In recent years, New Zealand wine has been gradually gaining popularity in Japan.
Sauvignon Blanc, a fruity white wine with a strong personality, accounts for an overwhelming 70% of total production, and the image of "New Zealand wine is Sauvignon Blanc" is becoming established around the world.
However, New Zealand is also widely known as a producer of high-quality red wine.
Among them, they are focusing on cultivating Pinot Noir, which is very popular among wine lovers. It has been discovered that NZ has suitable climate and soil conditions for cultivating Pinot Noir, and it is now recognized as one of the world's leading producers of Pinot Noir.
In this article, we will focus on Pinot Noir and introduce the appeal of New Zealand red wine, the characteristics of each producing region and variety, as well as 10 carefully selected bottles recommended by sommelier Iwasu!
We have carefully selected recommended wines so that everyone, from wine beginners to wine lovers, can find a wine that suits their taste. We hope you will discover the charm of New Zealand red wine, which has yet to be fully conveyed!
Characteristics of New Zealand red wine
Before introducing specific recommended wines, we will briefly explain the characteristics of New Zealand red wines.
What are the main grape varieties in NZ red wine?
As mentioned at the beginning, the main variety of red wine in New Zealand is undoubtedly Pinot Noir.
According to the latest vintage data for 2022, Pinot Noir harvests have increased by more than 1.5 times compared to last year, moving up one place from last year to second place in the harvest yield ranking by variety.
You can see that demand for Pinot Noir in NZ is increasing.
Pinot Noir is a popular variety that originates from Burgundy, France, known for its bright color, gorgeous fragrance, and elegant taste. New Zealand Pinot Noir is characterized by its rich fruitiness.
In addition, although the amount is smaller than that of Pinot Noir,
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Syrah
- Malbec
Other grape varieties are also produced.
Pinot Noir is the main red wine in NZ, but there are also many other high quality wines, including Bordeaux varieties.
In the second half of the article, we will introduce some recommended Bordeaux-type wines, so if you like stronger wines, be sure to check them out!
Enjoy the differences between production areas! Introducing the characteristics of each area
Like Japan, New Zealand is a long, narrow country stretching from north to south. Red wine producing regions are scattered throughout the country, and wine is made in each region taking advantage of the climate and soil conditions.
Now let's take a look at the characteristics of each region.
Auckland (Waiheke Island, etc.)
Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. It is also an important wine-producing region, with Matakana, home to the winery of Providence, known as the legendary New Zealand wine, and Waiheke Island, an island lined with wineries producing high-quality wines.
Hawke's Bay
Hawke's Bay is the second largest wine-producing region in the country, with the main red wine varieties being Bordeaux varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.
Wairarapa region (Martinborough etc.)
The Wairarapa region is best known for its sub-region, Martinborough, which has growing conditions very similar to Burgundy and produces premium Pinot Noir wines.
Marlborough Region
Marlborough is the largest and most important wine producing region in New Zealand. The main variety is of course Sauvignon Blanc, but it is also famous for Pinot Noir, a red wine. Marlborough is the top producer of Pinot Noir in New Zealand.
Canterbury/Waipara region
Located in the eastern part of the South Island, the Canterbury/Waipara region has a wide variety of soils that produce a variety of different types of Pinot Noir.
Central Otago
Central Otago is a region on New Zealand's South Island famous for Pinot Noir. Located at 45 degrees south latitude, it is one of the southernmost wine producing regions in the world.
This area on the eastern side of the Southern Alps, which run north and south across the South Island, is extremely dry because it protects the area from rain clouds. In addition, there is a large difference in temperature between day and night, making it ideal for growing Pinot Noir. It is known as one of the "three major Pinot Noir producing areas in the world," along with Oregon in the United States and Burgundy in France.
I think red wine lovers can be divided into two main groups: those who like strong flavors and those who like mild flavors.
So this time, we will introduce both the gentle-tasting Pinot Noir and the rich-tasting red wine!
Shangri-La Pinot Noir
| Winery Name | Blackenbrook |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | Pinot Noir |
| Origin | Nelson |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Suggested retail price | 2,970 yen (tax included) |
The first wine I would like to introduce is the fruity "Shangri-La Pinot Noir."
The Brackenbrook winery is located in Nelson, an area with abundant sunshine throughout the year.
This Pinot Noir has a rich flavor of black berries and a mild astringency. It is a great value wine that goes well with meals.
I think having one on your dining table would be very useful.
Palliser Estate Pencarrow Pinot Noir
| Winery Name | Palliser Estate |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | Pinot Noir |
| Origin | Martinborough |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Suggested retail price | 4,235 yen (tax included) |
The Martinborough region, where Palliser Estate is based, is said to be the wine-producing region in New Zealand with the climate and soil conditions most similar to those of Burgundy.
Here, rather than the "fruity-oriented" Pinot Noir that is characteristic of New Zealand, many wines are produced that have a well-balanced mix of other elements.
This Pinot has a very soft flavor. It goes well with minced meat dishes such as hamburger steak and pasta with ragu sauce, as well as roast pork and braised pork.
Invivo Central Otago Pinot Noir 2019
| Winery Name | Invivo |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | Pinot Noir |
| Origin | Central Otago |
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Suggested retail price | 4,620 yen (tax included) |
This wine comes from Central Otago, one of the world's leading producers of Pinot Noir.
It has a strong berry fruit flavor such as black currant and American cherry, and you can also clearly sense the fragrant flavor of the wooden barrels, such as vanilla and almond.
In addition, it has a soft mouthfeel but a strong umami flavor, and the umami and astringency linger in your mouth even after you swallow it. To enjoy this lingering aftertaste even more, it is best to pair it with slightly fatty meat.
Ma Maison Martinborough Pinot Noir
| Winery Name | Ma Maison |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | Pinot Noir |
| Origin | Wairarapa |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Suggested retail price | 4,950 yen (tax included) |
Ma Maison is a winery in Martinborough in the Wairarapa region. This area has similar climatic conditions to Burgundy, France, where Pinot Noir originates, and produces high-quality Pinot Noir.
This wine is one that can be called "New Zealand orthodox." It has a fruity flavor throughout, but the complex flavor is well-balanced. It is also refreshing to drink, so it can be enjoyed on its own.
I think this Pinot Noir is perfect for special occasions such as celebrations and anniversaries.
Kimura Cellars Marlborough Pinot Noir
| Winery Name | Kimura Cellars |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | Pinot Noir |
| Origin | Marlborough |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Suggested retail price | 6,050 yen (tax included) |
In New Zealand, where Japanese winemakers are doing a remarkable job, many winemakers are gaining attention both at home and abroad. Shigehisa Kimura of Kimura Cellars is one of them.
Kimura Cellars Marlborough Pinot Noir 2019 won the Gold Medal at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2020, the world's largest alcohol competition.
According to Kimura, "I feel the same way about 2021."
As expected, the 2021 vintage is a wonderful finish with an exquisite balance of cherry fruitiness and barrel flavor. Of course, it is delicious enough to drink now, but you can also enjoy the changes that come with aging.
Felton Road Pinot Noir Bannockburn
| Winery Name | Felton Road |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | Pinot Noir |
| Origin | Central Otago |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Suggested retail price | 8,800 yen (tax included) |
Felton Road is the winery that helped spark the popularity of Pinot Noir in Central Otago.
When this Pinot Noir was first released in 1997, it became a hot topic, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom, and its appeal quickly spread throughout the world.
This wine truly demonstrates what elegance means.
It's a perfect gift and any wine lover will be delighted.
From here on, we will introduce wines other than Pinot Noir for those who like slightly stronger red wines.
Southern Cross Hawke's Bay Merlot Cabernet
| Winery Name | Wine Portfolio |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | Merlot 51%, Cabernet Sauvignon 43%, Cabernet Franc 6% |
| Origin | Hawke's Bay |
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Suggested retail price | 2,420 yen (tax included) |
This wine is a rare value wine in NZ, with a mature feel yet reasonably priced.
You can enjoy the smoothness and gentleness of Merlot. This is a red wine that you'll want to drink while thinking of the Southern Cross.
This wine goes well with meat dishes that use soy sauce and mirin, such as teriyaki chicken and braised pork.
It also goes well with dishes that use miso, such as miso-braised mackerel and stir-fried eggplant with miso.
Villa Maria Private Bin Merlot / Cabernet Sauvignon / Malbec
| Winery Name | Villa Maria |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | 49% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec 6% |
| Origin | Hawke's Bay |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Suggested retail price | 2,200 yen (tax included) |
Villa Maria is well known as a wine with excellent value for money.
This wine follows the style of the Bordeaux region of France, and is a type with a pronounced richness and astringency. This vintage has a higher ratio of Cabernet, making it more satisfying to drink. At this price, this taste sets it apart from other New Zealand wines.
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 taste.
Please try pairing it with meat dishes.
Trinity Hill Hawke's Bay Syrah
| Winery Name | Trinity Hill |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | Syrah |
| Origin | Hawke's Bay |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Suggested retail price | 3,850 yen (tax included) |
Most red wines in New Zealand are Pinot Noir or Bordeaux blends (Merlot or Cabernet), but there are also producers who make Syrah.
Syrah production is concentrated in the North Island, and Trinity Hill is one of the leading wineries in the Hawke's Bay region.
All of the wines made by Trinity Hill are unique and high quality, but this Syrah is one that I feel is particularly good value for money. It has a pronounced spiciness and goes great with steak and other meat dishes.
Destiny Bay Destiny 2012
| Winery Name | Destinybay Wines |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | 51% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot |
| Origin | Auckland |
| Vintage | 2012 |
| Suggested retail price | 23,430 yen (tax included) |
Bob Campbell MW called him No. 1 in NZ (2021 Real Review) The winery, Destiny Bay, is located on Waiheke Island, one of New Zealand's top resort islands.
This island is also known as the "Wine Island" and is packed with wineries producing high-quality wines. The island is famous for its heavy, concentrated red wines with astringency that follow the style of Bordeaux in France.
Destiny Bay has an incredible commitment to only producing three Bordeaux blends, and this Destiny is their entry-level wine.
This red wine is characterized by its smooth flavor derived from Merlot. It goes very well with fatty steaks and sukiyaki. Please try it on your special day.
Lastly: More about the appeal of NZ Pinot Noir! What is the reason for its rapid growth?
I wanted to keep the details to a minimum as this was an introduction to some recommended wines, but let me tell you a little more at the end (laughs).
The history of New Zealand wine is short, and it has only been about 40 years since winemaking began in earnest. However, one of the reasons why New Zealand has been able to achieve such rapid growth is that it has "narrowed down the grape varieties that it focuses on."
The white wine category focused on Sauvignon Blanc , and its crisp, fresh taste and aroma became a hot topic, quickly making New Zealand wine known around the world.
For red wine, production will focus on Pinot Noir .
Pinot Noir is a perennially popular variety among wine lovers, but it is also difficult to grow. However, it was discovered that there are many areas in New Zealand where the climate and soil conditions are suitable for cultivation, and this led to the gathering of producers from around the world who have the knowledge and skills to make Pinot Noir and are passionate about it.
As a result, New Zealand has become one of the world's leading producers of Pinot Noir, producing a series of high-quality wines that are recognized by wine lovers.
Local producers also actively travel abroad to countries such as France to learn Pinot Noir cultivation techniques and gain experience, which they then use to contribute to improving New Zealand's overall winemaking techniques after returning home.
Furthermore, in New Zealand, although these events have not been held in recent years due to the impact of COVID-19, local people are actively working to promote Pinot Noir, such as the "Pinot Noir NZ" event, where producers can exchange information with each other, and the "Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration," a Pinot Noir festival in the Central Otago region.
The strategy of concentrating on Pinot Noir was a great success! By drastically limiting the varieties cultivated, red wine, like white wine, was able to grow rapidly in a short period of time in New Zealand.
summary
New Zealand wine has a strong image of being "white," but it is also famous for its red wine, and is garnering attention from around the world, especially for its high-quality Pinot Noir.
Pinot Noir is popular for its delicate and gentle aroma and flavor, but its delicate nature means it is not suitable for mass production. However, many New Zealand producers are small-scale producers, and their careful winemaking skills are put to good use in the cultivation and brewing of Pinot Noir.
Wines made in NZ, including varieties other than Pinot Noir, are characterized by their fruity aroma and flavor. Please come and experience the charm of NZ red wine.
