New Zealand Red Wines
The
New Zealand wine industry is not only very new, it is also modern in terms of
the styles of wine it produces. In 1960, the country had only 1000 acres of
vines, mainly around the Auckland area, largely planted with hybrids.
Today
there are over 55,000 acres planted and over 550 producers. For such a small
and ocean-bound country, New Zealand offers a remarkable diversity of climate
which has allowed it to succeed with distinctive varietals, most notably
Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir which have not been so successful in other new
world regions.
Marlborough
at the top of the South Island is the largest and most well known wine region
(the home of Cloudy Bay), where distinctive and exemplary Sauvignon Blancs’ are
produced as well as high quality Chardonnay. Today New Zealand is considered as
the leading source of Pinot Noir outside Burgundy, with such regions as
Martinborough and Central Otago producing wonderfully pure, intense and
beautifully balanced wine. Pinot Gris, Riesling and Merlot are also enjoy
wonderful success throughout much of the North and South Islands wine growing
regions.
