Discovery Series Explores New Zealand Wines
Over 80% of New Zealand’s wine production is white, the major varietal being sauvignon blanc which accounts for close to 65% of all vines planted throughout the country.
New Zealand, an ideal winegrowing environment.
New Zealand’s geography and climate provide bountiful winegrowing opportunities.
New Zealand, known in Māori as Aotearoa or “land of the long white cloud,” is situated in the South Pacific approximately 1,200 miles east of Australia. It comprises two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, both completely within temperate and ideal winegrowing latitudes. Both islands have a cool maritime climate, surrounded by cold ocean waters with the viticultural areas being less than 50 miles from the sea.
New Zealand, an ideal winegrowing environment.
The mountainous spine of New Zealand protects the country’s top vineyards.
Most commercially successful wine regions are found in the rain shadow of the central mountains on the eastern coastlines, with varying soils and climates spread along the country’s nearly 2,000-mile length.
New Zealand, an ideal winegrowing environment.
Notable New Zealand wine varieties.
Over 80% of New Zealand’s wine production is white, the major varietal being sauvignon blanc which accounts for close to 65% of all vines planted throughout the country. Chardonnay and pinot gris are other leading white grapes, followed by smaller amounts of riesling and gewürztraminer. While most associate these white wines with New Zealand’s cooler climate, the country also produces savory reds — just over 14% of the total acreage is devoted to pinot noir, with merlot being the second most-planted red variety. Cabernet sauvignon, malbec, cabernet franc and syrah are also grown.
