New Zealand wine
New Zealand is next to the beautiful nature just like neighboring country Australia known for the beautiful wines that are made there.
That is special because it is actually only a very young wine country. In just 30 years, the country has grown into a world-class wine producer. The wines made from Sauvignon Blanc are internationally famous. They have delicious fresh acids and a juicy taste. In addition to the Sauvignon Blanc, very beautiful wines from Pinot Noir are also made. Worth to try.
Climate
New Zealand consists of two islands: The North Island and the South Island. The far north and south are 1500 km apart. Climatically there are also several. The more you travel to the North, the more subtropical the climate. The more you go to the South, the cooler it gets. At the same time, there are more hours of sunshine in the South. This results in beautiful refreshments and aromatic wines.
Terroir
The soil of New Zealand is predominantly solid clay soil. It means that the vineyards are wet and the vines prone to diseases. Managing a vineyard is not easy in New Zealand. The clay soil provides spicy aromas in the wines. In the Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay wine regions, the vineyards have more pebbles. Here the soil can be very different, and irrigation is necessary due to good drainage.
Grape varieties
The New Zealand grape is the Sauvignon Blanc. With the wines from this grape, the country has broken through into the wine world. Wines are made from this grape that are not produced anywhere else. Although the Chardonnay (partly due to the success of the Sauvignon) is becoming less popular, it is still planted a lot. In addition, red wines are becoming increasingly popular. This is mainly due to the success of the Pinot Noir.
Pinot noir
The pinot noir is a grape from which some of the greatest wines of the world are made. The pinot noir produces fruity aromatic wines that in some cases have the ability to mature.
Sauvignon Blanc
Many people think that no great wines are made from the Sauvignon Blanc. However, this grape is one of the most popular white grape varieties in the world. The grape is quite versatile.
Chardonnay
Originally the Chardonnay grape comes from Burgundy but is now found all over the world. This is because the grape has a great adaptability. The grape can handle many different types of soil and climate.
Wine regions in New Zealand
Hawke’s Bay
Hawkes Bay is located on New Zealand’s North Island and is the oldest wine-growing region in the country. The climate can be called warm by New Zealand standards, ideal for the late ripening syrah grape of which 334 hectares have been planted in this area.
Marlborough
Marlborough is the most famous wine region of New Zealand. World-famous wines are made here from Sauvignon Blanc. The climate and conditions seem to be made for the making of wines from this grape.
