Discover the Best-Kept Secret of Red Wines: New Zealand’s Cool Climate Wines are Making Waves in the Wine World

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Red wine lovers looking for a new experience should consider trying red wines from New Zealand. This country, famous for its stunning scenery and delicious Sauvignon Blancs, also produces red wines that are worth exploring. New Zealand has a cool maritime climate, which is well-suited to growing grapes that produce elegant and vibrant red wines.

New Zealand has ten main wine regions, with the majority of red wine production taking place in the Hawke’s Bay and Martinborough regions. Hawke’s Bay, located on the east coast of the North Island, is known for producing full-bodied and rich red wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. Martinborough, located in the Wairarapa region at the bottom of the North Island, produces Pinot Noir, which is the most widely planted red grape variety in New Zealand.

Their red wines are made from a range of grape varieties, with Pinot Noir being the most popular. Pinot Noir is known for its light to medium-bodied structure, with aromas and flavors of red fruit, spices, and herbs. The grape thrives in the cooler regions of New Zealand, producing wines with a distinct minerality and acidity.

Cabernet Sauvignon is another grape variety that is grown in New Zealand. This grape is known for its full-bodied structure, high tannins, and flavors of black fruit and tobacco. New Zealand’s Cabernet Sauvignon is often blended with Merlot and Syrah to produce rich and complex red wines.

 

Merlot, with its soft tannins and fruity flavors of cherry and plum, is also a popular grape variety in New Zealand. It is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon to produce smooth and easy-drinking red wines.

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Syrah, also known as Shiraz, is a grape variety that produces full-bodied and spicy red wines. New Zealand’s Syrah wines are known for their black fruit flavors, peppery aromas, and high acidity. The grape thrives in the Hawke’s Bay region, which has a warmer climate than other parts of the country.

The country’s wine industry is relatively young, with commercial grape growing starting in the 1970s. However, the country’s winemakers have quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality wines. It is small compared to other wine-producing countries, with only around 2% of the world’s wine production. However, the country’s wines are in high demand, with exports increasing year on year. In 2021, New Zealand’s wine exports were valued at NZD 2.3 billion, with the majority of exports going to the United States and the United Kingdom.

In 2016, New Zealand’s red wines were named the “best in the world” by a panel of judges at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards. The judges praised the country’s Pinot Noir wines for their “elegance, balance, and purity.”

New Zealand is also known for producing organic and biodynamic wines. These wines are made using environmentally friendly practices that focus on nurturing the soil and the vineyard ecosystem. Many of New Zealand’s wineries have adopted these practices, making the country a leader in sustainable winemaking.

In conclusion, New Zealand’s red wines are worth exploring for wine lovers looking for something different. The country’s cool climate and unique terroir produce elegant and vibrant red wines that are gaining international recognition. With Pinot Noir being the most widely planted red grape variety, it is a great place to start your exploration of New Zealand’s red wines.