Moving Beyond Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
New Zealand’s first vineyard was planted in the 19th century but in terms or commercial wine making the country came late to the wine industry. In the 1980’s a small wine region broke into the global wine scene when Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough became recognized as a wine worth importing, and by the 1990s it could be found on supermarket shelves worldwide. Today these wines continue to be incredibly popular but we should not forget that there is more to New Zealand than just this one grape and region. With its cool climate, long hours of sunshine and diverse terroir New Zealand is an ideal location to grow high quality grapes and make delicious wine.
Long hours of sunshine, cooling ocean breezes, high mountains and diverse soil types help make New Zealand one of the most premium wine growing regions in the world. The slightly cooler South Island is ideal for producing fresh, vibrant wines with a strong fruit profile using grapes such as Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Meanwhile, the North Island is slightly warmer making it perfect for red grapes, such as Syrah, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as being well suited for producing elegant Chardonnay wines. As a result of the climate conditions and geographical diversity New Zealand can produce a wide range of wine styles, to delight every palate.
Pinot Noir is the second most successful grape in New Zealand, after Sauvignon Blanc, with 5.613ha planted across the country in 2024 (for comparison Sauvignon Blanc has 28,109ha). Central Otago, in the high Southern Alps, is probably the most famous region producing the grape but there are also wonderful examples from Martinborough, Nelson and Marlborough. Pinot Noir from New Zealand tend to have a vibrant fruit character, with smooth tannins and a soft texture. This combination makes New Zealand Pinot Noir very accessible in terms of their style, although as with many other regions producing Pinot Noir there can be a premium price tag attached to them too.
It is well worth exploring other grape varieties from New Zealand. The cool climate with long hours of sunshine is ideal for aromatic grape varieties such as Riesling, Gruner Veltliner and Gewurztraminer. These wines maintain the purity of fruit that characterises so many of New Zealand’s wines but also have incredible aromatic density, one whiff and you will be enveloped in a heady fragrance that is uniquely kiwi. But it is not just the aromatic white grapes that have found success here but also some of the more neutral varieties, including Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. Thanks to plenty of sunshine these grapes can produce some beautifully full bodied and generous wines, whilst the cool climate means that they have a freshness that will keep you sipping.
With so much to explore we are delighted to be part of New Zealand wine month this May with an offer of 10% off any 2 bottles of wines from New Zealand. As well as May being dedicated to the wonderful wines of New Zealand, May is also host to three international grape days: 2nd May is International Sauvignon Blanc Day, the 17th is International Pinot Gris Day and the 22nd is International Chardonnay Day. With all of this happening we thought it would be a good idea to give you a few of our favourite recommendations from NZ.
Name / Producer: Juliet Riesling Two Rivers Region: Marlborough / Price: £17.95
This thirst quenching, medium-dry Riesling has a delicious mouthfeel and nicely coats the mouth without being cloying. Aromas of ripe citrus and sherbet are mixed with savoury almond notes. The palate is delicate and pure with an old fashioned lemonade type texture, releasing pithy citrus flavours of apricot curd and lime.
Name / Producer: Cherry Block Pinot Noir Cherry Block Region: Central Otago / Price: £20.95
This fragrant and spicy Central Otago Pinot Noir has vivid aromas of black cherry fruit on the nose with herbal undertones. The palate is with fine spiciness underpinned by sweet fruit. Great by itself of enjoyed with venison, duck, turkey or chicken.
Name / Producer: Hawkes Bay Albarino Swift Wines Region: Hawkes Bay / Price: £22.95
This new take on Hawke’s Bay Albariño is vibrant, modern and fresh. Think yellow nectarines, white spice, orange blossom, lifted florals & fresh linen on the nose while the palate is textural & full-bodied… with a hint of saltiness and a lick of oyster shell. Like all Swift vinos, this Albariño is mindfully made using low intervention winemaking practises for maximum expression of place.
Name / Producer: Framingham Pinot Gris Framingham Region: Marlborough / Price: £23.95
Rich gold in colour, this wine delights with mellow aromatics, which are reminiscent of pear, apple, quince, dough and cream, with a touch of wood smoke. On the palate, it has generous flavours of baked apple, quince, cream, nuts and pastry. The intense, complex and rich palate balances acidity with good weight and a silky texture, culminating in a spicy, leesy finish.
Name / Producer: Chardonnay Dog Point Region: Marlborough / Price: £32.95
A pure, bright and youthful citrus driven chardonnay with complex smokey, flint, toast and biscuit notes derived from extended barrel aging on full solids. The hallmarks of Dog Point chardonnay are ever present here with pure saline and crisp palate structure. This vintage will have the ability to age well. Perfect match with scallops, white fish, poultry and BBQ pork.