New Zealand is the southernmost wine region in the world. More than 90% of New Zealand wines are dry wines, which are produced in a cool climate, especially at night, and are characterized by a fresh, elegant style with rich acidity. Many wines have a strong fruit flavor and a slightly high alcohol content, so many wines are produced that have both the ``elegance'' of fresh acidity and the ``powerful fruit flavor'' that is characteristic of New World wines. I am.
Main grape varieties of New Zealand wine
The mainstays of New Zealand wine are Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Other main varieties cultivated include white grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Gris, and black grape varieties such as Merlot and Syrah.
No.1 white wine: Sauvignon Blanc
The most commonly grown grape variety in New Zealand is Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region is particularly famous around the world. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has a strong acidity and a refreshing impression, but is characterized by very strong flavors of passion fruit and grapefruit. Most types are made in stainless steel tanks, but more and more types with complex flavors are being made in barrels.
Click here for a list of New Zealand “Sauvignon Blanc” products
Synonymous with red wine: Pinot Noir
The most commonly cultivated black grape variety is Pinot Noir. Like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir is also grown mainly in the Marlborough region. Other world-famous Pinot Noirs from Wairarapa (Martinborough) and Central Otago are also famous.
Click here for a list of New Zealand “Pinot Noir” products
Screwcap wine with the world's top share
Since the 2000s, over 90% of wine made in New Zealand has been made in screwcaps. The prevalence of screw caps is among the highest in the world. It originally started when Australian producers started switching to screw caps, and New Zealand quickly followed suit. Many people may think that wine with a screw cap is cheaper than wine with a cork, but in New Zealand, screw caps are also used for high-quality wines. The advantages of screw caps are that they do not cause defects in wine due to the cork odor called ``Bouchonnay,'' wine matures more slowly than with corks, so there is less change in flavor, and they are durable and easy to open. There are various advantages.
Mid-priced wines made by small wineries
There are approximately 700 wineries in New Zealand. Most of these are small wineries. Many of these products are exported overseas and have received high praise internationally. Another characteristic of New Zealand wine is that wines in the mid-range and above price ranges are highly rated. Therefore, there are relatively few casual items in the 1,000 yen price range, and there are many items in the 2,000 yen price range or more.
New Zealand's main production areas
New Zealand is divided into the North Island and South Island, and has a climate with warm winters and cool summers. The slightly warmer North Island produces many thick, rich wines, while the cooler South Island produces many refreshing styles.
New Zealand, North Island
Hawke's Bay
It is the second largest production area in New Zealand after Marlborough. Thanks to its varied climate, a wide variety of grape varieties are grown here. New Zealand's relatively warm climate makes it suitable for growing red wine. In particular, the Gimlet Gravels area is famous for producing excellent red wines from Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Recommended producer in Hawke's Bay: Trinity Hill
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Trinity Hill is known as a pioneer who quickly recognized the potential of the famous red wine producing region "Gimlet Gravels" and began planting grapes there for the first time. Brewer Warren Gibson is also attracting attention as one of New Zealand's leading brewers.
Hawke's Bay Syrah, which is made mainly from Syrah, is a standard-class red wine with a good balance of rich acidity and spicy impression, which is characteristic of the Syrah variety, and the floral aroma derived from Viognier.
Wairarapa (Martinborough)
It is a wine producing region located in the southernmost part of the North Island. The area name Martinborough, located within the Wairarapa, is better known than the local name Wairarapa. Wairarapa is a wine region with many small-scale wineries producing high-quality wine, and Martinborough Pinot Noir in particular is world-famous and highly acclaimed.
Recommended producer in Wairarapa: Martinborough Vineyard
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As a pioneer in spreading the high quality of Pinot Noir from Martinborough to the world, it is a top producer in Wairarapa that has received high praise worldwide. We make wine in an environmentally friendly manner. In addition to Pinot Noir, the region also has a reputation for wines made from white grapes such as Sauvignon Blanc.
``Te Terra Pinot Noir'' is a standard class Pinot Noir from Martinborough Vineyard, and is a fruity and approachable red wine that can be enjoyed from a young age, with a gorgeous aroma of red fruits such as cherry and raspberry. .
New Zealand/South Island
marlboro
This wine region is famous for its Sauvignon Blanc, and boasts the largest volume of wine production in New Zealand. It is an area in New Zealand that receives a lot of sunlight, making it easy for grapes to fully ripen, and its Pinot Noir is highly rated, as well as producing high-quality sparkling wine.
Recommended producer in Martinborough: Coldwater
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This is a producer who makes wine in the Uirau area, which is the main production area for Marlborough. The Wirau Valley, where Coldwater is located, receives a lot of sunlight and has low nighttime temperatures, resulting in a bright, refreshing flavor that is full of tropical flavor. Coldwater Sauvignon Blanc has an elegant taste with aromas of citrus and tropical fruits.
nelson
Adjacent to Marlborough, this is a wine-producing region with plenty of sunlight, and wines made from aromatic varieties with a gorgeous aroma are very popular.
Recommended producer in Nelson: Neudorf Vineyards
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Neudorf Vineyards is a small, family-run winery located in Nelson's Moutere Hills. In an environment blessed with nature, we focus on organic cultivation, and Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are particularly popular.
canterbury
The Waipara region is particularly famous for its dry climate and low rainfall. They produce high quality Pinot Noir and Riesling.
Recommended producer in Canterbury: Pegasus Bay
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Pegasus Bay is located in the Waipara Valley, which has one of the best climates in Canterbury, and is known as one of Canterbury's top wineries, primarily producing high-quality Riesling and Pinot Noir. We practice sustainable farming methods that are considerate of nature, and much of the work is done by hand, taking time and effort. ``Bel Canto Dry Riesling'' is a slightly sweet white wine with an impressive floral aroma. A unique and captivating Riesling that combines elegance and power.
Otago
Otago is the world's southernmost wine region. There are many cultivation areas at high altitudes, and Pinot Noir accounts for over 70% of the total production, making it famous as one of New Zealand's best Pinot Noir producing areas, along with Martinborough.
Recommended producer in Otago: Mount Edward
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We are a producer with a winery in Central Otago, and we make wine with an emphasis on organic cultivation. We focus on the terroir of the vineyard and strive to create wine that reflects the uniqueness of the vineyard. Earth End Pinot Noir is a medium-bodied red wine with a unique rugby-inspired label. This is a natural wine with a natural taste made organically without the use of additives.
From the north to the south of the country, New Zealand produces many unique wines that take advantage of the characteristics of each region. Please enjoy the elegant fruit flavors of New Zealand.
