Blank Canvas | Craggy Range | Kumeu River | Rippon | Te Mata
New Zealand is relatively new to the wine scene and has grown to fame for producing predominantly Sauvignon Blanc, but the country also produces some of the world's best Chardonnays, Syrahs and Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines are not as well known as their French counterparts so do not command the high prices of Burgundy, Bordeaux or Rhone yet.
New Zealand benefits from the maritime climate and diverse geographical features, from the rolling hills and coastal influences to the rugged mountain ranges and fertile plains. With just over 1,000 kilometres separating the northernmost and southernmost vineyard areas, the country's wine regions offer a broad range of microclimates and terroirs, each imparting distinct characteristics to the wines they produce.
Aukland wine region:
Aukland is home to a sub-region called Kumeu which has established itself as the home of some of New Zealand's most highly regarded Chardonnays. The heavier clay soils in this sub-region contribute to a creamier, fuller-bodied style, gaining complexity and minerality. Kumeu also produces high-quality red varietals, reflecting the area's versatility and winemaking heritage. The Kumeu River winery stands tall as not just New Zealand's greatest chardonnay producers, but also one in the world with their wines beating their Burgundian counterparts such as Leflaive and Sauzet in blind tastings.
Marlborough wine region:
The most famous and largest wine region is Marlborough, located on the northeastern tip of the South Island. This sun-drenched area is synonymous with the New Zealand wine industry, and for a good reason—Marlborough put New Zealand on the map with its explosive, crisp, and pungent Sauvignon Blanc. The stony alluvial soils a cooling sea breeze from the Pacific Ocean contribute to the development of intense fruit flavours and bright acidity that are now iconic. Besides Sauvignon Blanc, winemakers in Marlborough are also producing outstanding Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and aromatic varieties like Pinot Gris and Riesling. Blank Canvas is one of the region's most exciting wineries right now producing Burgundian-inspired Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The winery was established by New Zealand South Islands' first-ever Master of Wine, Sophie Parker-Thomson MW and is capturing the essence of Marlborough's terroir.
Hawke's Bay wine region:
On the eastern coast of the North Island lies Hawke's Bay, New Zealand's oldest and second-largest wine-producing area. Famous for its Bordeaux Blend reds, the region's warm maritime climate and diverse soils are also suitable for Syrah, Chardonnay, and richly textured Viognier. The Gimblett Gravels subregion, with its gravelly soils and excellent drainage, is of particular note for producing some of the country's most structured and age-worthy reds. Te Mata surpasses New Zealand norms by being one of the country's oldest wineries at over 100 years old. Their Bordeaux blend called Coleraine has won numerous awards including the coveted 100-point rating from wine critics.
