Not What You’d Expect
Paul Tutton, Waipara West Wines
Expect More than Just Great Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand
“New Zealand excels beyond Sauvignon Blanc. The country can produce distinctive wines from diverse selection of grapes” Paul Lukacs, Washington Times
Merlot6%
Cab.Sav2% Riesling
4%
Pinot Gris4%
Pinot Noir18%Sauvignon
Blanc42%
Chardonnay16%
Other8%
More than 25 different varieties planted
Share of plantings 2009Plus even less expected varieties such as Verdehlo, Arneis, Tempranillo, Montepulciano and Zinfandel
• 10 main regions• Span the latitudes of 34 and 47
degrees and Distance of 1,600km• Wide range of climates ranging
from sub-tropical Northland to ‘Alpine conditions’ of Central Otago
Regional Diversity Enables Wide Range of Varieties
From Sub- tropical Northland...
...to mountainous Central Otago
Latitude Rain (Oct-Apr)
Mean Temp
Growing Degree Days (Oct- Apr
Keri Keri , Northland
35.18 S 865mm 19.3 C 1509
Cromwell, Central Otago
45.14 S 243mm 16.6 C 910
Sweet Wines – Expect more from now on
• EU legislation changed in late 2009 to allow NZ to export dessert wines to Europe.
• Key Varieties– Primarily Riesling – also Semillon,
Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier.
• Regions – Marlborough, Hawkes Bay, Waipara,
Central Otago
• Styles– Late harvest, botrytised/ noble, ice
Sileni Estate SelectionLate Harvest Semillon 2009
Let’s Taste
Northland/ Auckland 10%
Mainly found in Hawkes Bay and Auckland, with sunny, warm, maritime climates, moderate rainfall and long, dry autumn.
Also unexpected pockets in micro-climates of cooler regions, e.g. Waipara
Cabernet – based red wine blends
Hawke’s Bay – 75%
Waipara
Generally too far south to ripen Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc successfully.One block of river silt surrounded by north facing 50 metre cliffs – creates micro-climate. Merlot ripens early and is on a higher terrace of clay limestone & rocks. The blend is different for every vintage but to me it is the Cabernet Franc which gives the wine its charm and elegance
Waipara
Waipara West Ram Paddock 2006Red Cabernet Franc/ Cabernet Sauvignon/ Merlot
Let’s Taste
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