New Zealand wine is Sauvignon Blanc.
Sauvignon Blanc is synonymous with Marlborough.
This is an important realization that is essential when talking about NZ wine.
For example, in Japan,
- Hatcho miso is synonymous with Aichi
- Awamori is synonymous with Okinawa
- When you think of apples, you think of Aomori
Sauvignon Blanc is a grape variety that is famous in Marlborough .
And it is not just limited to the Marlborough area, but has become a specialty that represents the country.
Compared to European wine-producing countries, New Zealand wine has a short history. However, once it became known that this region produces excellent wine, passionate winemakers from not only within Japan but all over the world gathered here, wanting to make wine in New Zealand.
Winemaking in New Zealand continues to evolve thanks to the country's blessed environment of "a climate and soil suitable for winemaking" and the tireless efforts of producers who try to make the most of this.
In this article, we will tell you about the appeal of Marlboro.
▶ Click here for the Marlborough wines we sell
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Natchan
I'm 29 years old and work for a web company. I'm studying wine in the hopes of being able to enjoy it more.
- Mika is 35 years old and works at an apparel company. She is getting into wine and is really interested in wine glasses.
- Iwasu is a sommelier who oversees this website. He runs a bar in Nagoya that stocks a wide range of New Zealand wines.
Over 80% of New Zealand's wine is produced in Marlborough.
First of all, I want to tell you that
"More than 80% of New Zealand's wine is produced in the Marlborough region."
That is what it means.
That's why Marlborough is synonymous with New Zealand wine.
New Zealand wine is still not widely distributed in Japan, so there aren't many opportunities to see it. If you are lucky enough to find one at a liquor store or supermarket, it will probably say "Marlborough" on the label.
The same was true of the New Zealand wine I found at a convenience store the other day!
Yes, you can now see them in convenience stores here and there these days. As far as our editorial team can tell, they are all "Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region ."
Sauvignon Blanc is the white wine grape variety that represents Marlborough and New Zealand.
The Sauvignon Blanc grown in this region is very rich in fruitiness, with strong hints of refreshing citrus and passion fruit, making it an appealing, approachable wine.
Just open the bottle cap and put your nose close to the spout and the aroma will make you exclaim, "Wow!"
This is a wine that I would recommend to anyone who has the impression that "white wine is refreshing."
Of course, other wine grapes are also produced in small quantities but of high quality. The second most popular variety after Sauvignon Blanc is the red wine grape variety Pinot Noir .
Other varieties produced include Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Gris .
The charm of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
First, let's take a look at the distinctive aroma and flavor of Sauvignon Blanc produced in Marlborough.
In addition to the refreshing taste of the variety, it has a strong fruity flavor.
Sauvignon Blanc is a grape variety that has long been grown in the Loire and Bordeaux regions of France. French Sauvignon Blanc is characterized by a refreshing aroma of grass, herbs, and lemon due to the local climate.
However, the Sauvignon Blanc produced in Marlborough has a unique aroma that is unique to the variety.
- Citrus fruits such as grapefruit
- Tropical fruits such as passion fruit
The wine has a great balance of fruitiness and acidity, making it refreshing yet satisfying to drink.
In France, the herbs are more prominent, while in New Zealand, the fruit is more prominent.
These strong characteristics have led to the recognition of this "new wine with a unique character" around the world, leading to a steady increase in both cultivation area and production volume.
Marlborough region, rich in nature and relaxed pace of life
Marlborough is a region located in the northeast of the South Island, rich in nature. Although it has become famous as a wine producing region, it is still a small town with a relaxed atmosphere.
The coastline stretching 150km from north to south is called the Marlborough Sounds.
It's as beautiful as a postcard, and activities that allow you to enjoy nature to the fullest, such as boating, diving, fishing and hiking, are also popular.
In terms of transportation, Marlborough Airport is the main gateway for air travel in New Zealand. Although there are no direct flights from Japan, it connects major cities in the country, such as Auckland and Christchurch.
Located in the northeast of the South Island, it is easily accessible from the North Island, with ferries crossing Cook Strait departing from the small port town of Picton.
The region's capital is Blenheim, a small town with a population of about 30,000 that serves as the base for winery tours and other tours in the Marlborough region.
There are over 130 wineries, large and small, in this region.
Most wineries in New Zealand are small, family-run businesses known as "boutique wineries" , but Marlborough is home to a number of large-scale wineries, which are rare in New Zealand, thanks to its favourable natural conditions.
A natural environment perfect for winemaking
Marlborough has ideal climate and soil conditions for winemaking.
However, when it comes to making wine, the "blessed nature" may be a little different from what you might imagine.
The conditions are:
- There is abundant sunlight
- There is a difference in temperature throughout the day
- It is poor soil with good drainage.
is.
When I talk about wine grapes, people are often surprised by the third point: poor soil quality.
When you say barren, you mean barren land with no nutrients, right...?
That's right. Grapes grown in poor soil tend to have higher sugar content and more complex flavors.
In addition to this poor soil, the mountain "Richmond" to the north and the hill "Wither Hills" to the south protect the area from too much rain and too strong winds for wine grape cultivation. There is also the amount of sunlight and temperature difference mentioned in 1 and 2.
The combination of these conditions has made it possible to produce grapes with distinctive, high quality.
There is abundant sunlight
Marlborough enjoys a high rate of sunny days and plenty of sunshine.
In most parts of New Zealand, the annual sunshine hours exceed 2,000 hours, but in Marlborough it exceeds 2,400 hours.
By comparison, in Tokyo it's about 1,900 hours.
You can see how much sunshine there is in Marlborough.
That's 500 more hours than in Tokyo!
This abundant sunshine allows us to produce wines that are full of fruit flavor.
Like other plants, grapes use sunlight to photosynthesize, producing sugar that is then sent to the fruit.
In fact, having a lot of sugar is extremely important in winemaking, which requires alcoholic fermentation.
There is a difference in temperature throughout the day
New Zealand is characterized by a mild climate with little temperature difference throughout the year, but in some areas it is said that there are "four seasons in one day."
This characteristic is particularly evident in the Marlborough region, where the temperature difference between day and night can be as much as 30 degrees Celsius. It's hard to imagine in Japan, but even if you can get by in short sleeves during the day, you'll need thicker clothes at night.
How does this temperature difference lead to better wine?
That's a good question. Grapes naturally prefer a moderately warm climate. However, if that warmth continues into the night when there is no photosynthesis, the grapes will use up the sugars.
So when the temperature drops, they don't use that sugar?
That's right. When the temperature drops, plants become less active and sugar is retained. Grapes with high sugar content are essential for making high-quality wine, so places with large temperature differences are very advantageous.
It is poor soil with good drainage.
In the Marlborough region, ancient glacial erosion has eroded the nutrient-rich soil at the surface, leaving barren land exposed.
The soil is also rich in pebbles carried by the Wairau River which flows through the area, providing good drainage.
Poorly drained soil is not a good environment for many plants.
However, grapes have the tendency to extend their roots deep underground in search of moisture and nutrients in order to survive, and so have the ability to absorb nutrients from various layers of the earth through their roots.
It is said that fruits grown using nutrients drawn up from deep within the earth have an incredibly complex flavor.
↑This is what barren land looks like. Iwasu actually took this photo in New Zealand.
Marlborough is a region that contains all of these ideal conditions for growing quality grapes, particularly cool climate varieties, over a very wide area.
Winemaking with a flexible approach
New Zealand can be classified as a latecomer when it comes to wine producing countries.
On the other hand, European countries known as the Old World , which have a very long history of wine production, and pioneers in the New World , such as the United States, Chile, and Australia, have accumulated technology, knowledge, and experience.
Although Marlborough is a latecomer to New Zealand, its excellent soil has attracted attention and has attracted not only local and national winemakers, but also passionate and talented winemakers from all over the world.
Right from the start, they were able to incorporate knowledge and techniques that had been cultivated over a long period of time in various parts of the world, and start with more efficient winemaking.
This not only concerns the cultivation of grapes and the brewing of wine, but also the commercial aspects such as the promotion of wine after production.
Marlborough wine is a product of a long history combined with modern technology, and has developed at incredible speed.
Making good use of machines and stainless steel tanks
For example, in this region, modern technology is being used effectively to grow grapes and brew wine for mass production by major wineries.
This photo was taken when I actually visited Marlborough.
This is kind of like a Transformer (laughs).
Some of the more historic European countries have very strict wine-growing laws that prohibit mechanical harvesting, but in Marlborough, where the grapes are harvested from vast fields, especially on the flat land, it is definitely more efficient to use machinery to harvest the grapes.
Another major feature of the new winery in New Zealand is that it uses stainless steel tanks , which make it easier to control temperature and hygiene, rather than the wooden barrels that have traditionally been used in Europe.
This is because dairy farming was originally popular in New Zealand, and stainless steel tanks were used to manage raw milk. Many farmers in New Zealand have moved from dairy farming to winemaking, so they were able to easily introduce the stainless steel tanks they were accustomed to using when brewing wine.
Stainless steel tanks are characterized by the fact that they make it easier to control microorganisms, which are essential in brewing, compared to wooden barrels.
It is also said that stainless steel tanks are more suitable for producing wines with fruity aromas.
Because these new wine producing regions do not have such a long history, they are not too bound by old customs and instead approach winemaking with a more flexible mindset, which is a characteristic of these new wine producing regions.
The explosive growth of Marlborough wine
Now, let's take a look at a little bit of Marlborough's history.
Let's start with a brief timeline.
| 1973 | A geological survey conducted by Montana Winery, a major winery at the time, revealed that the area was suitable for grape cultivation, and the company purchased a large vineyard in the Marlborough region. |
| 1975 | Montana begins growing Sauvignon Blanc. |
| 1985 | An Australian winery opened Cloudy Bay. The Sauvignon Blanc wine harvested that year was highly acclaimed internationally, especially in the UK market. Since then, the popularity of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has been increasing year by year. |
As you can see from the timeline, winemaking in Marlborough has only really begun in the last 30 to 40 years or so.
Geological survey reveals suitability of the area for grape cultivation
In 1973, Montana Winery, a major winery at the time, acquired the vast tract of land after discovering that it was suitable for growing grapes.
In order to expand its vineyards, Montana commissioned a geological survey by a government research institute, which revealed that Marlborough was the second most suitable area for grape cultivation in the United States.
Eh, isn't it the first one? (laughs)
The first was a region in the North Island with a similar name, Martinborough , but the land area there was small and not suitable for mass production.
And so Marlboro was chosen.
The criterion used in the geological survey was whether the natural conditions were similar to those in the Burgundy region of France .
For more information about Martinborough in the North Island, which has a climate very similar to Burgundy, please click here.
At first, Cabernet Sauvignon and Muller-Thurgau were planted, but it was discovered that Sauvignon Blanc, which was planted later, had a very distinctive aroma and flavor, and research on Sauvignon Blanc was continued.
Cloudy Bay's achievements
About 10 years after Sauvignon Blanc was planted in Marlborough, a major event occurred for the region's wines. In 1985, the Sauvignon Blanc produced by a winery called Cloudy Bay won acclaim around the world.
Cloudy Bay was founded by David Hohnen, who was inspired by Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Honen was the winemaker at the Australian winery Cape Mentelle .
Cloudy Bay's 1985 Sauvignon Blanc was one of a kind at the time, with a unique blend of fruity aromas of passion fruit and tropical fruits, and aromas of herbs and green grass.
Later, countries like Chile also began to imitate the style.
In this way, Cloudy Bay wines became a major catalyst in drawing the attention of wine fans around the world to New Zealand, a new wine-producing region .
Cloudy Bay then became a subsidiary of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton in 2003.
Its presence remains strong today, with Cloudy Bay wines being popular in Japan as well.
This is one of the most prestigious wineries, and is one of the most representative New Zealand wines. Although the price is a little high, they continue to release wines of unmistakable flavor every year. It is also a recommended wine for those who are trying New Zealand wine for the first time.
▶ Learn more about Cloudy Bay here
New certification system AMW
In Marlborough, a representative wine producing region in New Zealand, a new wine-related system was launched in 2018. This is a certification system called "Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW)" .
This is a bit of a complicated topic, so let me keep it simple here.
The Marlborough Wine Appellation is a system established to protect the wines of Marlborough's "handcrafted, authentic" producers.
New Zealand does not have strict laws regarding wine, and even if the label says Marlborogh, in reality it is permitted to blend grapes from other regions as long as the amount is less than 15%.
However, this makes it difficult to distinguish the wines from those made by producers who are particular about their produce, and it is also difficult to guarantee quality, so the AMW system was created to certify that the wines are of a quality that has been properly maintained.
The criteria for the Marlborough appellation are as follows:
- Use 100% Marlborough-grown grapes
- Bottled in New Zealand
- Use grapes grown in certified sustainable vineyards
- Grape planting conditions are respected (low yields)
Wines that are AMW certified have a certification mark on their labels.
▶︎Learn more about Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) here
Marlborough wineries
Marlborough is home to many wonderful wineries, each with their own unique regional character.
The region is divided into three sub-regions: the Wairau Valley along the Wairau River in the north, the Southern Valley in the centre and the Awatere Valley along the Awatere River in the south.
The main characteristics of the subregions are as follows:
| Wairau Valley | The soil is rich in river stones. Early ripening and rich fruit flavor. |
| Southern Valley | The soil is rich in clay and is soft. |
| Awatere Valley | Mountainous region. The fruit ripens for a long time and is rich in acidity. |
It is not possible to introduce them all, so here we will introduce four carefully selected wineries that we would like everyone to know about.
Wither Hills
In the Wairau Valley, there is a long-established winery at the foot of a mountain called Wither Hills, named after the mountain.
Wither Hills has a long history of winemaking in the region, having begun growing grapes in 1978.
The winery was founded in 1994 and has been carefully crafting its wines based on the belief that "the best wine comes from the best vineyards." It has won numerous international awards and is one of the wineries that has made a major contribution to the development of wine in the Marlborough region.
▶ Wizard Hills official website
Graywacky
GREYWACKE is a winery founded by Kevin Judd in 2009.
He has been involved in winemaking at Cloudy Bay, the winery that captivated the world with its Sauvignon Blanc, since the company's inception.
The wines produced using the techniques and beliefs cultivated at Cloudy Bay have already earned high praise around the world.
He is also active as a photographer, and has published a photo book that compiles photos of vineyards across New Zealand, as well as a photo book of the dogs that he keeps at wineries.
Judd also came to my shop, Bokumo .
The event, where we sampled all the different types accompanied by explanations from the wine makers themselves, was a huge success!
Kimura Cellars
KIMURA CELLARS is a family-run winery run by Japanese owner Shigehisa Kimura.
Kimura studied wine brewing and viticulture in New Zealand and gained experience working in cultivation and brewing at several local wineries before founding Kimura Cellars in Marlborough in 2009.
In 2018, they also began cultivating grapes in their own fields, which had been their long-cherished dream.
Based on the concepts of "wine where you can see the face of the maker" and "producers who are close to the consumer," we are committed to time-consuming organic farming methods and produce wine through artisanal craftsmanship with attention to detail.
The main region is Marlborough, and the wine lineup includes Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Merlot (the only one produced in Hawke's Bay).
Kimura-san has made his dream of making his own wine come true in New Zealand. I think his execution is truly amazing.
The quality is also excellent, having won a gold medal at the international competition called IWC. I want to support the Japanese producers who work hard across the ocean!
▶ KIMURA CELLARS official website
Paralysis
Mahi is a biodynamic winery run by Brian Bicknell, who has worked in renowned wineries around the world, including Bordeaux, Hungary, Chile and Babić in New Zealand, and continues to research and develop winemaking techniques.
It was here in Marlborough that he finally founded his own boutique winery, Mahi, in 2001.
While it is common for wines in Marlborough to be made from a blend of grapes from different sub-regions, Bicknell is committed to making wines from grapes grown in single vineyards in order to reflect the various personalities that exist within Marlborough.
Mahi is one of my favorite wineries.
Brian was incredibly friendly when I visited, but also incredibly serious about wine.
I thought their style of making wine using the latest technology while maintaining harmony with nature was very "modern."
What about wines other than Sauvignon Blanc?
Although Marlborough is known for its white wines, the red wine grape variety Pinot Noir is also not to be missed.
Many of them have a familiar flavor, with a slightly fruity taste reminiscent of concentrated strawberry or cherry, and are highly praised for their mellow and gentle taste.
This is Greywacke Pinot Noir from Marlborough.
Other fragrant wines produced here take advantage of the climate, including fruity Chardonnay, medium-dry to dry Riesling, and Pinot Gris.
How to enjoy local wine
It's great to enjoy Marlborough wine in Japan, but doesn't it make you want to go to Marlborough? (laughs)
It's a little far, but I'd love to experience tasting the wine there!
I visited this area six years ago, and it's truly an amazing place.
Here we will tell you how to enjoy wine locally!
The most common way to tour wineries is to rent a car or bicycle.
However, it can be difficult if you are not familiar with the area, and the sad fact is that if you are driving, the driver may not be able to drink.
Here we will introduce winery tours, events, and recommended places to stop by.
Take a winery tour
In the Marlborough region, there are winery tours that depart from the central town of Blenheim and the port city of Picton.
Winery tours are often available for a half-day or full-day tour, and you can visit multiple wineries within that time frame. This is done while tasting the wines and accompanied by a guide's commentary.
One of the most recommended is the winery tour hosted by Kimura Shigehisa of Kimura Cellars.
This tour is limited to one group per day and will take you to Kimura Cellars as well as other wineries. You will definitely gain a deeper understanding of New Zealand wine by hearing about the inside story of winemaking and brewing.
You'll also probably have fun staying at the B&B (bed and breakfast) run by Kimura and enjoying a leisurely stroll around Marlborough!
The Wine Station
In 2018, the former train station in Blenheim was transformed into "The Wine Station," a hub that connects wine and consumers.
Here you can easily taste and purchase wines from not only famous wineries, but also boutique wineries that do not have cellar doors .
There are 80 types of wine available for tasting. The wines are poured using the latest Italian machines and are subject to strict quality control.
Wine Festival
The Marlborough Wine and Food Festival, New Zealand's largest wine festival, is held every year on the second Saturday in February.
At this event, each winery will have a booth and sell their wine, and of course tastings will also be available.
This is a great time to visit Marlborough, with live music, local food and wine in a festival atmosphere.
▶ Marlborough Wine and Food Festival
Access and tourist information
Finally, we will briefly explain how to access the Marlborough region from Japan, how to travel within the region, and tourist information.
First of all, currently the only direct flight from Japan to NZ is to Auckland.
After arriving in Auckland, it is common to travel to the Marlborough region via a connecting flight or transfer.
There are also ferries from Wellington to Picton, so if you have the time, a leisurely and cheap boat trip might be a good option.
Travel time
- Japan to Auckland (plane): Approximately 10 hours 30 minutes
- Auckland to Blenheim, Marlborough by plane: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
- Wellington to Picton, Marlborough (ferry): approx. 3 hours 30 minutes
Blenheim (major city)
Blenheim is the largest city in Marlborough, with a population of about 30,000. It is the base for accommodation and sightseeing in the Marlborough region.
Blenheim is a vibrant town with restaurants serving the region's specialty, mussels.
Picton (ferry departure point)
Picton is a small port town and the departure point for ferries crossing Cook Strait between the North and South Islands.
Restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy meals while looking out at the sea will help you relax after your trip. Cruises where you can enjoy fresh shellfish dishes and white wine are also popular.
summary
Marlborough is New Zealand's leading wine producing region.
The Sauvignon Blanc grown in this region put New Zealand wine on the world's radar.
Taking advantage of the fact that New Zealand arrived late to the wine world, the wines grown in the country's magnificent natural environment show us the diverse aspects that truly represent the country of New Zealand.
The Marlborough region is blessed with an environment that seems as if it was chosen by the grape god. Please try the wine made by the wonderful producers in this beautiful natural environment!
