Each time I travel to New Zealand, I find new culinary delights, more delicious wines and more often than not a few taste bud surprises. New Zealand white wine, like New Zealand Chardonnay, New Zealand Riesling, and more, can offer just as much pleasure as the Sauvignon Blancs that line shelves and fill restaurant wine lists. New Zealand is well known for its wines, and there are a wide number of grape varieties planted throughout the country. Pinot accounts for 15 of the top 20 wines and 53 of this Top 100 list. It is probably fair-enough in a way, since the Sauvignon grape accounts for over 70% of the country’s wine output, with the region of Marlborough producing by in large the most important quantities. Buy the best New Zealand Chardonnay wines direct from New Zealand with delivery worldwide to Australia, USA, UK, Europe, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and China Although New Zealand doesn't have tradition or history to back up their spirits industry, New Zealand's spirits have been winning international awards and accolades. There was no class or composure to it. New Zealand’s 11 wine regions are growing in popularity; wine is now one of the country’s top ten exports. Read wine news and competitions or browse profiles on hundreds of NZ wineries so you can plan your next trip around our wonderful wine country. Probably the most famous New Zealand wine region to the international community, Marlborough is best known for producing fantastic Sauvignon Blanc. But the industry never really took off as it did in Australia and other parts of the world at this time. Indulge in fresh seafood, sip local wine among the vines, or be adventurous and try something new at one of New Zealand's many food festivals. New Zealand has developed a reputation for the quality of its Pinot Noir in recent years, and they can offer great value for money compared to the old world competition, typically offering a fragrant aroma with flavours of cherry, raspberry and brambles. While the major French varieties dominate, as they do in most other wine countries, there has been increasing experimentation and success with other styles of wine. Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region is the style that put New Zealand on the wine map, enticing us with its fresh, lively, exuberant aromas. These are the top 25 New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc wines as rated by Vivino users. Top Wine Regions to Visit in New Zealand Marlborough. Free delivery - T&Cs apply. And on the other side of that coin, Marlborough wine is far more diverse than just Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a little pricey, but this well-balanced wine from vineyards in Central Otago, New Zealand, has a rich, velvety smoothness with concentrated red berry and floral notes and a hint of spice. The wine industry in New Zealand really took off with their Sauvignon Blanc wines in 1986 when an oaked variety won the top award at the Sunday Times Wine Festival in London. Wine. Wine Direct is New Zealand's leading wine importer selling thousands of wines, quality guaranteed from around the world. Specialists in French, Italian, German, Spanish, Australian wine, Champagne and Port. Welcome to The New Zealand House of Wine - home of the UK's largest selection of New Zealand wines offering Mix Six Savings and FREE Delivery on eligible orders. Want to see your favorites in the list? 6. Red. Whatever your preferences, we’re sure to have a wine to suit your palate. Share 0. The grape is very finicky to grow and tends to prefer cooler climates such as those in Burgundy, France, Oregon, and New Zealand (among others). Tweet 0. New Zealand has 10 large wine producing regions and 376 wineries, so there is an abundance of cheap and beautiful wines to purchase. The largest range of New Zealand's best wines online. The history of New Zealand wine-making dates back to the 1800s when settlers planted vines and some commercial wineries began to surface. But more exciting for wine drinkers worldwide is the growth of other styles — syrahs, chardonnays, reislings and especially pinot noirs — within vineyards that are focused on biodynamic, renewable growing. At the time we were lucky to buy a crude red wine, or a cheap white wine which tasted like dishwashing liquid. Three decades ago the wine culture was in its infancy in New Zealand. Certainly sauvignon blanc, the country’s mainstay wine, is to thank for that. Make sure you rate them and check the list every week. Cabernet blends and Syrah flourish in New Zealand's warmer regions, such as Hawke's Bay, Auckland and further north. New Zealand is two small islands in the South Pacific – but it’s a big deal in the world of wine. New Zealand’s wine exports have doubled in value over a decade, with sales from October 2019 to October 2020 totalling a record-breaking NZ$2 billion, writes Liz Lowe. Sauvignon Blanc is one of the world’s most popular wines. Experience three of our best wine regions on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail.Cycle the vines or be chauffeur driven; you’ll find cellar doors open for tasting and lovely vineyard restaurants in abundance. Free delivery - T&Cs apply. But there is far more to the Pacific island nation than its trademark grassy, sweat-scented Sauvignon. Seresin 2014 Sun & Moon Pinot Noir (Marlborough); $125, 95 points. Thanks for the question. The country’s unique geographical situation and modern approach make New Zealand wines some of the most popular in the world. World-class Chardonnay, Pinot Noir About New Zealand’s Most Expensive […] The biodynamically farmed Seresin was created in … The region is also responsible for upwards of 77% of all wine production in New Zealand. Waitrose & Partners was the first supermarket to introduce wines from New Zealand to the UK in the 1980s. However you don’t have to travel internationally to get a taste of what makes New Zealand wine … New Zealand wine growers are achieving an international reputation for excellence, take the opportunity while visiting New Zealand to discover more about our wines. A red wine that’s quickly rising in popularity around the world. Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. Yet despite the continued popularity of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, it was New Zealand that really put the style on the international map.. The country is divided into North and South islands, both home to major New Zealand produces 1% of the world’s wine, yet offers an impressive range of high-quality varieties and styles. “While the world has changed in 2020, what has not changed is people’s love for New Zealand wine,” says New Zealand Winegrowers, noting the industry had to deal with a Level 4 lockdown during harvest and was planning for a ‘worst case scenario’ for the industry with ongoing COVID-19 disruption. The airline’s support to the wineries through events, inflight promotion and via its marketing channels has enabled the programme to gain international recognition. New Zealand is rising to wine stardom, fueled almost entirely by Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc wines are award winning and world renowned, so make sure you make try some wine tasting at a vineyard whilst you are visiting. 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