:the changing face of wine in new zealand
UP UNTIL RECENTLY NEW Zealand wines have been renowned primarily for their provenance and varietal. The 'terroir' in which they are grown has been the all-important identifier; for example Marlborough for Sauvignon Blanc or Central Otago for Pinot Noir. However, there's a new and exciting trend emerging that truly celebrates unique characteristics and personalities which distinguish wine as being from a sub-region, a place and very importantly, a winemaker. Generally speaking, New Zealand wine brands have one winemaker who produces different wine from their own vineyards. We're used
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The changing face of wine in New Zealand
to wines being defined by the region in which they are grown such as Marlborough, Hawke's Bay and Central Otago. Alternatively, winemakers may source grapes from other vineyards that grow on behalf of the winemaker. The grapes are shipped to the winemaker's base and from there the magic unfolds. One independent premium wine brand is doing things a little
differently and instead is growing its own grapes in family-owned vineyards in three of the best New Zealand wine regions; Waiheke Island, Marlborough and Central Otago. Using three outstanding award-winning winemakers to produce the wine in each of the three
