excites You Most Right Now?
I really want to get back to Piedmont, I spent 10 days there in 2012 with a friend and I just loved it!! Food and wine heaven.
Future Aspirations?
Long term; The next step for me would be a winemaking role for a smaller estate. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling. Making some wine for myself.
Owning some land and being as self sufficient as possible on it.
Getting back to Europe for an epic road trip as part of my study plan for the WSET Diploma.
Short term; survive another harvest at Pegasus Bay. Get out hunting more this year (venison supply seriously low in freezer!) Fit some study in for my WSET level 3 exam in February.
