The wines of New Zealand

Sauvingion Blanc - this grape was the catalyst for New Zealand Wine. Kiwi winemakers have that special something when it comes to this grape variety. New Zealand Sauvingion Blanc is now the benchmark white grape variety for new world and is known to wine lovers all over the world. Now Chardonnay is starting to gain popularity and has become the most planted varietal in New Zealand followed closely by Sauvingion Blanc.

Another success story in New Zealand wine making is Pinot Noir, which is just behind Sauvingion Blanc in the most planted grape varieties. Pinot Noir, the thin-skinned grape variety made famous by red burgundy produces fantastic wines. This grape variety ripens relatively early so it is not suitable for very warm regions and that's why it seems to do so well in the cool climate of New Zealand's South Island.

New Zealand Wine - North Island

New Zealand's North Island climate is warmer than the South Island and is suitable for red grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Recently Syrah has been planted and we have an excellent example from the Te Mata Estate in Hawkes Bay. Alongside the Syrah are excellent examples of other red varietals and some Chardonnay with complexity and finesse, quite close to a great white Burgundy on our Wines from New Zealand - North Island page.

New Zealand Wine - South Island

Marlborough Sauvingion Blanc, now one of the most famous wines in the world. Green grass, Gooseberry, Blackberry, Tropical Fruit, just some of the flavours and scents you will experience when you put your nose to the glass. We have some wonderful New Zealand Sauvingion from renowned producers such as Kim Crawford, Goldwater Estate, Mud House and from Cloudy Bay we stock their Chardonnay and Te Koko, Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc. The most Southerly of wine regions Central Otago has an ideal climate for Pinot Noir and from here we present Quartz Reef an elegant, well structured wine in our range of Wines from New Zealand's South Island.