New Zealand "arrived" on the world wine scene a few years back with its new approach to sauvgnon blanc, which quickly became the country's signature grape. 

But there's lots more to New Zealand than savvy b, and the profile is higher quality. The New Zealand Wine Fair gives you a chance to taste some of the other terrific whites like chardonnay, pinot gris, riesling and gewurztraminer - though sauvignon blanc still dominates this year's wine list.

For the reds, the focus is another cooler climate grape - pinot noir. There are some excellent examples of pinot from NZ, especially from the southernmost (i.e., coolest) region, Central Otago. For all the talk of cool climate though, many NZ pinots have a more New World fruit profile than their Burgundy brethren, and some can verge on fruit bomb-ish. There'll be more than a few to try. There are a few merlots as well but the number of cabernet sauvignons on the Toronto event wine list was a real surprise: 0.

OK, there's a single cab/merlot blend, but that's it! This is an example of a wine region focusing on what it does best. With cab sauv's longer ripening time, many NZ producers don't feel they get enough warm weather to do the grape justice. Most of the cab sauv comes from the warmer Hawkes Bay region on the North Island, which some call "the Bordeaux of New Zealand."

Make sure you check out the selections of Kim Crawford, who is strong on whites, and South Island organic producers Kawarau Estate as well as fellow Otago producers Carrick, who have been getting attention for their pinot noir. From Hawkes Bay area, check out Ngatarawa and Villa Maria. Regular standbys like Oyster Bay and Coopers Creek are also pouring their wines. 

New Zealand Wine Fair

Thursday, May 21, 7:00-9:30pm. Design Exchange, 234 Bay St. $60

Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver will also benefit from a New Zealand wine show, if any of those cities are more convenient for you.