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Marlborough is the biggest wine region in New Zealand. Located on the northeastern tip of South Island, this region produces more than half of national wine production. It is best known for its excellent Sauvignon Blanc.
edit Tasting
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is internationally known for its unique identity. It offers an explosion of zesty tropical fruits, with a subtle balance of freshness and robustness.
Chardonnay is usually more dry and light than elsewhere in New Zealand. Its dominant aromas are melon, butter and citrus.
Rieslings of the highest quality can also be found in Marlborough, however in small production volumes.
Marlborough is also known for its sparkling wines, made using traditional methods of Champagne.
edit Facts and figures
- Varietals: Sauvignon Blanc (65%), Pinot Noir (13%), Chardonnay (10%), Riesling (6%), Pinot Noir (4%)
- Planted area: 11,153 hectares (27,600 acres), representing 62% of total New Zealand winegrowing (as of 2008).
- Malborough is the biggest producing region in New Zealand, with an average of 19,585 tons at harvest.
edit History
When the first vines were planted in Marlborough in 1973, few could have guessed they would grow to offer some of the most prestigious wines of New Zealand.
Today, Marlborough is arguably the most famous region of New Zealand for wine lovers around the world.
This success started in 1985, when a Sauvignon Blanc from Cloudy Bay won first prize in a wine contest in London, a premiere for any New Zealand wine.
edit Geography
Most plantings are located within the Wairau Valley, along the Wairau River. Over the last decade, viticulture has also spread southeast into the smaller slightly cooler Awatere Valley. More recently the southern side valleys of the Wairau – Fairhall, Hawkesbury and Waihopai – have gathered a collection of vines.
Most vineyards are planted in shallow, fast draining, low-fertility soils which helps to produce a lush, aromatic ripe wine. Where a more herbaceous style is desired, sites with greater water retentive soils and moderate fertility are chosen.
edit Climate
Marlborough is one of New Zealand’s sunniest and driest areas. With its hot days and cool nights, its generous sun exposure and its long, dry fall season, Marlborough's climate helps grapes deliver their full aromatic intensity through a long, patient ripening period.
The contrast between day and night temperatures is a key factor in the ability of Marlborough grapes to retain a vibrant crisp and fresh character. It also helps enhancing colour development in the skins of Pinot Noir.
edit Viticulture
edit See also
- Marlborough on Wikipedia
- http://www.wine-marlborough.co.nz -- Official site of the Marlborough wine industry
