In this article, Iwasu, a sommelier who loves New Zealand wine, will introduce 11 New Zealand wines that he recommends for 2023.
Many New Zealand wines have aromas and flavors that are familiar to Japanese people, so they are recommended for those new to wine. Let's start by looking at the five basic characteristics of New Zealand wines.
- Over 85% of NZ's wine production is white
- The most popular variety is Sauvignon Blanc.
- NZ Sauvignon Blanc is fresh and fruity!
- The most popular price range is 1,750 to 2,200 yen (tax included).
- Most NZ wine is produced sustainably
In fact, NZ is a country full of white wine .
Over 85% of New Zealand's wine production is white, with the overwhelming majority being the Sauvignon Blanc variety, which is the country's signature wine.
New Zealand wines sold in general stores such as Japanese supermarkets and liquor stores are also mainly Sauvignon Blanc.
I see! If I see it in a store, I'll check it out!
Its aroma and flavor are fresher and fruitier than those of France, the main producing country. It is very approachable and recognized as a unique character in the world.
Next, regarding the price of New Zealand wine , most wineries in New Zealand are small, family-run businesses, so compared to other countries there are fewer wines in the low price range.
When it comes to New Zealand wine, "affordable" refers to a base price of 1,500 to 2,000 yen (1,750 to 2,200 yen including tax).
And it's this price range that sells the best in Japan.
Additionally, most New Zealand wine is produced in sustainable environments.
In fact, approximately 96% of vineyards and wineries in New Zealand have received New Zealand's own Sustainable Wine Certification (SWNZ) (certification for environmental protection in winemaking).
Now, I would like to introduce some of the New Zealand wines that I can confidently recommend!
The first half of this article introduces recommended wines, and the second half will give you a rough understanding of New Zealand wines.
If you're interested, be sure to read to the end!
Recommended affordable white wines [2 bottles]
Before introducing the specific wines, here are four tips for beginners on how to choose a New Zealand white wine .
- First, choose Sauvignon Blanc, which is a representative variety of New Zealand wine.
- Choose coffee from the Marlborough region.
- Look for a wine from the latest vintage (the year the grapes were harvested)
- We recommend wines over 2,000 yen (tax included).
As mentioned at the beginning, over 70% of New Zealand wine is made from a grape called Sauvignon Blanc .
So, let's start by trying the most popular wine. You'll be able to experience the wonderful taste that only New Zealand can offer, which is "fresh, fruity, and approachable."
It's really helpful to know, "First, drink this!"
The moment you put a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc in your mouth, you'll be amazed at how delicious it is.
There are clear hints of tropical fruits such as grapefruit, lime, passion fruit and pineapple, followed by a pleasant hint of fresh herbs.
Image of the fragrance
Secondly, choose wine from the Marlborough region . The Marlborough region is a huge wine producing region that produces more than 70% of New Zealand's wine.
The climate characteristics are
- Abundant sunshine
- Day and night temperature difference
- A strong wind is blowing
These three conditions are all met, and Sauvignon Blanc grown in such an environment has a stronger New Zealand wine character.
Next is the vintage (the year the grapes were harvested) . White wine, especially Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, is all about freshness.
Over time, items tend to lose their original freshness, so try to choose the newest (vintage) items on sale.
An example of a vintage. The year shown on the front label.
Finally, regarding the price,
This is just my personal rule of thumb, but it seems that there is a ` `2,000 yen (tax included) barrier'' for New Zealand white wine, and the quality becomes more consistent once you get above that price.
The 2,000 yen wall! (lol)
However, it may be easier to choose if you have a price guideline rather than buying something half-heartedly and then making a mistake!
Of course, there are delicious NZ wines that are cheaper too.
However, as someone who loves New Zealand wine so much, I believe that wines that "express the New Zealand wine-like qualities in all aspects - aroma, taste, aftertaste -" truly demonstrate their charm to the fullest.
And the chances of coming across such wines increase dramatically once they cost over 2,000 yen.
So, from here on, I'd like to introduce some of my honest recommendations, some easy-to-obtain, reasonably priced, great value New Zealand white wines!
Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc
This price is amazing for this flavor! Villa Maria is like an evangelist for New Zealand wine.
| Winery Name | Villa Maria |
|---|---|
| Series name | Private Bin |
| Grape variety | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Origin | Marlborough |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Suggested retail price | 2,200 yen (tax included) |
| Importer | Kinoshita International |
Villa Maria is a leading New Zealand wine company that has made a name for itself around the world, having won a silver medal at the New Zealand Wine of the Year awards in 2018. Here are some of their representative wines.
It's impressive that they've managed to deliver the authentic taste of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc while keeping the price including tax at just 2,200 yen.
This wine goes well with slightly bitter vegetables such as baby leaves and sunny lettuce, as well as seafood dishes. It also goes well with oily dishes such as fried chicken.
Invivo x Sarah Jessica Parker Sauvignon Blanc
This popular wine was created with the involvement of Hollywood actress Sarah Jessica Parker in the wine-making process.
| Winery Name | Invivo |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Origin | Marlborough |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Suggested retail price | 2,860 yen (tax included) |
| Importer | Southern Cross |
This wine was created by a collaboration between NZ's up-and-coming winery "Invivo" and Sarah Jessica Parker. Just by bringing the glass close to your nose, you can feel the strong aroma of white peach, mango, and dried herbs.
In terms of taste, it is classified as "dry", but it has a very fruity mouthfeel, so even those who are not used to drinking dry wines will surely find it delicious.
This wine has a refreshing taste with a pleasant acidity, and goes well with appetizers as well as fried foods such as fried chicken and pork cutlets.
Recommended affordable red wines [2 bottles]
At the beginning, I said that "NZ is a country of white wine," but of course there are also many excellent red wines in NZ. However, compared to white wine, red wine is produced in smaller quantities, so it is somewhat more expensive. Specifically, the main price range for NZ red wine is around 2,500 to 5,000 yen (2,750 to 5,500 yen including tax). Therefore, it is best to drink NZ red wine when you have a little extra money in your wallet.
I see. But to be honest, it would be nice to have a delicious red wine in the mid-2,000 yen range, including tax!
I understand, I understand. If you want to incorporate wine into your daily life, it would be better to have something a little more affordable.
But there is no such wine (cry)
No, if you look, you'll find it!
Here we will introduce two New Zealand red wines that are both affordable and delicious !
Brackenbrook Shangri-La Pinot Noir
Recommended for those who like mild red wine with little bitterness!
| Winery Name | Blackenbrook |
|---|---|
| Series name | Shangri-La |
| Grape variety | Pinot Noir |
| Origin | Nelson |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Suggested retail price | 2,750 yen (tax included) |
| Importer | Southern Cross |
Pinot Noir is a variety that is naturally not very bitter, and this wine is also not very bitter. I think that even people who are not used to drinking red wine can enjoy this wine casually.
At the beginning, we described the characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc as "fresh, fruity, and approachable," and this red wine also has the same impression. However, even though they are the same, "white wine" and "red wine" have different meanings.
First of all, "freshness" in red wine refers to the presence of nuances of fresh fruit, such as freshly picked strawberries, raspberries, or cherries. And "fruity" means that the fruit elements can be clearly felt. When these two are combined, the wine naturally has an "approachable" flavor.
This wine would go well with light meat dishes such as yakitori and sukiyaki, as well as fresh cheese. Another attractive feature is the reasonable price of 2,750 yen (tax included) for Pinot Noir, a high-quality grape variety.
Villa Maria Private Bin Merlot / Cabernet Sauvignon / Malbec
Recommended for those who like rich, slightly astringent red wines!
| Winery Name | Villa Maria |
|---|---|
| Series name | Private Bin |
| Grape variety | 49% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec 6% |
| Origin | Hawke's Bay |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Suggested retail price | 2,200 yen (tax included) |
| Importer | Kinoshita International |
Among all the New Zealand red wines imported to Japan, this is the one I personally feel has the best value for money. The price including tax is kept to just 2,200 yen... I can't believe it's Villa Maria ! (This is the second time today. Lol)
The grape varieties used are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec. Following the style of Bordeaux, France, the home of wine, the wine has a pronounced richness and astringency.
The difference between Bordeaux wine and New Zealand wine is that you can feel the "fruit nuances" that are characteristic of New Zealand wine. The rich flavor centered on the fruitiness is intertwined with the pleasant astringency that lingers on the aftertaste, resulting in a wonderfully balanced flavor. I would definitely recommend pairing it with meat dishes.
Affordable rosé wine recommendations [1 bottle]
The pink appearance of rosé wine is very charming. It combines the easy-to-drink qualities of white wine with the complexity and astringency of red wine, so to speak, making it the "best of both worlds." In fact, it can be paired with a wide range of foods.
Rosé wine is becoming popular all over the world right now. I love it too, but the trend hasn't really arrived in Japan yet.
Personally, I would love to see it become more popular in Japan!
Is that so? I like rose wine because it looks so cute!
I'd love to try some New Zealand rosé too!
New Zealand is releasing a succession of rosé wines that are popular with Japanese people. It would be a good idea to get your hands on some before the rosé boom hits Japan in earnest.
Graham Norton Pink Design Rosé
A versatile rosé wine that pairs well with any meal.
| Winery Name | Invivo |
|---|---|
| Series name | Graham Norton |
| Grape variety | Merlot, Malbec, Chardonnay |
| Origin | Hawke's Bay, Gisborne Marlborough |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Suggested retail price | 2,530 yen (tax included) |
| Importer | Southern Cross |
In fact, in many European countries, it is prohibited to make rosé by mixing white and red wines. However, there are no such restrictions in New Zealand. So, they decided to mix the two and make a delicious wine, and that's how this rosé was created.
The result is very delicious!
It has a good balance of freshness, mellowness, and moderate astringency. It goes well with a wide range of food, including Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine. It's a wine that will come in handy if you have one on your table.
Recommended affordable sparkling wine [1 bottle]
Sparkling wine is produced all over the world, but it is not yet a very popular genre in New Zealand.
Producing authentic sparkling wine like that of Champagne requires large-scale capital investment, but in New Zealand, where there are many small, family-run wineries, this is difficult to undertake.
I see, it seems that unless you're a large winery, it's difficult to make a profit from producing authentic sparkling wine.
Although there are only a few wineries in NZ, they do make sparkling wine using the authentic Champagne method. However, the prices are still quite high.
So here we will introduce some New Zealand sparkling wines that are made using a fairly simple process (such as injecting carbon dioxide) and are relatively reasonably priced.
Mansfield & Marche Methode Traditionelle NV
This is an authentic sparkling wine with fine bubbles created by secondary fermentation in the bottle.
| Winery Name | Wine Portfolio |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | 51% Pinot Noir, 39% Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier 10% |
| Origin | Hawke's Bay |
| Vintage | Non-vintage |
| Suggested retail price | 2,915 yen (tax included) |
| Importer | Village Cellars |
This sparkling wine is made in the relatively warm Hawke's Bay using the Champagne method. It is made using the same method as Champagne, a secondary fermentation in the bottle, so the bubbles are very fine. It has a lemon-like acidity that makes it easy to pair with food.
The flavor is dominated by citrus fruits and goes well with appetizers, fried foods, and meat dishes.
3 Recommended Luxury New Zealand Wines to Drink on Special Occasions
So far we have introduced relatively reasonably priced New Zealand wines, but from here on we will introduce some more luxurious wines perfect for anniversaries.
Compared to European countries such as France and Italy, New Zealand has a short history of winemaking, but there are ambitious and passionate winemakers who believe that "we may not be able to beat them in terms of tradition, but we can beat them in terms of technique." The wines they make are highly regarded around the world and are traded at high prices, and in recent years they have become an indispensable part of any conversation about high-end wine among wine lovers.
Among them, as a sommelier who is particular about New Zealand wines, I would like to introduce three wines that I feel are perfectly suited to Japanese tastes .
Anniversary wine is great!
It would also make a great gift for someone who loves NZ!
The wines we will be introducing are one white and two red, priced in the 5,000 to 8,000 yen range including tax.
Cloudy Bay Te Koko
A complex and creamy Sauvignon Blanc.
| Winery Name | Cloudy Bay |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Origin | Marlborough |
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Suggested retail price | 7,722 yen (tax included) |
| Importer | MHD Moet Hennessy Diageo |
Cloudy Bay is a prestigious New Zealand wine maker that has even made crying children silent. Te Koko is a high-end wine made by this prestigious company. It is a wine that stands out from the "fresh, fruity, and approachable" style of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc that we have talked about so far.
Although it uses Sauvignon Blanc, its aroma and flavor are not simply fruity, but have a complex and deep flavor, and a profound feeling. This wine is aged in oak barrels for a whopping three years. Most other New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs are fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, and the aging period is short, so this is a very unusual way to make it.
Although you can feel the citrus nuances of orange, the aroma of vanilla from the oak barrels, the creamy mellowness of dairy products, and the spiciness of ginger and dried herbs combine to create a unique and rich flavor that blends together a wide range of elements. This wine is, so to speak, "a groundbreaking wine that will take New Zealand wine to the next level."
If you bring this wine to a wine party with people who have some wine experience, I'm sure they will be amazed. It's a powerful and powerful white wine that goes well with rich meat dishes.
Felton Road Pinot Noir Bannockburn
One of the best New Zealand wines! A very elegant and high quality Pinot Noir.
| Winery Name | Felton Road |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | Pinot Noir |
| Origin | Bannockburn, Central Otago |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Suggested retail price | 8,360 yen (tax included) |
| Importer | Village Cellars |
The Central Otago region where this wine is produced has become known around the world in recent years as a producer of high-quality Pinot Noir. (It is located close to the popular tourist destination of Queenstown.) One of the most famous wineries in Central Otago is Felton Road .
The beautifully tended vineyards of Felton Road, 2015. Photo by Iwasu.
The organically and biodynamically grown grapes are transported to the winery using a "gravity system" (a system that uses the weight of the grapes to transport them) to minimize stress on the grapes, and fermented with natural yeast. Felton Road produces wines that are close to nature with as little human intervention as possible, producing only very elegant wines reminiscent of authentic Burgundy, France.
Bannockburn is a sub-region in Central Otago, surrounded by mountains and rich in nature. This wine is a blend of grapes from three vineyards just a short distance from Bannockburn, creating an exquisite taste.
It goes perfectly with duck, lamb or white cheese.
Man O' War Ironclad Bordeaux Blend
A full-bodied, robust Bordeaux-style red wine.
| Winery Name | Man O' War |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | 41% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot Petit Verdot 11% Cabernet Sauvignon 10% Malbec 3% |
| Origin | Waiheke Island, Auckland |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Suggested retail price | 5,940 yen (tax included) |
| Importer | Live Commerce |
Man O' War is a winery located on Waiheke Island, one of New Zealand's leading resort islands. Waiheke Island is also known as the "Wine Island," and the small island is packed with wineries that make high-quality wine.
This winery, built along the bay called Man O' War Bay in the east of the island, has more than 75 vineyards on the island and is a relatively large producer. While it is not uncommon for wines to cost over 10,000 yen at other wineries in Waiheke, the appeal of this winery is that you can purchase wines from the late 3,000 yen range.
The island's specialty is a heavy red wine with a concentrated, astringent flavor, following the style of Bordeaux in France. As its name suggests, this "Ironclad Bordeaux Blend" is a blend of six varieties used in Bordeaux, giving it a mellow, full-bodied flavor.
It would go perfectly with beef or lamb.
Gentle, natural wines (2 bottles)
One of the big trends in the wine industry over the past decade has been "natural wine." Wines that are good for nature and the human body are becoming more popular all over the world. There are several names for this type of wine, but it is generally called "natural wine."
It's one of the genres that is gaining more and more fans in Japan.
I am also interested in natural and healthy wines!
However, when it is simply said that a wine is "kind to nature and the human body," there is some debate as to which aspect of the wine, which is made through a complex process, should be focused on to be "kind."
By the way, I don't think that wine that doesn't use antioxidants or isn't clarified or filtered is necessarily "healthy wine."
Oh, I see, why is that?
The reason is...
If I were to explain this properly, it would become too long, so I'll save it for another time!
Putting the complexities of cultivation and brewing aside, if when you put it in your mouth you think, "Ah, this has a natural gentleness that's a little different from other wines I've had," then it might be said that it is a natural-oriented wine.
Among these "natural wines," the following two genres are currently gaining attention.
- Orange Wine
- Pet Nat (Petillant Naturel)
Here are some recommended New Zealand wines!
Orange Wine
First, there is "Orange Wine." This is a unique type of wine that is made from white grapes but contains the astringency of the grape skins. Most are dry, and some are cloudy.
During the manufacturing process, the wine is soaked in white grape skins and juice for a certain period of time, which causes the pigment from the skins to transfer to the wine, giving it an orange appearance.
Love Block Marlborough Tea Sauvignon Blanc
A New Zealand maverick. Making challenging wines!
| Winery Name | Loveblock |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Origin | Awater Valley, Marlborough |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Suggested retail price | 3,520 yen (tax included) |
| Importer | Southern Cross |
They only use organic grapes that have passed the very strict standards of the certification body "Bio-Gro ." They do not use any sulfites, which are used in regular wines, but instead use "green tea powder" as an anti-oxidation measure. It is said to be a very rare method, even when viewed from the perspective of winemaking around the world.
The gentle flavor of lemongrass and orange peel is impressive, and the slight astringency and lingering umami flavor make it a good match for seafood dishes.
Pet Nat (Petillant Naturel)
The second is "Pet-Nat (Petillant Naturel)". There are many variations, such as sweet, dry, and cloudy wines, and it is a casual yet flavorful sparkling wine with a slight effervescence. It has a low gas pressure and a fresh taste.
Currently, this style of wine is still rare among New Zealand wines, but with the popularity of natural wines around the world, some New Zealand winemakers are taking on the challenge of making Pet Nat.
Green Songs Pet Nat The Cliffs
It has a very elegant and complex flavor. I think the flavor changes every year, so keep an eye out for those changes!
| Winery Name | Green Songs |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | 80% Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris 20% |
| Origin | Wairarapa Gladstone |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Suggested retail price | 3,740 yen (tax included) |
| Importer | Southern Cross |
A challenging wine made by Japanese winemaker Koyama Kohei .
This sparkling wine, with its familiar fruity flavor, goes well with a wide range of food. It goes especially well with appetizers, seafood, and spicy dishes!
[Extra Edition] What is the "mysterious New Zealand wine" that you want to try at least once in your life?
Among New Zealand wines, there are wines called "cult wines ." Cult wine is a wine term that was used to refer to some California wines that have become difficult to obtain due to their skyrocketing prices, but now it is often used to mean "very rare, high-quality, high-end wines" from other regions.
In layman's terms, the expression "phantom wine" might be appropriate.
The most famous cult wine in New Zealand is Providence .
"Providence Private Reserve 1996" stored at Bokumo
Providence
"Providence" is a legendary winery that all New Zealand wine lovers know. The winery is located in Matakana , Auckland. This is a small winery located in the northern part of New Zealand's grape-producing region, with a warm climate (as New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere).
Providence was founded in 1990 by lawyer James Delvich , but it was a blind tasting conducted by famous wine critics that made the wine famous, beating out famous chateaux from Bordeaux, France. Since then, Providence has established itself as New Zealand's top red wine.
At Providence, we make completely natural wines, which have the following three main characteristics:
- The grapes are grown entirely organically
- Fermentation is done with "natural yeast" and no "antioxidants" are used.
- It is not clarified or filtered, as is done with regular wines.
It is said that it is difficult to consistently produce high-quality wine using the traditional methods handed down in Europe as described above. However, Providence has maintained this stance since its establishment. Unlike other wineries in NZ, they do not use the latest technology, but instead stick to classical handmade methods to make wine. As a result, the number of bottles produced each year is limited, and the wine is expensive, starting at around 20,000 yen in Japan.
In addition to the main item, " Providence Private Reserve," there are other types of wine.
- Providence Syrah
- Providence for Apersule
- Provdance Rosé
There is also.
By the way, each wine from the 2010 vintage was named "Kuwata Vintage" after former professional baseball player Masumi Kuwata , who is a self-proclaimed big fan of Providence, came to help with the harvest.
The label features the number "18," which was Kuwata's uniform number, as well as his signature.
[Extra Edition] Wines from notable Japanese producers
An island nation with four seasons and abundant nature, New Zealand has many things in common with Japan. Currently, approximately 20,000 Japanese people live in New Zealand.
But did you know that there are Japanese winemakers in New Zealand? It is no exaggeration to say that the wines they make are among the best in New Zealand wine.
There are Japanese people who have achieved their dream of "making their own wine" and are producing wines that can be enjoyed around the world. As a fellow Japanese, I am very proud of them and it motivates me to try my best too.
Here we will introduce a list of New Zealand wines made by Japanese people.
| Representative's name (in alphabetical order) | Winery/Brand Name |
|---|---|
| Taizo Osawa | Osawa Wines |
| Takeki Okada | Folium Vineyards |
| Shigehisa Kimura | Kimura Cellars |
| Hiroyuki Kusuda | Kusuda Wines |
| Kohei Koyama | Green Songs |
| Ryuu Koyama | Koyama Wines |
| Yoshiaki Sato | Sato Wines |
For more detailed information, please see the special feature page below.
A convenient online shopping site where you can buy NZ wine
New Zealand wine is very attractive, but unfortunately, it is not yet widely available in stores. Here, we will introduce some convenient and recommended online shopping sites (online shops) for purchasing New Zealand wine.
The online shopping site has the following advantages:
- Eliminates the hassle of carrying heavy wine
- You can search for wines that are not available in stores and read the descriptions carefully.
- Orders can be placed 24 hours a day
- When it comes to NZ wines, the selection is often wider online
Although the internet is convenient, shipping costs are expensive, aren't they?
Yes, but I think going to a store, buying wine, and carrying it home actually costs quite a bit.
After all, each bottle of wine weighs over 1kg, so I think transporting it yourself, whether by car or public transportation, would require a surprising amount of physical strength and time.
I see...! Also, you can choose while carefully reading the explanations on the internet. You can also order even late at night.
That's true. But if you're someone who has a habit of buying things while drunk, you might want to be careful when browsing while drinking wine! (laughs)
So here we have compiled links to sites that deal with New Zealand wine, including Bokumo Wine, which we run.
Bokumo Wine is run by Iwasu, a sommelier who loves New Zealand wine!
▶ NZ wine specialty select shop Bokumo Wine
Operated by: Bokumo Wine
Bokumo Wine is a select shop specializing in New Zealand wines, managed by Iwasu, a sommelier who loves New Zealand wines.
We purchase only wines that have been personally tasted by sommelier Iwasu from multiple importers and are deemed to be of the highest quality.
We especially recommend set products created with a variety of concepts.
A wide selection of NZ wines! Southern Cross
Operated by: Southern Cross
An online shop run by a specialist New Zealand wine importer.
We also offer a wide range of great value tasting sets, subscription courses, outlets, and more.
We carry wines from "Sileni" and "Haka"! Enoteca
Operated by: Enoteca
It is a major importer of wine and has a high reputation for its quality.
The New Zealand wines on offer are mainly from Sileni Estate, which the store imports itself, but it also carries Haka wines, which have become popular in Japan in recent years.
Kinoshita International sells "Villa Maria"!
Organized by: Kinoshita International
Although it is primarily an online shop for Portuguese wine, you can also purchase the New Zealand wine "Villa Maria", which the company imports, from the special feature page.
Osawa Wines: A New Zealand wine shop run by a Japanese company!
Operated by: Osawa Wines
The store has a wide selection of products from the "OSAWA WINES" series, which the company operates in New Zealand.
The store also has a wide selection of products, including New Zealand specialties such as Manuka honey and organic tea.
If you want to buy New Zealand's premier wine, this is the place! Craft Wine Park
Run by: Live Commerce
This is the online shop of an importer that deals with New Zealand's premier wines, which are not yet well known in Japan. It is perfect for those looking for high-quality New Zealand wines for anniversaries or gifts.
Schnabe: A selection of unique New Zealand wines!
▶ Schnabe
Management: SHUNABE
A micro-importer run by Shun Abe, who spent 11 years in New Zealand before starting to import New Zealand wines to Japan. He introduces unique brands that are hard to find anywhere else.
Bonus: A website by a liquor store with a wide selection of NZ wines
This concludes our explanation of NZ wines.
From here on, we will talk in more detail about NZ wine as a review!
Want to know more? The taste of NZ wine
As mentioned briefly at the beginning, let's explain in a bit more detail about the taste of New Zealand wine.
The restaurant I run is a restaurant that mainly serves New Zealand wine. I'm at the restaurant every day, and the most common wine-related question I get from customers is about the taste.
This is the question I'm happiest about because it's so easy to answer (laughs).
For example, it is quite difficult to explain "the taste characteristics of French wine" concisely because you have to start with an explanation of the famous wine-producing areas. "The taste characteristics of Italian wine" is also complicated because there is a huge diversity among the 20 states.
In that respect, NZ wine can be described relatively simply.
NZ is full of fresh, fruity and approachable white wines!
That is it.
I appreciate this super simple explanation lol
You can drink wine without having to think too hard.
Yes, that's right. That's why I've always thought that New Zealand wines are great for wine novices.
Three characteristics of NZ wine
So why is New Zealand wine so simple to explain? You can find out by looking at the three characteristics of New Zealand wine below.
It's time for a review!!
- Over 85% of New Zealand's total wine production is white wine.
- The most common grape variety is Sauvignon Blanc, which accounts for over 70% of the total production.
- New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has a unique flavor that is not found in other countries, and its main characteristics are that it is "fresh, fruity, and approachable."
To sum it up, it is a country full of fresh, fruity, and friendly white wines . There is no other country with such a clear characteristic as a wine producing country.
Of course, we also produce white wines other than Sauvignon Blanc, as well as excellent quality red wines, but we would like people to try our Sauvignon Blanc first.
To give an example of something else, it's Sanuki udon for udon, tuna for sushi, bitter melon for champuru, and Mickey for Disney.
Hmm? Maybe that's a little different (laughs).
I've gone off topic, but what I want to say is that the most classic places should be the first ones you visit.
(Laughs) But I like that analogy!
Since I'm a beginner, I want to start with the very basics!
So, what about the aroma and flavor of this classic "NZ Sauvignon Blanc"?
First of all, you'll be amazed at how delicious it is after just one bite!
You will notice strong hints of tropical fruits such as grapefruit, lime, passion fruit, and pineapple, with a pleasant, refreshing scent of herbs wafting from behind.
For me, the image that pops into my head the moment I drink it is "blue skies, steep mountains, fresh greenery, a beautiful lake..." A breathtakingly vivid view.
This wine is perfect to drink outdoors surrounded by nature. Its crisp acidity and rich fruity flavor will quench your thirst and lift your spirits on a sunny day.
It's kind of romantic to have a landscape come to mind just from wine.
I wonder what kind of image comes to mind. I want to try it soon.
Something like this, I guess?
Of course, everyone feels differently. I think people have different impressions when they drink it. However, as someone who tastes 100 New Zealand wines a year, whenever I drink a traditional Sauvignon Blanc, I feel that it has a refreshing taste that reminds me of the great outdoors of New Zealand .
NZ wine prices
Next, let's talk about price.
In fact, statistical data shows that wines imported from NZ are priced differently than wines imported from other countries. This means that the "best selling price range in Japan" for NZ wines is "slightly higher than other countries."
First of all, the most popular price range for imported wines sold in Japan is 750 to 1,650 yen (tax included).
For example, wines from Chile, Italy, and Spain sell best in the 750 to 1,100 yen (tax included) price range, while for French wines, the largest volume zone is the 1,100 to 1,650 yen (tax included) price range.
However, among the countries from which wine is imported to Japan, New Zealand is the only country where "wine in the 1,750 to 2,200 yen (tax included) price range sells best."
The reason is simple: currently, there are very few New Zealand wines that are priced below 1,750 yen, including tax.
So why are there so few affordable New Zealand wines compared to other countries? One reason is that most of the wineries in New Zealand are small, family-run wineries.
Wine is an alcoholic beverage that requires a lot of time and effort, from growing the grapes to brewing, bottling, and shipping. Large wineries are able to reduce costs by mass-producing, but it is difficult for small producers to reduce costs.
On the other hand, it can also be said that such small wineries often have individuality and quality that cannot be beaten.
There are no extremely cheap wines in NZ, but there are many high-quality, distinctive wines that can only be found in small wineries.
Because the quality is so high, there are no super cheap wines. So next time I buy some, I'll make sure to savor every sip and drink it carefully.
Eco-friendly NZ wine!
New Zealand is a country with an abundance of untouched nature. The government places emphasis on achieving harmony between nature and people, and other countries call it an "environmentally advanced country."
Thanks to an active environmental protection policy, currently about 80% of electricity in New Zealand is generated by renewable energy, and the government has set a goal of increasing this ratio to 100% by 2035. And this idea of environmental protection is also strongly reflected in winemaking.
Currently, 96% of vineyards and wineries are certified as "sustainable."
In other words, it can be said that most New Zealand wines are produced in sustainable environments.
We want to minimize the damage caused by human activities to the natural environment, and winemaking should also be done with the utmost consideration for nature.
Wines made in New Zealand are also chosen by environmentally conscious people all over the world.
Tips for choosing white wine, more details (review)
We briefly covered how to choose white wine in our article "2 Bottles of Affordable White Wines," but for those who want to know more, we'll go into more detail here as a review.
Let me explain each one.
1) Try the representative variety, Sauvignon Blanc!
As mentioned above, more than 70% of New Zealand wines are made from grapes of the "Sauvignon Blanc" variety . So, let's start by tasting this popular wine. You will be able to experience the wonderful taste that is unique to New Zealand, which has the three qualities of "fresh, fruity, and approachable."
When you find a New Zealand wine, take a good look at the label. Almost all New Zealand wines have the grape variety listed on the front label in addition to the wine name .
If you see the words "SAUVIGNON BLANC," it's Sauvignon Blanc . Your expectations for this triple threat are sure to rise!
Sauvignon Blanc. It's long and difficult to say, and you might forget it...
If you find it hard to remember, just remember the initial letters S and B. In fact, even in wine terminology, SAUVIGNON BLANC is sometimes abbreviated as "SB."
I see. Then I'll remember it as "SB"! (laughs)
2) Choose coffee that says "Marlborough" in the description!
Once you find the words "SAUVIGNON BLANC", the next thing you should check is "where in New Zealand it was made."
If it says "MARLBOROUGH" on it, there's a good chance it's a nice one.
This is because most of the Sauvignon Blanc grapes that represent the country's flavor - fresh, fruity and approachable - are produced in the Marlborough region.
Marlborough is a huge wine producing region that produces over 75% of the wine in New Zealand. There are many other regions that produce high quality wines, but the first place to go is Marlborough.
With abundant sunshine, large temperature differences between day and night, and strong winds, Marlborough's unique climate conditions produce white wines that are fresh, fruity, and approachable.
Now, with just these two keywords, "Marlborough" and "Sauvignon Blanc," we have come much closer to achieving the perfect triple threat!
Now, with just these two keywords, "Marlborough" and "Sauvignon Blanc," we have come much closer to achieving the perfect triple threat!
3) Buy new wine whenever possible!
There is another piece of information on the label that is often forgotten but is important: a number called the "vintage."
For example, if you see "MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 ," the "2019" is the "vintage ." Vintage does not mean "old and good," but rather the year the grapes were harvested .
For white wines, especially those that rely on freshness, such as Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, it is best to choose wines that have been harvested as recently as possible, preferably the most recent ones on the shelf.
This is merely a general trend, but over time the original freshness of the food is lost.
[Iwasu's additional information]
However, the quality of the grapes varies depending on the weather of the year. Naturally, this has a large impact on the taste of the wine made from the grapes. In that respect, it is not necessarily true that recent grapes are the best.
However, most wineries in Marlborough have modern winemaking systems, and each winery has the technology to minimize variation from year to year, so I believe they are able to produce wines that are fresh even in years with less favorable weather.
Therefore, I think it is safe to say to some extent that any winery will have the freshest wine from the most recent vintage.
4) We recommend items over 2,000 yen (tax included).
This is as explained in detail in "Recommended affordable white wines [2 bottles]". First, choose a wine with a price of 2,000 yen including tax as a guideline.
Finally, I have summarized the points again.
Checklist of wines that New Zealand wine beginners should try
- It is written as "SAUVIGNON BLANC".
- It has the word "MARLBOROUGH" written on it.
- Preferably with the most recent vintage (year of harvest) written on it.
- Preferably something over 2,000 yen (tax included).
Now you're ready to discover the "Mother Nature White Wine" that is "fresh, fruity, and approachable."
Take note of these checkpoints and choose from a wine shop, department store, supermarket, or online shop. I'm sure you'll find a bottle that will surprise you with its deliciousness!
SB, Marlboro, new, over 2,000 yen. I made a note of it!
Summary and Iwasu's thoughts
In this article, we introduced the characteristics of New Zealand wine, recommended brands, and sales sites for those who have not yet experienced the charm of New Zealand wine.What did you think?
When I first started writing, I wanted to summarize it concisely so that anyone could read it quickly, but when I started writing, it ended up being quite voluminous. I would be happy if you would read at least the parts that interest you, even if you don't read the whole thing.
In preparing this article, I researched New Zealand wine again, and what I realized was that there is still very little information about New Zealand wine in Japan, and very few stores that sell it.
However, New Zealand wine is actually very popular at my restaurant, Bokumo, and thanks to that, the repeat rate at my liquor store, Bokumo Wine, is quite high. I think that there are a lot of wines that suit the Japanese palate.
Currently, NZ is ranked 11th in the country rankings for the number of wine imports. However, I think that in the near future, it may enter the top 10 and even move up the rankings. Eventually, NZ wine will go from being "a wine only known by a few people" to being "a wine that every wine lover knows." To make this happen, we would like to continue to provide information about NZ wine on this site.
