We have been watching the progression of New Zealand wines now for several years and they have been progressing very nicely.
David Strata of New Zealand Wine Growers came Las Vegas to show off the latest vintage of New Zealand wines to the "trade" at the 4Seassons Resort. These "trade" tastings are normally not open to the public but provide a chance for Chefs, Sommeliers , Wine Directors and Restaurant owners to sample the wines an get an in depth look at them.
These wines were right on target as they showed how versatile this small country can be in its wine making techniques by using their numerous climates to produce some pretty good wines. We can take a detailed look at New Zealand wines by first taking a look at the wine growing regions , then their trade mark varietals and finally the all important climate.
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New Zealand has ten main wine growing regions, each displaying a great diversity in climate and terrain. Differences in climate may be illustrated by the variation in the harvesting date of Chardonnay. In the warmer and more humid northern regions of Northland, Auckland and Gisborne, Chardonnay might begin to be harvested in late February or early March while in Central Otago, the world's most southerly Chardonnay grapes may first be picked in mid to late April - a difference of 6-7 weeks. |
New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is rated throughout the world as the definitive benchmark style for this varietal. The growing recognition for New Zealand Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Méthode Traditionelle sparkling wines, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends is helping to further cement New Zealand's position as a producer of world class wines. |
| New Zealand is also a country of contrasts with dense, native forest, snow-capped mountains and spectacular coastline. With wine growing regions spanning the latitudes of 36 to 45 degrees and covering the length of 1000 miles (1,600km), grapes are grown in a vast range of climates and soil types, producing a diverse array of styles. The northern hemisphere equivalent would run from Bordeaux (between the latitudes of 44 and 46 degrees) down to southern Spain. |
New Zealand's temperate, maritime climate has a strong influence on the country's predominantly coastal vineyards. The vines are warmed by strong, clear sunlight during the day and cooled at night by sea breezes. The long, slow ripening period helps to retain the vibrant varietal flavours that make New Zealand wine so distinctive. |
New Zealand wines have been making a name for themselves and we don't expect this trend to slow down any time soon. It is not JUST known for world class Sauvignon Blancs anymore but a wide variety of world class wines from Chardonnay to Pinot Noirs
Join Vino Las Vegas as we speak to David Strata and visit with New Zealand's Woollaston Wines Miana DeGardeyn as they speak about the country and their wines.
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