New Zealand and its wines

The New Zealand is one of the most renowned wine regions in the world, famous for its Aromatic, fresh Sauvignon Blancs, as well as the Elegant, mineral Pinot Noir. Thanks to the a maritime climate, wide temperature swings and mineral-rich soils, the country produces wines of great quality, marked by high acidity and aromatic complexity.

The main wine regions are divided between North Island e South Island, each with unique features: the first is known for its full-bodied, intense reds, while the second is the heart of the Sauvignon Blanc and of New Zealand Pinot Noir.

What is the New Zealand wine district?

New Zealand has 11 officially recognised wine regions (GI - Geographical Indications), spread across the two islands. The most famous include:

• Marlborough → The home of the most famous Sauvignon Blanc in the world.
• Central Otago → High-quality Pinot Noir and mountain whites.
• Hawke’s Bay → Structured reds from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
• Wairarapa (Martinborough) → Elegant, spicy Pinot Noir.
• Nelson → Refined Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
• Canterbury & Waipara Valley → Expressive Riesling, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The Great Wine Areas of New Zealand

1. Marlborough (South Island)

• Main grape varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay.
• Style: Fresh, aromatic whites, elegant reds.
• Famous appellations: Wairau Valley, Awatere Valley.

2. Central Otago (South Island)

• Main grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling.
• Style: Complex, mineral reds, fresh whites.
• Famous appellations: Bannockburn, Gibbston, Cromwell Basin.

3. Hawke’s Bay (North Island)

• Main grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay.
• Style: Structured, long-lived reds, elegant whites.
• Famous appellations: Gimblett Gravels, Bridge Pa Triangle.

4. Wairarapa (Martinborough) (North Island)

• Main grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay.
• Style: Refined reds, aromatic whites.
• Famous appellations: Martinborough, Gladstone.

5. Nelson (South Island)

• Main grape varieties: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir.
• Style: Wines of great balance and longevity.
• Famous appellations: Moutere Hills, Waimea Plains.

6. Canterbury & Waipara Valley (South Island)

• Main grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc.
• Style: Elegant, mineral wines, with excellent acidity.
• Famous appellations: North Canterbury, Waipara Valley.

Characteristics of the Wines of New Zealand

Colour

• Whites: Straw yellow with greenish highlights in the Sauvignon Blanc, golden in the Chardonnay.
• Reds: Bright ruby red in the Pinot Noir wines, with garnet shades as they age.

Aromas

• Fruity: Tropical fruits, citrus and peach in the whites; cherry and blackberry in the reds.
• Floral: White flowers in the whites; rose and violet in the Pinot Noirs.
• Mineral and Spicy: Notes of flint in the Sauvignon Blancs, black pepper in the Syrah wines.

Palate

• Fresh and Aromatic: In the Sauvignon Blancs, with vibrant acidity and a long finish.
• Elegant and Structured: In the Pinot Noir wines, with silky tannins and great complexity.
• Savoury and Mineral: In the Rieslings and Chardonnays, perfect for ageing.

Typical Grape Varieties of New Zealand

White Grape Varieties

• Sauvignon Blanc: The emblematic grape variety of New Zealand, with intense aromas and vibrant acidity.
• Chardonnay: Structured and long-lived, with excellent minerality.
• Riesling: Aromatic and fresh, with great ageing capacity.

Black Grape Varieties

• Pinot Noir: The most important red grape variety in New Zealand, elegant and mineral.
• Syrah: Full-bodied and spicy, with great expression in Hawke’s Bay.
• Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot: Present in the warmer areas, with structured, long-lived reds.

Why Choose a Wine from New Zealand?

A wine from the New Zealand is synonymous with freshness, elegance and aromatic precision. Ideal for pairing with shellfish, fish, goat's cheeses and light meat, New Zealand wines offer exceptional quality recognised internationally.