A Beginner's Guide to New Zealand Wines: Exploring Grape Varieties and Terroir for Sommelier Level 1 Student
New Zealand, known for its picturesque landscapes, has a rich history of viticulture and winemaking that dates back to the early 19th century. It was in 1819 when the first grapevines were planted in the country, and British resident James Busby made the first wine in 1836 from a vineyard he had established. As European settlers arrived, they brought their winemaking traditions, fostering the industry's growth throughout the 19th century.
However, the early 20th century presented significant challenges for the New Zealand wine industry. The spread of phylloxera, a devastating grapevine pest, ravaged vineyards, while a strong temperance movement between 1910 and 1919 led to a decline in alcohol consumption. Furthermore, the global economic depression between the two world wars further stunted the industry's growth.
Despite these obstacles, the wine gradually became integral to the nation's culture. The government relaxed restrictions on the sale of wine, allowing it to be sold in restaurants from 1960 and in supermarkets from 1990. This opened up new opportunities for the industry, and by the late 1990s, New Zealand's vineyard acreage and wine production had increased dramatically.
The turning point for the New Zealand wine industry came with the emergence of Marlborough's distinctively pungent and flavorful Sauvignon Blanc. This wine variety gained worldwide fame and helped build export markets, putting New Zealand on the global wine map.
Today, the country continues to diversify and strengthen its presence in the international wine market by producing excellent Pinot Noir, Syrah, and other varieties. New Zealand's unique terroir, characterized by its cool climate, long sunshine hours, and fertile soils, provides an ideal environment for producing high-quality wines with distinctive flavors and characteristics.
The success of the New Zealand wine industry can also be attributed to the dedication of its winemakers, who continually innovate and adapt to changing market demands and climatic conditions. Their commitment to sustainable practices and the protection of the environment is evident in the increasing adoption of organic and biodynamic viticulture.
In conclusion, the New Zealand wine industry has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the early 19th century. Overcoming numerous challenges, it has become a major player in the global wine market, renowned for its distinctive and high-quality wines. With continued innovation and a commitment to sustainability, the future of New Zealand's wine industry looks promising, with the potential to further diversify and enhance its global presence.
Location/Geography
New Zealand, a winemaking country in the Southern Hemisphere, is the world's southernmost and easternmost wine-producing nation. Approximately 1,300 miles away from the mainland of Australia, the country is divided into two main islands – the North Island and the South Island – and is surrounded by the Tasman Sea to the west and the South Pacific Ocean to the east.
Climate
The climate in New Zealand varies significantly across its two islands, ranging from warm, humid, and maritime conditions on the North Island to cooler, continental climates on the South Island. The surrounding seas strongly influence the country's climate, contributing to the diverse range of microclimates and terroirs in the nation's wine regions.
Grape Varieties
New Zealand is known for producing a variety of high-quality wines from both white and red grape varieties. The most commonly grown grapes include:
White Varieties:
Sauvignon Blanc: This grape variety has become synonymous with New Zealand wine, particularly in the Marlborough region, where it produces crisp, aromatic, and flavorful wines.
Chardonnay: Grown in several regions across the country, New Zealand Chardonnay is known for its diverse styles, from unoaked and fruit-forward to rich and butter expressions influenced by oak and malolactic fermentation.
Red Varieties:
Pinot Noir: This grape variety thrives in the cooler climate of the South Island, particularly in regions like Central Otago, Marlborough, and Martinborough, where it produces elegant and complex wines with a characteristic balance of fruit, acidity, and tannins.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Predominantly grown in the warmer regions of the North Island, such as Hawke's Bay, Cabernet Sauvignon produces structured and full-bodied wines with dark fruit flavors and firm tannins.
Syrah: Gaining increasing recognition for its high-quality wines, Syrah is primarily grown in the Hawke's Bay region, where it produces medium to full-bodied wines with black fruit, pepper, and spicy notes.
Merlot: Often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot is another red variety mainly found in the North Island's warmer regions. It produces medium to full-bodied wines with soft tannins, and plum, cherry, and chocolate flavors.
Viticulture
New Zealand has positioned itself at the forefront of vine training and viticulture innovation, constantly exploring new techniques and technologies to optimize grape quality and vineyard sustainability. This forward-thinking approach has contributed to the country's success as a world-class wine producer.
Vinification
New Zealand winemakers are known for their modern and clean winemaking methods, focusing on preserving the purity and expression of the fruit. In 2001, New Zealand producers pioneered the Screwcap Wine Seal Initiative, championing screw caps as an alternative to traditional cork closures. Today, over 85 percent of the country's wines are sealed with screw caps, which help maintain freshness and prevent issues such as cork taint.
Regional Wine Law
New Zealand's wine regulations are on par with EU standards, ensuring quality and consistency across the industry. To qualify for labeling, New Zealand wines must contain a minimum of:
85 percent of a stated grape variety
85 percent of a stated vintage
Geographical Indications (GIs)
In recent years, New Zealand has implemented Geographical Indications (GIs) to define specific geographical areas, similar to the system used in Australia. These GIs help protect the unique characteristics and reputation of wines produced in designated regions.
Important Appellations
Auckland
Auckland is a wine region in the northern part of New Zealand's North Island, known for its warm, rainy, humid, and maritime climate. These climatic conditions create an ideal environment for cultivating red grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. These two grape varieties have become popular among Auckland's winemakers due to their ability to thrive in the region's climate and produce high-quality wines. Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine known for its deep color, rich tannins, and complex blackcurrant, tobacco, and cedar flavors. Conversely, Merlot is a softer and more approachable red wine with plum, chocolate, and vanilla notes. With its unique climate and high-quality grape varieties, Auckland is quickly becoming a renowned wine region in New Zealand and beyond.
Gisborne
Gisborne is a wine region located on the eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island. It is known for its cool maritime climate, influenced by the nearby Pacific Ocean. The cool temperatures and sea breezes make Gisborne ideal for cultivating white grape varieties, including Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. These two grape varieties have become popular among Gisborne's winemakers due to their ability to thrive in the region's unique climate and produce high-quality wines with distinct flavors and aromas. Chardonnay is a full-bodied white wine with tropical fruits, citrus, and oak notes. Pinot Gris, on the other hand, is a lighter-bodied white wine with notes of pear, apple, and honey. With its cool maritime climate and focus on white grape varieties, Gisborne has established itself as a top wine region in New Zealand, producing some of the country's most sought-after white wines.
Hawke's Bay
Hawke's Bay is a wine region located on the eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island. It is known for its moderate maritime climate and the North Island's driest climate. This unique climate, combined with the region's diverse soils and topography, allows for cultivating a wide range of grape varieties, including white and red varieties. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are popular white grape varieties, while Bordeaux varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah are popular red grape varieties. Among the sub-regions of Hawke's Bay, the Gimblett Gravels stands out for its unique gravelly soil type and warmer inland location. The Gimblett Gravels are mostly planted with red Bordeaux varieties and Syrah, which thrive in the region's unique terroir. These grape varieties produce wines with distinctive flavors and aromas, making the Gimblett Gravels a highly sought-after wine region in Hawke's Bay and beyond. Hawke's Bay is a diverse and dynamic wine region known for its high-quality wines and unique terroir.
Wairarapa
Wairarapa is a wine region located on the southern tip of New Zealand's North Island. The region is known for its rugged and varied geography, with a combination of hills, valleys, and coastal areas that create unique microclimates. Wairarapa is particularly well-suited for the cultivation of two grape varieties: Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Sauvignon Blanc, a popular white grape variety in New Zealand, thrives in the cooler coastal areas of Wairarapa, while Pinot Noir, a finicky red grape variety, does well in the region's hills and valleys.
Within Wairarapa, the sub-region of Martinborough stands out as one of the most important wine-producing areas. Martinborough is known for its unique terroir, which includes a combination of ancient riverbed soils and a cool, dry climate that is ideal for the cultivation of Pinot Noir. The region has gained international recognition for its high-quality Pinot Noir wines, which are characterized by their rich, complex flavors and aromas of red fruit, spice, and earthy undertones.
Marlborough
Marlborough is a wine region on the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island. The region is known for its cool, dry, and sunny climate, which is influenced by the nearby Southern Alps. These mountains create a rain shadow that protects the region from strong winds and weather systems from the west off the Tasman Sea. Marlborough is particularly well-suited for the cultivation of two grape varieties: Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Sauvignon Blanc is the dominant grape variety in Marlborough, accounting for almost 80 percent of plantings. Pinot Noir, a popular red grape variety in New Zealand, is also grown in the region.
Marlborough's viticulture benefits from plentiful sunshine hours and a long, cool growing season with cool nights that allow grapes to retain acidity. Irrigation is widely used to manage the dry climate and ensure consistent grape quality. In terms of vinification, Marlborough produces more than half of the entire country's wine, making it one of the most important wine regions in New Zealand.
Canterbury
Canterbury is a wine region located south of Marlborough, stretching long along the eastern coast of New Zealand's South Island. It is one of the fastest-growing wine regions in the country, with a rapidly expanding reputation for high-quality wines. The region's climate is cool and continental, with a long, dry summer that is ideal for the cultivation of grapes. Canterbury is particularly well-suited for the cultivation of two grape varieties: Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Sauvignon Blanc, a popular white grape variety in New Zealand, thrives in the region's cool climate, while Pinot Noir does well in the region's varied soils and growing conditions.
Central Otago
Central Otago is a wine region located in the southern part of New Zealand's South Island. It is home to the world's most southerly grape vines, with some planted below the 45th parallel. The region's climate is cool continental, with low humidity, making it ideal for grape growing. Central Otago is particularly well-suited for cultivating Pinot Noir, a popular red grape variety in New Zealand.
The region's unique topography and aspect also play a key role in grape cultivation. Central Otago's vineyards are among the highest altitude in New Zealand, with mountain-protected, north-facing slopes that are oriented to maximize sun exposure. This allows grapes to benefit from high sun intensity and a dry growing season, which contribute to the region's distinctive wine styles.
