By Phil Parker - wine writer.Phil runs wine tours in Auckland see: http://www.finewinetours.co.nz/
Philip Gregan, NZ Winegrowers Chief predicts that the grapes from this year's harvest will prove to be some of the best - but with a drop in production of 19,000 tonnes to a total of 266,000. A warm and dry extended summer produced optimum ripeness in most regions.
The 2010 vintage has changed the balance, with Marlborough (previously about 56%) now producing around 70% of NZ's wine. Gisborne and Hawkes Bay - previously about 30% between them, have dropped to 22% of ther national vineyard. (Sadly, Pernod Ricard NZ has pulled out a lot of Chardonnay from Gisborne, a renowned area for that variety).
Top drop from the national vintage is still Sauvignon Blanc, with 66%. Followed by Chardonnay (10%), Pinot Noir (9%), Pinot Gris (5%), and Merlot (3%). All other varieties totalled only (7%), which means trendy Viognier, Arneis, and Syrah - and even old fashioned Cabernet are barely on the radar.
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About Me
- Phil
- Auckland, North Island, New Zealand
- Wine tour operator, wine writer and lapsed physiotherapist. "Nature abhors a vacuum. I personally hate dusting."
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Awesome post
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