A Climate Built for Elegance

The success of organic Pinot Noir in New Zealand is no accident. The grape is notoriously sensitive to its environment, thriving only where cool nights and long sunshine hours allow for slow, even ripening. New Zealand’s maritime climate, with its crisp diurnal temperature swings, provides precisely these conditions. Central Otago, the world’s southernmost wine region, offers a continental twist: scorching summer days give way to sharply cool evenings, preserving the grape’s natural acidity while developing complex phenolic structure. Meanwhile, Marlborough’s alluvial soils and moderate coastal breezes yield a brighter, more aromatic expression.

Organic certification in these regions demands more than simply avoiding synthetic pesticides. Growers must build resilient ecosystems—planting cover crops, encouraging beneficial insects, and managing soil health through compost and natural amendments. The result is a vine that roots deeply, expresses its site with clarity, and produces fruit of remarkable purity.

Flavor Profile and Character

A well-crafted organic New Zealand Pinot Noir is a study in balance. On the nose, expect a layered bouquet of dark cherry, wild raspberry, and dried rose petal, often underscored by a subtle earthiness reminiscent of forest floor or damp river stone. The palate is typically medium-bodied, with silky tannins that frame rather than dominate. Look for notes of black plum, cranberry, and a whisper of spice—clove or white pepper—derived from the grape’s natural development rather than heavy-handed oak treatment.

What distinguishes the organic expression is a palpable sense of vitality. Without the masking effects of chemical residues, the wine tends to display brighter acidity and a more transparent reflection of its vintage. This is not a wine of brute power but of finesse—an invitation to savor nuance over intensity.

The Sustainability Imperative

For many producers, the shift to organic farming is as much philosophical as commercial. New Zealand’s wine industry has set ambitious sustainability goals, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Organic viticulture aligns naturally with this vision, reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-derived inputs and fostering biodiversity that protects against pests and disease without intervention.

Leading estates such as Felton Road in Bannockburn and Burn Cottage in the Lowburn Valley have become benchmarks for organic excellence. These producers practice biodynamic principles alongside organic certification, treating the vineyard as a self-contained organism. Their wines are sought after not merely for their eco-credentials but for their undeniable quality—proof that responsible farming and fine winemaking are not mutually exclusive.

Food Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Organic Pinot Noir from New Zealand is remarkably food-versatile. Its moderate alcohol and bright acidity make it a natural partner for roasted duck, grilled salmon, or mushroom risotto. For a classic match, try it with herb-crusted lamb, a nod to the country’s pastoral heritage. Serve slightly cool—around 14–16°C (57–61°F)—to allow the aromatic complexity to unfold. Decanting for 20–30 minutes can soften youthful tannins and reveal deeper layers.

A Bright Future

As global demand for organic wines continues to rise, New Zealand’s organic Pinot Noir is poised for even greater recognition. The combination of pristine environments, rigorous certification standards, and a generation of winemakers dedicated to minimal intervention has created a category that is both commercially viable and artistically compelling.

Whether you are a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, an organic Pinot Noir from New Zealand offers more than a glass of wine—it offers a taste of place, a commitment to craft, and a vision for a more sustainable future in viticulture. Pour a glass, and you will understand why this wine is quietly becoming one of the world’s most compelling expressions of Pinot Noir.

The Terroir:

A Natural Advantage

New Zealand’s geography is a gift to the organic vigneron. Its long, narrow islands benefit from a strong maritime influence, with consistent sunshine, cooling sea breezes, and reliable rainfall. This climate creates an environment where fungal pressures—a primary challenge for organic grape growers—are often lower than in more humid regions. The country’s relative isolation has also acted as a natural barrier against many vine pests and diseases, providing a cleaner slate for organic cultivation.

Key regions for Organic Pinot Noir include:
* Central Otago: The world’s southernmost wine region, known for its dramatic, continental climate, producing intense, structured wines with vibrant acidity and dark fruit profiles.
* Marlborough: Beyond Sauvignon Blanc, its cooler Awatere Valley and Southern Valleys sub-regions yield elegant, aromatic Pinots with red fruit and savoury spice.
* Waipara Valley (North Canterbury): Sheltered by hills, this area boasts a unique “heat summation,” producing Pinots with remarkable depth, silky textures, and complex earthy notes.
* Martinborough: A pioneer for quality Pinot Noir, with its free-draining gravelly soils creating wines of concentration, perfume, and longevity.

The Philosophy:

Beyond the Absence of Chemicals

Organic certification in New Zealand (under agencies like BioGro or AsureQuality) means more than just eschewing synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers. It represents a holistic philosophy of farming that views the vineyard as a living ecosystem.

In the vineyard, this translates to practices like:
* Using compost and green manure crops to build healthy, living soil teeming with microbial life.
* Employing biodiversity by planting cover crops to attract beneficial insects and promote natural pest control.
* Meticulous canopy management to ensure airflow and sunlight penetration, naturally reducing disease risk.
* A deep respect for the land, aiming to enhance biodiversity and soil health for future generations.

This hands-on, preventative approach requires significantly more labour and vigilance. The reward, vintners argue, is fruit that is a truer expression of its place—grapes that arrive at the winery with balanced acidity, intense natural flavours, and the physiological ripeness that comes from a vine struggling naturally in its environment.

In the Glass:

A Profile of Purity

Organic Pinot Noir from New Zealand often displays a distinctive profile that sets it apart:
* Vibrant Fruit Purity: Expect a cascade of fresh, precise fruit flavours—from succulent red cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry in cooler sites to darker plum and blackberry in warmer areas.
* Earthy Complexity: A hallmark of great Pinot, these wines frequently offer a compelling savoury counterpoint: notes of forest floor, wild thyme, damp clay, and five-spice.
* Silky Texture & Bright Acidity: The organic focus on balanced vines and longer hang-time often results in wines with fine, supple tannins and a spine of refreshing, natural acidity that provides structure and length.
* A Sense of Place (*Terroir*): Without being masked by synthetic inputs or heavy-handed winemaking, the character of the specific region, valley, or even vineyard block shines through with clarity.

The Future:

Leading with Sustainability

New Zealand’s wine industry has embraced sustainability at an institutional level, with over 96% of its vineyard area participating in a national sustainability programme. Organic and biodynamic viticulture is the vanguard of this movement. For consumers, choosing an organic Pinot Noir is not just a health or environmental statement; it is a choice for wines of authenticity, precision, and place.

As climate change presents new challenges, the resilient, soil-focused systems of organic farming may prove to be not just an ethical choice, but a pragmatic one for the future of quality winemaking.

In conclusion, New Zealand’s Organic Pinot Noir offers a compelling narrative. It is a story of pristine landscapes, innovative growers, and a profound respect for nature, all captured in a glass. It demonstrates that the New World can do more than produce powerful fruit-driven wines; it can deliver the elegance, complexity, and soulful sense of origin that Pinot Noir lovers cherish, all through a lens of remarkable purity and purpose.

The Rise of the Organic Ethos

The commitment to organic viticulture in New Zealand is a natural extension of the nation’s “clean, green” identity. Forward-thinking winemakers are moving beyond conventional farming, rejecting synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Instead, they nurture their vineyards as living ecosystems. Cover crops between rows prevent erosion and promote biodiversity, natural predators manage pests, and compost enriches the soil. This philosophy is about more than a label; it’s a holistic approach that believes healthier vines in balanced soils produce grapes with more authentic character and resilience.

Pinot Noir:

The Perfect Canvas

Pinot Noir is notoriously transparent. It is a thin-skinned variety that vividly reflects its terroir—the unique combination of soil, climate, and aspect—and the hand of the winemaker. This transparency makes it an ideal candidate for organic farming. Without the masking effects of chemical interventions, the true expression of the vineyard shines through. Organic Pinot Noir from New Zealand often displays a remarkable clarity of fruit, a refined structure, and a mineral-driven complexity that speaks directly of its origins.

Regional Stars:

From Marlborough to Central Otago

While organic practices are spreading nationwide, several regions stand out for their exceptional organic Pinot Noir:

* Marlborough: Beyond its famed Sauvignon Blanc, the southern valleys of Marlborough, like the Awatere and Wairau, are producing stunning, aromatic Pinot Noir. Organically grown examples here often show vibrant red cherry, raspberry, and herbal notes, with a bright, succulent acidity.
* Nelson & Waipara Valley: These smaller regions are hotbeds of organic innovation. Nelson’s gentle climate yields perfumed and supple Pinots, while North Canterbury’s Waipara Valley, with its limestone-rich soils, creates wines with deeper structure, dark fruit, and an intriguing earthy, spicy complexity.
* Central Otago: The world’s southernmost wine region is the spiritual home of New Zealand Pinot Noir. Its extreme continental climate—hot days and cold nights—builds intensity and concentration. Organic producers here craft powerful yet elegant wines, with layers of dark plum, cherry, and thyme, underpinned by a fine, silky texture. The purity of fruit achieved through organic farming allows the region’s dramatic, schist-driven minerality to take center stage.

The Taste of Purity

So, what can you expect when you pour a glass of organic New Zealand Pinot Noir?

* Vibrant, Pure Fruit: Expect a cascade of fresh, unadulterated flavors—from wild strawberry and red currant to darker plum and cherry.
* Elegant Structure: These wines typically possess fine, silky tannins and a lively acidity that provides balance and length, rather than overwhelming power.
* Earth and Minerality: A signature trait is the underlying savory character: notes of forest floor, wild thyme, damp clay, or crushed rock that anchor the fruit and speak of the vineyard.
* Food Versatility: Their balance and acidity make them incredibly food-friendly. Pair them with everything from grilled salmon and roasted duck to mushroom risotto and even delicate Asian cuisine.

A Commitment to the Future

Choosing an organic Pinot Noir from New Zealand is more than a purchasing decision; it’s an endorsement of a philosophy. It supports winemakers who are stewards of their land, committed to sustainability for future generations. These wines offer a clear, unmediated channel to the stunning landscapes from which they hail.

In a world increasingly seeking authenticity and responsibility, New Zealand’s organic Pinot Noir stands as a compelling proposition. It is a wine that captures the essence of its remote, beautiful origin—a pure, elegant, and delicious expression of nature, nurtured with care and crafted with passion.

The Terroir:

A Perfect Pinot Canvas

Pinot Noir is famously finicky, demanding specific conditions to reveal its potential. New Zealand’s unique geography provides an ideal stage. Key organic Pinot Noir regions include:

* Central Otago: The world’s southernmost wine region, with a continental climate of hot, dry summers and crisp winters. Its schist-based soils and dramatic diurnal temperature shifts produce wines with remarkable intensity, dark fruit concentration, and a mineral spine.
* Martinborough & Wairarapa: Known for its dry, windy climate and ancient riverbed soils of gravel and clay. The wines here are often more earthy, savory, and aromatic with a beautiful structural elegance.
* Marlborough: Beyond Sauvignon Blanc, the cooler, southern valleys of Marlborough are proving exceptional for Pinot Noir, yielding wines with bright red fruit, floral notes, and vibrant acidity.
* Waipara Valley (North Canterbury): Protected by hills, this region has a warmer, drier climate with limestone-rich soils, contributing to Pinot Noirs with depth, spice, and silky textures.

The Organic Philosophy:

Purity in Practice

The commitment to organic viticulture in New Zealand is more than a trend; it’s a philosophy deeply aligned with the nation’s clean, green identity. Organic certification (governed by bodies like BioGro or AsureQuality) requires:

* No synthetic pesticides or herbicides: Vineyards rely on natural ecosystems, cover crops, and manual weed control to promote biodiversity and soil health.
* Natural fertilizers only: Compost and green manure build living soils, which are the foundation of authentic terroir expression.
* Holistic vineyard management: A focus on the long-term health of the entire vineyard ecosystem, from soil microbes to beneficial insects.

For Pinot Noir, a thin-skinned grape particularly sensitive to its environment, this approach is transformative. Organic practices lead to lower yields of more concentrated, healthier grapes. Winemakers report that fruit from organic vineyards arrives at the winery with more natural balance, requiring minimal intervention. This allows the true character of the variety and the specific site—its *terroir*—to shine through with clarity and authenticity.

In the Glass:

A Profile of Elegance

New Zealand’s organic Pinot Noir typically offers a captivating profile that bridges Old World nuance with New World fruit purity:

* Aroma: A complex bouquet of ripe red cherries, raspberries, and wild strawberries, often layered with notes of dried herbs, forest floor, violet, and subtle spice (like clove or five-spice).
* Palate: On the palate, these wines are marked by their vibrant, natural acidity—a hallmark of New Zealand’s cool climate. This acidity provides a fresh, lively framework for silky tannins and flavors of red berry fruits, sometimes moving into darker plum or cherry notes in regions like Central Otago.
* Structure: They are generally medium-bodied, with a texture that is more about finesse and length than power. The finish is clean, persistent, and often distinctly mineral or savory.

Food Pairing:

A Versatile Companion

The bright acidity and elegant structure of organic New Zealand Pinot Noir make it a supremely food-friendly wine. It pairs beautifully with:

* Roasted duck or chicken with herbal or cherry-based sauces.
* Grilled salmon or other fatty fish.
* Mushroom-based dishes, from risotto to gourmet pizzas.
* Charcuterie and soft, creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert.

The Future is Green and Graceful

The trajectory for Organic Pinot Noir from New Zealand is one of exciting refinement. As viticulturists deepen their understanding of their organic sites and winemakers continue to hone a minimalist approach, the wines are gaining even greater precision, depth, and sense of place.

For the discerning wine lover, these bottles represent more than just a beverage. They are a taste of New Zealand’s commitment to environmental stewardship and a transparent expression of some of the most captivating cool-climate terroirs on earth. In a world increasingly valuing authenticity and sustainability, New Zealand’s Organic Pinot Noir stands out as a wine of both conscience and profound pleasure—a elegant, pure-hearted testament to what is possible when nature and craftsmanship work in harmony.

The Rise of Organic Viticulture in New Zealand

In recent years, New Zealand winemakers have embraced organic and biodynamic farming, prioritizing soil health and biodiversity. By avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, organic vineyards produce grapes that truly reflect their origin. Central Otago, Marlborough, and Martinborough—key Pinot Noir regions—lead this movement, crafting wines with exceptional purity and depth.

Flavor Profile: A Symphony of Nuances

New Zealand’s organic Pinot Noir is celebrated for its bright red fruit aromas—think ripe cherries, raspberries, and strawberries—complemented by earthy undertones of mushroom, dried herbs, and a hint of spice. The wine’s balanced acidity and velvety texture make it versatile for pairing, from roasted duck to wild mushroom risotto.

Sustainability Meets Excellence

Beyond taste, choosing organic Pinot Noir supports sustainable agriculture. Many New Zealand wineries hold BioGro or Demeter certifications, ensuring rigorous organic standards. This commitment extends to water conservation, carbon footprint reduction, and ethical labor practices, making each bottle a responsible choice for eco-conscious consumers.

Top Producers to Explore

• Felton Road (Central Otago) – A pioneer in biodynamic winemaking, known for expressive, age-worthy Pinot Noir.
• Seresin Estate (Marlborough) – Blends organic and biodynamic practices for elegantly structured wines.
• Craggy Range (Martinborough) – Produces single-vineyard Pinot Noir with remarkable finesse.

New Zealand’s organic Pinot Noir is more than a wine—it’s a reflection of the land, crafted with respect for nature and a passion for excellence. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious newcomer, these bottles promise an unforgettable journey through the country’s finest vineyards.

1. Queenstown in the South Island is taken into consideration to be the “Experience Capital of the World”. You can bungy jump or take place an exhilarating jet boat flight, go heli-skiing, sky diving, fly-by-wire, and luging among others. Both bungy jumping as well as jet boating were developed in New Zealand. New Zealanders have a saying regarding Kiwi ingenuity which is borne out in the tourist spots within New Zealand.
2. There is a broad array of different accommodation alternatives to provide for all tastes. At the top end there are Lodges which are the height of high-end. These lodges are usually situated in very beautiful and also secluded locations and all gourmet dishes are consisted of in the cost. The rate of this sort of lodging mirrors the luxury and also incorporations.
The next level of accommodation is resorts, from international 5 star to 2 celebrity for standard lodging. The hotels will certainly tend to be serviced every day and typically include one space as well as a washroom. Hotel rooms will certainly consist of tea and also coffee making facilities, fridges and also the majority of hotels would consist of a restaurant.
A favored option for households is the ever boosting numbers of houses. The homes are typically self food catering as opposed to a resort keep yet the benefit is that they provide more room and are self event catering which implies that you do not have to dine in restaurants all the time therefore saving you cash to spend on sightseeing and tour.
After that we have motels. Usually talking motels offer more space than hotels as well as often tend to be serviced daily but do not have a tendency to be as lavish. Motels often offer a separate room or 2 and in some cases cooking centers. You would certainly need to check this out when reserving.
There are also a boosting variety of Bed and also Breakfast’s. These differ dramatically as well as can vary from 5 star facilities to the relatively standard. If you appreciate “being familiar with the locals”, the B & B alternative could be a good one for you. Typically morning meal will be supplied as component of the price. Supper would certainly be by unique arrangement just.
If you are on a spending plan there are a lot of backpacker hostels to select from which are centrally located as well as well priced.
3. New Zealand has a great culinary landscape. Being a small island country surrounded by the sea, there are a wide variety of fish and shellfish delicacies available. The ocean bordering New Zealand is cool water many thanks to Antarctica being relatively close. Cold water fish have a tendency to have a fragile taste. In addition to fish from the sea, there are big lakes which are trout and also salmon reproduction grounds. Trout can not be captured readily so there is no threat of supplies going out. New Zealand is also fairly big on game and also the majority of the more up-market restaurants will have a game choice on the menu. You will certainly locate that there are dining options to suit every preference and spending plan. New Zealand could be fairly removed geographically from the remainder of the globe however it fasts to take on new kinds as well as styles of food as well as the kiwi resourcefulness discussed previously in the article is shown in the food offered in restaurants. There are coffee bars and also cafes, white wine bars offering food, pubs with dining establishments, family members dining choices, buffet’s in addition to the more up-market al la carte choices.
There is additionally a growing wine market in New Zealand. Wherever you go, you will certainly see creeping plants as well as a lot of the glass of wines produced are premium. If wine is your point, you will not be dissatisfied. Marlborough situated at the top of the South Island is just one of the earliest and best known red wine areas, most famous for manufacturing of Sauvignon Blanc. New Zealand is likewise becoming extremely well known for creating exceptional Pinot Noir, an infamously challenging wine to create.
4. If you are a Lord of the Bands follower, you will certainly recognize that the current collection of flicks was shot in different parts of New Zealand. New Zealanders are extremely happy with this and whilst taking a trip around you will certainly discover numerous discusses of components of the flicks which might have been filmed in certain spots. There are additionally excursions catering particularly to Lord of the Rings fans.
5. New Zealand has an interesting cultural background. It is thought that the Maoris that originated from Polynesia resolved in New Zealand about 1000 years back. New Zealand ended up being a British nest in 1840 after the finalizing of the Treaty of Waitangi. There are lots of outstanding museums within the cities and towns which supply a terrific summary of the reasonably short and also terrible background of New Zealand.

Are you believing regarding your following vacation? Fancy going someplace unique? You need look no more than New Zealand. Perhaps you delight in eating in restaurants, possibly you love hiking, probably you are an experience junkie or maybe you just like to laze about on the beach. New Zealand has it all.
New Zealand contains 2 significant islands. They are very different in regards to surroundings and also both islands are packed with a range of vacation options.
The North Island has 2 significant cities, Auckland which is the largest city in New Zealand without a doubt with a population of 1.2 million people. Still not that huge a city by the majority of nations requirements but it is extremely expanded land wise. Auckland is located in the northern part of the North Island and also is the main gateway for tourists being available in to the country. The various other significant city is Wellington which is located at the southern tip of the North Island. Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and also there is an effective ferry solution offering the connection in between the North as well as South Island.
The significant holiday areas are as follows yet do not be confined to these areas as there is a lot much more on deal.
Bay of Islands
Found around 160 miles or 260 kilometres north of Auckland, this area includes 144 islands as well as bays. This location has an extremely warm environment and also is well furnished for visitors. There are many accommodation alternatives and lots of points to do to maintain you inhabited. Much of the tasks are focussed around the water as any place you are, you will certainly be bordered by water consisting of a bountiful marine life. If you are a keen fisherman, you will certainly remain in paradise.
Auckland
About one third of the entire populace of New Zealand resides in the better Auckland area. If you delight in shopping, beaches or cruising, you can spend your whole time in Auckland. Auckland has actually frequently been elected the most effective lifestyle city on the planet with its worldwide city as well as beautiful harbour and beaches nearby. As with any kind of big city there are plethoras of premium dining establishments, social tasks fantastic buying and also as it has a lovely harbour, great deals of water activities.
Rotorua
Rotorua is an unique area of New Zealand. Situated regarding 2 1/2 hours drive from Auckland, it is a location which has a very solid Maori background and also most of the cultural activities focus around this history. An extremely distinct odor of sulphur assaults the nostrils as you drive right into Rotorua however you quickly get utilized to it as well as don’t smell it anymore. You will certainly also discover steam leaving into the air which arises from the geothermal task in and all around the city. Rotorua has a historical track record as a spa city as well as has recently gone through a renaissance using a variety of therapies. Rotorua has lodging varying from basic through to luxurious as well as a lot of it.
Taupo
Taupo is located around a hours drive from Rotorua in the middle of the North Island. It is additionally a thermal location full with hot springs as well as mud swimming pools. The town is built around the renowned Lake Taupo, the form of which was created by an enormous volcanic eruption. The lake is extremely renowned for trout fishing. Any type of trout captured which considers under 4 extra pounds (1.8 kg) is considered to be a waste of time! Taupo is well set up for vacationers as well as supplies warm thermal swimming pools, experience tasks, good buying as well as wonderful cafes and also dining establishments.
Hawkes Bay
The Hawkes Bay is a gorgeous area situated on the East Coast of the North Island of New Zealand. The area includes 2 major cities, Napier and Hastings. Napier is a really fascinating city as it has the highest possible focus of Art Deco structures of throughout the world after being basically ruined by a massive quake in 1931. Hawkes Bay is also a major red wine expanding area, being just one of the hottest and also sunniest areas of New Zealand. There are around 40 wineries using a wide range of red as well as whites. Numerous of the vineyards have storage doors and dining establishments so there is plenty of possibility to try the neighborhood glass of wines.
Wairarapa
The Wairarapa up till regarding 20 strange years earlier was a drowsy area which seemed captured in a time warp. None more! It is now a major wine generating region within New Zealand as well as produces several of the finest Sauvignon Blanc as well as Pinot Noir on the planet. Pinot Noir is an infamously difficult grape to expand however the Wairarapa environment matches this grape. There are greater than 50 vineyards in the area with a fantastic series of dining establishments as well as accommodation. All of this within a hr of Wellington
Wellington.
As mentioned previously, Wellington is the resources of New Zealand. It has a reputation of being really gusty which it definitely can be, but on a clear day, there is no place nicer. There is not a great deal of level land in Wellington so almost everywhere you go, you are treated to magnificent views of the harbour and city. There are more than 300 coffee shops as well as restaurants in the city, the highest concentration per head of virtually anywhere in the world. Wellington is abundant in society and also the arts as well as has a breaking schedule of events as well as lots of interesting galleries and galleries to visit. Buying is likewise outstanding in Wellington accommodating all whether you consider on your own to be funky, intellectual or simply simple indulgent. Several travelers forget Wellington which is a pity as it offers a lot within a really portable location.
Look out for Part 2 of this post covering the South Island coming quickly.

The most predominant deposits of alluvial are sandstone also called grey wacke. This material can be found in most parts of New Zealand. This alluvial nature of soil is imperative and wine growers have noticed this which is whey this often mentioned on labels such as Gimblett Gravels. This area was once a river bed teaming with all sorts of marine life which a very stone filled soil. Today the stones act a as a way to lower the fertility of the area as to lower the water table it also is a heat source for the cool wind that blows though the area. This combined with other factors creates what is called a meso climate. 

In addition to growing conditions there is also a diversity of the growing methods used to produce New Zealand red wine. There is the one concept of traditional growing where there is a vineyard and grapes are grown in the land surrounding the place where wine is produced usually owned by a family which has it own wine making culture and equipment along with their own storage methods. The other is what is called the European model. This is where AOC village wine making is done at a production facility which is centralized. Also fruit is often grown on contract for wine makes and its nothing new when it comes to New Zealand wine making industry. Both of these wine making cultures have been in existence since the late 1960s. 

Many wine makers originally started out as contract growers. Also many of today’s small producers started out using fruit grown on contract for them. Many of the good wine producers often use contract fruit so some how supplement the variety of fruit as well as the wine they market, many use fruits from various geographical regions. So its not uncommon to see a wine producer in Auckland who is marketing a “Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc” or you see a Marlborough wine producer who is marketing a Gisborne Chardonnay. 

New Zealand Red wine is made from a bled of a varietals Merlot, Cabernet Franc, etc or even Hawkes Bay. There are also many wines which are made from Syrah now this is either done solely or it’s a blend. Even Mostepulciano, Sangiovese and Tempranillo is used. 

New Zealand red wine is considered one of the best in the world. This is owing to the fact that many wine producers are using a variety of methods to produce wine so you get a taste of various manufacturing and growing methods. Contract growing in combination with various fledgling wine production businesses mean that wine is cheaper than other types of wine as well as of a high quality. 

Related Red Wine Articles

The wine reviewed below comes from the South Island wine region of Marlborough, the country’s most famous wine area; one particularly known for its Sauvignon Blancs. Unusual for New Zealand, this wine is Kosher. It has been flash-pasteurized; the technical word is Mevushal, which means that observant Jews consider it to be Kosher, no matter who serves it. Once upon a time Mevushal meant boiled wine, a process virtually destroying its taste and eliminating its use in pagan rituals. The presently used flash pasteurization process is much more gentle. As you’ll see, the wine reviewed is by no means tasteless.

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed
Goose Bay Sauvignon Blanc K/P 2007 13.0% Alcohol About $ 20.00

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials.
Tasting Note: Pale yellow colored, the nose shows intense aromas of sweet pea pods and passion fruit. Medium to full-bodied, flavorful tropical fruit and gooseberry flavors with pea pod on the finish, which is zesty. Serving Suggestion: Pan-fried fatty white fish with tropical fruit salsa. And now for my review.

The first sips tasted of pea pods. The wine was a bit unctuous. The initial food pairing involved a sweet and sour commercially barbecued chicken breast accompanied by potatoes roasted in chicken fat and a salad (more of a salsa) consisting of tomatoes, tomato puree, sweet pimento, hot peppers, and vegetable oil. I noted a good balance of crisp acidity and sweetness. The acidity intensified somewhat with the roasted potatoes, doing a good job of cleansing the palate. On the other hand the wine was weak when faced with the salad.

The second pairing involved an omelet. The wine’s acidity was crisp and refreshing but I am getting tired of the pea pod taste and smell. The accompanying grape tomatoes removed the offending taste but there wasn’t all that much flavor left.

The final meal centered around meatless lasagna containing tomatoes, peas, cottage cheese, and sliced olives topped with mozzarella cheese. The wine finally succeeded in shaking off the pea pods and displayed bright acidity but not a lot of fruit. I finished with a light cheesecake with a graham cracker crust. I think it may have been the sugar that brought back the pea pods.

I finished with the cheese pairings. With a Provolone there was something in the background, probably grapefruit. Then I went to an Emmenthaler (Swiss) but even with this high-quality, flavorful (nutty) cheese the familiar, undesired taste came back.

Final verdict. It doesn’t happen often but one taste managed to ruin everything. Actually, I am not at all sure that even without those pea pods I would buy this wine again. There are so many great New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs. But this is hardly one of them. If you want Kosher wine, there are a lot of other choices in all price ranges. Keep posted. I’ll be reviewing more of them.

Find More Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Articles

New Zealand wines production started as late as 1970, as before this there were hardly any grapes planted on the island. New Zealand now has ten main wine growing regions. These are scatted throughout New Zealand and each has their own variety in climate and environment. The difference in the environment and climate means that the different types of the same wine can be harvested throughout a variation of 8 weeks throughout the country. The main winery regions are Northland, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Auckland, Walkato, Wairarapa, Marlborough, Nelson, Canterbury/Waipara Valley, and Central Otago.

Northland was the first place in New Zealand where vines were planted in 1820. However it is still New Zealand’s smallest wine producing area, as winemaking nearly died out here until a bigger interest within winemaking which has developed in the recent years. Northland is now expanding rapidly with three grape growing areas Kaitaia, around the bay of the islands, and near Northlands biggest city Whangarei. The high popularity for the regions wines Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay, come from the fact it offers New Zealand’s warmest ripening conditions, therefore these are the most planted grapes within this area. Vineyards within Northland are mainly planted upon flat and slight slowing topography. The soils within Northland vary from shallow clay soils over sandy-clay soils.

Gisborne offers vineries the world’s most easterly vineyard planting point. These vineyards are the first to see the sun each morning and this region receives a high amount of sunshine hours accompanied by shelter from New Zealand’s range of mountains to the west. Chardonnay makes up about half of the regions vineyards and Gisborne has been renamed the Chardonnay capital of the world by its wine makers. The vineyards here are mainly planted on flat land and the soils include alluvial loams over sandy and volcanic subsoil.

Hawkes Bay is the second largest vinery region in New Zealand. This region offers a large range of soil types from fertile silty loams to free draining sand, and stones to heavy silts. Ripening dates within this area for one wine can vary by 4 weeks, from the hot soils of the lower areas, to a higher cooler altitude of central Hawkes Bay. Chardonnay again here is the most planted grape, but Hawkes Bays lengthy sunshine hours mean that later ripening red grapes such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, are also popular here.

Auckland is New Zealand’s more traditional winemaking area. Here Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay are the most planted grapes. The Auckland regions soils are mainly shallow clays over hard silty-clay subsoil.

Waikato south of Auckland offers smaller vineyards that are scattered among farmland. Wine production here is mainly of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The soils here are of heavy loams over clay subsoil. The climate here is moderately warm, as Waikato is situated highly north within New Zealand.

Pinot Noir is Wairarapa’s most planted grape. This is the regions most acclaimed grape. The success of this grape comes from the development, the quality, and the focus which the regions wine makers have put in. Although this region is small in terms of wine production, the quality of the wines produced keeps New Zealand’s wine quality reputation very high.

In the hot days, and the cooler night climate and free-draining alluvial loams over gravely subsoils provides Marlborough’s vineyards, which produce great fruit flavours. The world has been exposed to its brand new style and taste of Sauvignon Blanc. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling are also widely planted within this region. Marlborough wines have earned a great reputation from Sauvignon Blanc, and have also become New Zealand’s largest and most known wine growing region. Sparkling wines, and a wide range of white and red wine is also produced here.

Nelsons vineyards consist of the grape varieties which are best grown in cooler temperatures. Situated on the west cost the mountains, the west to this region provides a rain shadow effect, and also the coastline helps moderate the temperatures. Here Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Noir are mainly produced in this area.

In Canterbury there are two main areas for the wine production. These are around the city of Christchurch, and the newer development of Waipara. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc make up most of the vineyards, and Canterbury is NZs fourth largest wine region.

Central Otago is the world’s most southerly wine growing region. It has a continental climate with more extreme seasons than any of New Zealand’s regions. The soils have heavy deposits of mica minerals and schists in silt loams. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling are mainly grown here. Central Otago is a beautiful region, with pure fresh air, and vibrant views. The wine of Central Otago is said to reflect the stunning area.

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