New Zealand
History--red
Despite having viticultural history going back nearly 100 years, tied mostly to Croatian immigrants bringing winemaking traditions with them, the story of the New Zealand wine industry only really picks up pace in the 1970s.
In this decade winemakers travelled to Europe and brought back valuable knowledge with them. At the same time, regions such as Marlborough were being planted, and vineyards in Auckland, Hawkes Bay and Martinborough were maturing to the stage where they could produce great fruit. The main grape of the time was the now-rare white Muller Thurgau, once planted heavily across the country
In the 80s, an Australian winemaker named David Hohnen established the now-famous Cloudy Bay winery, and the legend of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc was born, but the world would soon see that New Zealand could produce so much more.
In the new millennium, New Zealand focussed on ecological and sustainable viticulture and winemaking, and introduced the world to exceptional Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay.
Main regions--aromatic
Marlborough - Without doubt the best known NZ wine region, and the one that put them on the international map nearly 30 years ago, thanks to the distinctive expression of Sauvignon Blanc
Central Otago - Regarded by many as the most important region when it comes to very high-quality wine produced in NZ. The home of fantastic Pinot Noir
Canterbury - the region closest to Christchurch, home to stunning Pinot Noir and a host of aromatic whites like Riesling and Pinot Gris.
Hawkes Bay - a small region, but an important one! Some brilliant Syrah is being grown and made here. Also some brilliant Chardonnay.
Main grapes--racy
Pinot Noir - the grape that gave New Zealand a serious presence in the world of fine wine. Regions in the South Island produce a distinct style of Pinot Noir, which is both fruit-forward and textural.
Sauvignon Blanc - the grape that captured the world's imagination! In the early 90s the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc phenomenon took off and no wine-drinking country was immune. Still powerful to this day, accounting for over 60% of all wine made in New Zealand
Pinot Gris - hugely influential, although still sits in the shadow of Sauvignon Blanc. Planted all over New Zealand, and made in a textural, sometimes off-dry style.
Specific wine styles--strawberry
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - grassy, "passion-fruity" and fresh, this was the wine to be drinking in the 90s and 2000s.
High-Quality Pinot Noir - from Otago to Martinborough and further afield, NZ does great Pinot. The climate is cool but with sufficient sunshine, and the majority of the established vineyards are now reaching an age where they produce wonderfully flavoursome fruit.
About the Author
Alex is a certified sommelier that spends more time running in old-growth forests than any other somm — impulsively training her nose while at it! A talented illustrator with a unique style, her doodling works are inspired by the world of wine - and somehow, seem to improve after a glass or two.