"For anybody who has visited New Zealand, you will understand what I mean when I say that the colours there seem brighter, the personalities bigger and the energy for life so great. I finally understood this “dialled up” expression I perceived in their wines was merely a translation of life in this truly beautiful place." - Julie Dupouy, Wine Writer, thetaste.ie, March 2017
New Zealand's wine regions extend 1,600km (1000 miles) from sub-tropical Northland (36° S) down to Central Otago (46° S), home to the world’s most southerly vineyards." - NZ Wine
"Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir are still the bread and butter of the New Zealand wine industry, each variety making up some 70% of white and red plantings. And Chardonnay – the dominant grape between 1993 and 2003 – is also seeing a revival, comprising about 12%.
But there is much more to Kiwi wine than this popular trio, particularly aromatic whites such as Riesling and Pinot Gris – often made in delectable off-dry styles – as well as fledging plantings of ‘alternative’ varieties like Albariño and Grüner Veltliner. Beyond Pinot Noir there is less diversity in the reds, with Syrah undoubtedly leading the way, especially wines co-fermented with Viognier in homage to Côte-Rôtie. But the Bordeaux grapes of (Cabernet Sauvignon,) Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec still offer some interest, either as varietals or in a blend." - Decanter
Map adapted from Vineyards.com
