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New Zealand Wine Guide

A country now well known for its unique, intense style of Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand also produces some excellent Chardonnay and Riesling. Until recently the red wines have never been very impressive, but recent vintages have demonstrated that this is no longer the case. New Zealand is now responsible for some good Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot based wines, but is also beginning to produce Pinot Noir of world-beating quality.

Like Australia, some big names dominate the industry. Montana, based in Auckland, is responsible for much of the wine produced, releasing wines under its own name as well as McDonald Winery. Other wineries dominating the industry include Corbans (brands Stoneleigh, Longridge) and Villa Maria (brands Vidal, Esk Valley). Both are also based in Auckland. Together these three account for well over half the wine produced in New Zealand.

South Island

It is the South Island that produces the most significant wines. The Marlborough region, New Zealand's largest, near the northern tip, is well established as a the country's top region when it comes to Sauvignon Blanc. It is the combination of good ripening conditions combined with cool nights which maintain natural acidity in the grapes that has made it so successful. There is also some good Riesling.

My top wines: Isabel Estate, Fromm, Le Brun, Cloudy Bay (including Pelorus, their excellent sparkler), Hunter's, Grove Mill, Jackson Estate, Lawson's Dry Hills, Montana.

Other regions of the South Island include Nelson and Canterbury, which includes Waipara. These are somewhat overshadowed by Marlborough. Further south, however, is a region which is certainly not overshadowed, and that is Central Otago. The Pinot Noir produced here is of ever increasing quality, and worth looking out for.
My top wines: Felton Road, Carrick (Central Otago).

North Island

At the southernmost tip is Wairarapa, which includes Martinborough. Martinborough is a small region which has seen success with mainly white grapes, but also some wonderful Pinot Noir.
My top wines: Ata Rangi, Martinborough Vineyard, Palliser (all Martinborough).

Hawke's Bay, further north, has a warmer climate and a history of success with red grapes as well as white. Some wines produced are outstanding. Gisborne, conversely, has mainly white varieties, whereas the vineyards of Waikato, Auckland and the Bay of Plenty are both known for reds and whites. In the far north, Northland produces a small amount of grapes.
My top wines: Peacock Ridge (Waiheke Island), Esk Valley, top cuvées from Redmetal Vineyards, McDonald Winery, Te Mata, Vidal, CJ Pask (all Hawke's Bay), Coopers Creek, Delegat's, Deutz, Selaks (all Auckland)

Vintages

New Zealand has had some good vintages recently, in particular 2000. Opt for wines from this vintage if there is a choice. Otherwise opt for the youngest vintage available, as most Sauvignon Blanc will be better drunk young rather than aged. As for reds. Central Otago had good vintages in 1995 and 1996 for Pinot Noir. Older vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines are probably best avoided, but there is increasing quality in more recent vintages.