New Zealand WinesEnjoy!New Zealand Wines are becoming widely recognised internationally. Our two gold star wines being Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.However, other varieties are also making a mark as more wineries try growing different vines and making wine varieties not so common in the past. I am not an expert - just an interested participant in this wonderful world of wines.So my notes are a brief look at what you will be able to experience as you visit some of the over 400 wineries producing a wide variety of wines. I have provided many links on the wine pages for you use for further information. An Over View of New Zealand WinesSauvignon BlancNew Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is recognised internationally as probably the best in the world. Marlborough produces the best New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, but Hawkes Bay also produces a lot, with quite different characteristics. However, I must confess if I am having trouble making choice I always choose a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc knowing it will almost certainly be a good drop. Pinot Noir New Zealand's southern most wineries, especially Otago, but also Canterbury and Marlborough are making some very good Pinot Noir’s which , like the Sauvignon Blanc’s are becoming a trade mark wine for New Zealand. The climate and soils in Otago seem to be particularly good for this grape. Wine Expert on New Zealand WinesChardonnay Gisborne is known by some as the chardonnay capital of New Zealand . While Marlborough is also a big producer, with Canterbury and Hawkes Bay also producing good chardonnay. It is one of our most commonly grown grapes for white wine. Both oaked and unoaked varieties are to be found in the wineries and supermarket shelves. Pinot Gris This crisp white wine has become very popular, especially in summer. A light, uncomplicated, easy to drink wine that grows well in Hawkes Bay. Gewurztraminer New Zealand could grow more of this delicious wine, but does not grow a lot currently. I have been told because it is not very popular. Rather a catch 22 as it is often difficult to find. Saints make a very nice gewurztraminer. Gisborne is the main area for gewurztraminer. Riesling Again the main New Zealand producers of riesling are from Gisborne, Nelson, Marlborough, and Canterbury which is becoming internationally well known and recognised for its Riesling wines. 
NEW ZEALAND WINES
Rose This luscious pink, easy to drink wine has had a resurgence in popularity. It a great daytime wine, being light and fruity. We have some really lovely roses if you are a fan, and one of my favourites comes from a small boutique winery "Cottle Hill" at Kerikeri. Cabernet Sauvignon Hawkes Bay and Auckland are the biggest producers of Cabernet Sauvignon.The recognised world class wines of this variety come from Waiheke Island which produces some excellent Cabernet Sauvignons with their warmer drier climate, along with Hawkes Bay where more than half of this variety of our wine is produced.This is the most commonly grown red grape in Auckland, Northland and Hawkes Bay,but other regions such as Wellington and Marlborough also produce some. Merlot The majority of vines in Hawkes Bay are merlot and cabernet sauvignon. The growing conditions are similar to Cabernet Sauvignon.They withstand a cooler climate, and heavier soils.A Cab Sav/Merlot blend is also popular. Like cabernet sauvignon, New Zealand is becoming recognised for some excellent merlots. Syrah – (Shiraz) Yes, here in New Zealand we call Shiraz - Syrah, which does easily distinguish us from Australia which produces such good Shiraz wines. Syrah is not commonly grown, although you will find some around.Generally our climate and soils do not lend themselves tosyrah.It will most likely be found where the other red wines are grown - Hawkes Bay,Auckland, and Northland.
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