New Zealand is known for the elegance of its wines. A style that has inspired many winemakers around the world. Sauvignon Blanc is particularly popular, but the country offers a wide diversity of quality wines.
Famous for its Sauvignon Blanc
Since the early 1990s, New Zealand has become famous for its fresh, fruity Sauvignon Blanc – a style that has inspired many winemakers around the world.
In just a few years, New Zealand has earned a reputation for excellence, notably with the production of superior quality Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and “Bordeaux” blends.
New Zealand wines internationally are a success story.
Only introduced in the 19th century, the New Zealand vine made its debut under the influence of Australian winegrowers, and French, Spanish and Italian settlers…
But until the beginning of the 20th century, its wine production was quite tiny.
At the very end of the 1980’s, nationwide referendums on prohibition finally ended, after eight decades of struggle.
And the country began to produce wines on a larger scale. And as New Zealand benefits from quite ideal climatic and geological conditions for viticulture, it was a success ! Led by people’s efforts and spirit of initiative.
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Riesling
Gewurztraminer
Pinot Noir
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
In the North or South of the country, winemakers mainly grow Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling, Gewurztraminer for the white grape varieties.
In the North, due to a warmer climate, Chardonnay often gives off exotic and fruity aromas. Those from Hawke’s Bay in particular are opulent. Sauvignon is also fruitier and more aromatic.
In the South, on the other hand, wines give off a more lively acidity, with some amazing fruitiness still.
For the red grape varieties, New Zealand is the land of Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a bit of Syrah.
40,000 ha
New Zealand has two main islands.
Located between latitudes 34 to 47 degrees south, a world separates the climatic conditions of the North Island, warmer even semi-tropical in the far north, and the South Island, with a cooler climate, and harsh winters in the far south.
In the North the main wine regions are Northland, Auckland, Gisborne and Hawke’s bay, Wairarapa, Martinborough. In the South, the main wine regions are Marlborough (the largest in the country), Nelson, Canterbury, Central Otago (the southernmost in the world).
Extent of the vineyard
The New Zealand vineyard extends over 40,000 hectares (2021).
The country is the 16th largest wine producer in the world.
