New Zealand Sparkling Wine: Producers and Key Regions
New Zealand's burgeoning sparkling wine industry is gaining international recognition, partly thanks to the country's cool climate and innovative winemaking techniques. Here's what you need to know:
Key Regions for Sparkling Wine in New Zealand:
Marlborough: The epicenter of New Zealand sparkling wine, known for its aromatic white grapes.
Central Otago is famous for its Pinot Noir and an emerging hub for sparkling wines.
Notable Producers and Their Sites:
Cloudy Bay: A Marlborough icon, makers of the high-quality "Pelorus" sparkling wine.
Nautilus Estate: Also in Marlborough, it is known for both Vintage and Non-Vintage Cuvee, primarily made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Hunter's Wines: Another Marlborough native renowned for its MiruMiru sparkling wine.
Deutz Marlborough: A collaboration between Champagne's Deutz and Montana Wines of Marlborough, producing Champagne-style wines.
Quartz Reef: A Central Otago gem that creates sparkling wine mainly from Pinot Noir.
No. 1 Family Estate: Exclusively focused on Méthode Traditionelle sparkling wines, based in Marlborough.
For those aiming for the Advanced and Master Sommelier levels, New Zealand's sparkling wine scene is a must-study. Commit to memory at least two key producers and their corresponding regions—like Cloudy Bay in Marlborough and Quartz Reef in Central Otago. A deep understanding of these regions, alongside the latest innovations and your own tasting notes, will arm you not just for the exam but for a nuanced, real-world understanding of these effervescent gems
