Is Forrest Albarino the Best from NZ?
This show was published Friday, October 16, 2026
- Is Forrest Albarino the Best from NZ?
Overview
John Forrest of Forrest Wines was one of the first to grow Albarino commercially in New Zealand. He talks Marlborough sites, advice from Telmo Rodriguez, and why oak is off the table. Chris tries it and gives his verdict on this Marlborough Albarino.
John has vineyards in Marlborough and in the Waitaki Valley in North Otago, where Chris first interviewed him back in 2009. He explains how Albarino got into New Zealand, why his warmest Southern Valleys site was the safe place to start, and how Marlborough greywacke stones shape the finish. He also talks about Fiano, which is his next variety to watch.
The best story? His daughter Beth spent two years working with Telmo Rodriguez in Spain, and used to ring home from a tapas bar with a glass of Albarino in hand. When John made his first crop, Telmo gave him just one piece of winemaking advice. Listen to the end to find out what Chris (and Jane) think of John's Albarino.
Host: Chris Scott
Guest: John Forrest, Forrest Wines
Subscribe
Using XML subscription or through Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you normally listen to podcasts.
Sponsorship
The UK Wine Show is sponsored by ThirtyFifty. Our team of wine tasters are busy entertaining and educating UK consumers to help them get the most out of wine.
Support us on Patreon
If you are a regular listener, do consider supporting the UK Wine Show on Patreon. You can pledge a monthly payment, equivalent to a cup of coffee or very small glass of wine!
Music
The music used for the UK Wine Show is Griffes de Jingle 1 by Marcel de la Jartèle and Silence by Etoile Noire.
