New Zealand
New Zealand is a remote island nation located deep in the South Pacific at the bottom of the earth, 2,000 or so kilometres south-east of Australia. Most closely associated with striking landscapes, dense forest and snow-capped mountains, New Zealand's recent history is closely linked with grapes and wine.
Globally recognised for the flavoursome, pungent Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand is home to 10 major growing regions. Pinot Noir has delivered notable success in Central Otago, Marlborough and Martinborough, with a dense, fruit-driven style, while excellent examples of Riesling and Pinot Gris are found in the cooler regions, particularly those of the South Island. Further north, the varied, alluvial soils of Hawke's Bay produce Bordeaux blends and Chardonnay from older vineyards, some of which were first planted in the 1850s. With just over 36,000 hectares of vineyards, New Zealand has only a tiny share of global wine production, but the wines from this remote outpost are well worth discovering.
