New Zealand extends over two main islands, North Island and South Island . It is next to the South Pole and has a cold and rainy weather . By " cool climate viticulture" ( cool climate viticulture ) , New Zealand wines have been provided with a memorable personality , which has contributed to its popularity . In qualitative terms, the wines are now a global benchmark . they are alive and fruit and are characterized by their acidity , aromatic concentration and elegance. emphasize its white wines made ??from Sauvignon or Chardonnay and red wines made ??from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot something , or their excellent Pinot Noir.
New Zealand has 10 wine regions in both the North Island and in the South Island . However, 80% of the production is concentrated in three main regions: Marlborough ( 50 % ) in the South Island , and Hawkes Bay ( 21%) and Gisborne (9 %), both of the North Island .
NORTH ISLAND
Its climate is warmer than the South Island , making it more suitable for cultivation of certain varieties, such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon . Here are two of the major wine regions of the country in terms of production : Hawke 's Bay and Gisborne . Abundant fertile soil , which can sometimes pose a problem for quality grape production .
This was where the first vines arrived in 1819 from Australia .
The most important areas are:
Auckland is located northeast of the island and is the oldest wine-growing region . It is primarily a red wine producing area , with the main variety cabernet sauvignon her .
Gisborne : southeast of the Bay of Plenty, produces about 10 % of the grapes Zealand . Alluvial soils has high performance and is basically a white wine producing region .
Hawke's Bay on the east coast of the North Island , produces more than 20 % of the grapes Zealand . It was a pioneer in viticulture region of this country and , being the sunniest region of the country, is very suitable for growing grapes . It is considered the best area for growing wine of Bordeaux grape varieties .
Wairarapa : south of the island , has a vineyard not widespread , but their reds are internationally renowned pinot noir . It also produces white wines from Chardonnay, Sauvignon and Gewurztraminer .
SOUTH ISLAND
It is the island's most important from the point wine . In 1973 took off growing grapes when the large company Montana wines planted in the region of Marlborough 1600 hectares of vineyards . In all this area has only 24 were Sauvignon blanc, the rest was devoted to the cultivation of Müller- Thurgau.
Currently has 7,900 hectares of Sauvignon blanc , being the predominant variety and that New Zealand has led to worldwide success .
The most important wine areas are:
Nelson : on the north coast , is a bit extensive wine region due to high cost of their land . The vine growing goes back to 1860-1870. The dominant strains are Chardonnay and Riesling . It is similar to Marlborough , but cooler and with less rain .
Marlborough : southeast of Nelson , is the region's largest and most important wine from New Zealand, and the most prosperous . Hosts 50 % of the area of vineyards in New Zealand , the largest producing region .
It is sheltered from strong winds from the west by the Southern Alps . Besides this limited range of precipitation and , therefore , help to keep clear days , resulting in a greater number of hours of sunshine. Not only this range protects Marlborough , but the end of the North Island of cyclones protects autumn . This, together with warm summers ago that favors grape maturity , when performing this in a slow and prolonged.
It is one of the driest and sunniest areas of the country. Weather conditions are suitable for white varieties : Müller -Thurgau , Sauvignon Blanc , Chardonnay and Riesling . The Cabernet Sauvignon is the main grape variety .
The Chardonnay with some Pinot Noir goes mostly to the production of sparkling wine .
Canterbury and Waipara Valley: near the city of Christchurch , is located east of the island. The low rainfall and long autumn with warm days and cool nights are favorable factors for growing Chardonnay and Riesling .
In this region, fine wines made ??with Pinot Noir.
Central Otago : further south, is the southernmost wine region of the country and less extensive . The hot season is short, but are dry and sunny autumns , with the rainfall rate is the lowest in all of New Zealand. It is the coldest area of New Zealand and one of the coolest wine regions in the world. In summer the days are very long .
It is a growing area and production oriented and expensive excellent Pinot Noir wines .