A wine-producing country of recent development, New Zealand doesn't simply observe the big players of the sector from a marginal position, but conquers the market with a remarkable range of wines, reds and whites with a tenacious and elegant identity. Tasting them means experiencing not only a peculiar and multifaceted terroir, but also the commitment of local winemakers. Here's everything you need to know to navigate the wines of New Zealand!
What are the characteristics of New Zealand wines?
In the global wine landscape, New Zealand is something of an outlier. Not only is it extremely young (viticulture began there about 200 years ago), but it has had to struggle to achieve its first results, due to frequent attacks by pests and strict regulations regarding the sale of alcoholic beverages. This hasn't, however, prevented the country from prospering, so much so that today New Zealand wine is not only recognised, but appreciated for its own well-defined identity.
Leading the charge for the nation's reputation are the whites, produced primarily from Sauvignon Blanc, but also from Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling and Gewürztraminer, which benefit from the proximity to the coast and sunny days and give life to a range of very different styles. The grape varieties cultivated in the north of the country present more full-bodied, rich and mature aromas, whilst in the south the cooler conditions give the grapes a tart touch and a pungent and lively profile.
The production of reds is focused predominantly on the cultivation of Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Although with notable differences from one style to another, New Zealand reds generally present a powerful fruity identity, good structure and considerable elegance, as well as excellent ageing potential.
The best white wines from New Zealand
The Sauvignon Blanc grape variety is undoubtedly the most representative variety of the New Zealand winemaking tradition, not only the most cultivated, but also the most relevant in foreign trade, as it represents 85% of all exports.
This is why it's crucial to open this selection of recommendations with precisely this grape variety, with two unmissable proposals!
"Mount Riley" Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Anonymity isn't contemplated amongst the main traits of New Zealand whites, and the "Mount Riley" Sauvignon Blanc 2023 is here to confirm it. With its lively aromatic profile of pink grapefruit, gooseberry, passion fruit and aromatic herbs, this wine with enchanting greenish hues is the starting point of a tasting that's difficult to forget. Equally memorable is the sip, which perfectly balances intensity and elegance, with a tart note that immediately invites you to take a second sip.
You can taste it on its own, but in pairings it delivers enormous satisfaction, alongside fish dishes of various types - from grilled to baked steaks, from soups to fillets braised with vegetables or potatoes - but it also lends itself well to a carefree aperitif, based on seafood fritters, mini tacos with tuna, octopus or prawn salads and bagels with smoked salmon.
"Bishop's Leap" Sauvignon Blanc 2022
The discovery of New Zealand white wines continues with this "Bishop's Leap" Sauvignon Blanc 2022, which brings to the glass a delicate balance of citrus and vegetal notes, between hints of grapefruit and herbaceous tones. The chances of falling in love with it increase with the tasting, which conquers with a full, fresh and lightly spiced sip.
It's precisely this aromatic nuance that determines its place at the table: excellent with aperitifs, seafood starters and other fish dishes, this New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is a marvel when paired with ethnic preparations. Try it with Thai cuisine dishes, with Indian-inspired recipes like Chicken Tikka Masala or with other spiced dishes.
New Zealand wines to try: the reds
Alongside the extraordinary production of whites with lively character, New Zealand proves to be a favourable land also for the birth of fruity, full and powerful reds, amongst which Pinot Noir dominates, presented here in a double tasting and pairing proposal!
Babich Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021
For red wine lovers, New Zealand Pinot Noir is a real discovery. Not only does it display considerable elegance, but it balances this persuasive nature with a light and pleasantly fruity note, which makes it an easy-drinking wine, rich, but anything but challenging.
A perfect example is this Babich Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021, which owes its enchanting aromatic charge to 7 months of ageing in French oak barrels.
The result is a bouquet of ripe plum, strawberry and raspberry, enriched by a lightly smoky suggestion and a note of nutmeg. The tasting returns to the palate considerable softness and a persistent aftertaste of dried herbs and caramel.
As tasty as it is versatile, this wine lends itself to a wide range of pairings. Not only those with meat, which represent a timeless match, but also - almost unexpectedly - with fish dishes with full-bodied flavours, such as soups, fish pie, fish burgers or starters based on smoked herrings.
"Moko Black" Marlborough Pinot Noir
There are wines that should be consumed young to enjoy their fresh and fragrant notes, and others that give their best after a few years spent in the cellar. This "Moko Black" Marlborough Pinot Noir, bottled in 2015, belongs to the second category. Powerful and fruity, it perfectly accompanies full-bodied meat dishes, such as chops, pork steaks, venison fillets, glazed roast duck or a soft cottage pie.
Its ability to handle these flavours is due to the intense organoleptic profile, but also pleasantly refreshing, developed thanks to the proximity of the vineyards to the coast. The olfactory examination offers a glimpse of berries, cloves and white pepper, whilst in the mouth the sip welcomes light woody notes due to the passage in oak and a medium structure.
Terroir and wine regions of New Zealand
Very diversified in terms of climates and soils, New Zealand develops its main wine areas to the east, where temperatures are mitigated by the presence of the mountains and the Southern Atlantic Ocean.
The temperature variations from day to night are often notable, responsible for the aromatic complexity of the wines. Generally speaking, the country's climate can be described as maritime, cool, but sunny.
To understand it in detail, however, it's fundamental to explore the main New Zealand wine regions:
- Auckland: situated in the north-west of the North Island, it presents a warm and humid climate, due to frequent precipitation. These conditions lower the yield in terms of quantity, but don't affect the quality of the wines. The soil is clayey, with the presence of silt and sand. Here Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are widely cultivated.
- Gisborne: a small and rather rainy region, on the north-east coast of the North Island. The position guarantees the vineyards good ventilation, which gives acidity and aromatic complexity to the fruits. Temperatures are higher compared to the rest of the country, precipitation is scarce and sunshine is good. The soil is composed of clay, silt and limestone. The most cultivated varieties are Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Gewurztraminer, Merlot and Malbec.
- Hawke's Bay: on the North Island, it's one of the oldest regions in the country. It occupies the central area of the east coast and is characterised by a cool temperate The sunny days represent an important resource for the vineyards, as do the varied terrains, composed of gravel, mineral-rich stone, clay, limestone and sand. Amongst the most widespread varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Syrah stand out.
- Wairarapa: on the southern tip of the North Island, near the capital, it offers the vineyards a sunny, dry, cool and rather windy semi-maritime climate, which gives life to structured, mineral and vigorous wines. The soils are calcareous, with the presence of silt and gravel in the river areas. Amongst the grape varieties cultivated here, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Riesling and Gewürztraminer stand out.
- Marlborough: situated on the South Island, in the north-west, it's the largest and most relevant wine region in New Zealand, known predominantly for Sauvignon Blanc. Climatically it's sunny, with notable temperature variations from day to night. Its characteristics change depending on the valleys, ranging from heavy clayey terrains to sandy and gravelly The areas closest to the Pacific Ocean and the mountains present cooler climates, which give sapidity and herbaceous tones to the wines. Besides Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Noir are very popular.
- Central Otago: in the south-east of the South Island, it presents terrain rich in clay, gravel and limestone, notable altitudes and a continental type climate, with hot and short summers, freezing winters and dry autumns. A sunny climate and rather dry Here Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Grigio and Gewürztraminer are mainly cultivated.
Everything you need to know about New Zealand wines is here... only the wine is missing! Try the best labels by exploring the Svinando catalogue!