Although New Zealand has a short history of winemaking, it is one of the wine-producing regions that is attracting attention from around the world.
New Zealand wine exports have doubled over the past 10 years, and the market is expanding rapidly, with the wine now ranking in the top 10 in Japan by country import value.
When it comes to wine, many people may have the image that it is difficult and hard to understand, but New Zealand wines tend to be fresh, fruity, and have familiar aromas and flavors, so they are recommended even for wine beginners.
In this article, Iwasu, a sommelier specializing in New Zealand wines, will introduce 11 particularly recommended white wines from New Zealand's attractive wine scene, divided into three price ranges.
Whether you're a wine beginner or a fan of New Zealand wine, we hope you'll find a bottle you like!
Characteristics of New Zealand wine
Before introducing our recommended wines, let us first briefly explain the characteristics of New Zealand wines.
In New Zealand, which can be described as a "country full of white wine," more than 85% of the wine produced is white wine . Furthermore, the overwhelming majority of the white wine is the Sauvignon Blanc variety.
The history of New Zealand wine
While winemaking in traditional wine-producing countries such as France began before the Common Era, winemaking in New Zealand has only really taken off in the last 40 years or so.
In 1985, the winery Cloudy Bay released a Sauvignon Blanc that was highly praised around the world, which triggered the rapid expansion of the New Zealand wine market. Today, Sauvignon Blanc has become synonymous with New Zealand wine.
Taking advantage of the advantage of being a latecomer to the wine industry, New Zealand has grown rapidly through rational winemaking and promotion methods. In addition, its environmentally friendly and sustainable grape cultivation and brewing methods have become a model case for winemaking as an action to create a sustainable society.
Wine Region
When you think of New Zealand wine, you think of "Marlborough." Most of the New Zealand wine sold in Japan is also from Marlborough.
Marlborough
A huge wine-producing region that produces over 80% of New Zealand's wine. Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc in particular is characterized by its bursting fruit flavors, such as passion fruit and citrus fruits.
There are many other unique production areas. Please take a look at the production area introduction pages below.
▶ For more information on New Zealand wine producing regions, click here
Popular White Wine Grape Varieties
Sauvignon Blanc accounts for the overwhelming majority of the market share, and other varieties are still not widely available in stores in Japan. If you are looking for a New Zealand white wine other than Sauvignon Blanc, we recommend purchasing it from an online shopping site.
Sauvignon Blanc
A grape variety that represents New Zealand wine. In addition to the refreshing aroma of herbs and green grass, you can enjoy the familiar fruity aroma and flavor of citrus fruits and passion fruit.
Pinot Gris
Among white wines, Pinot Gris is the second most popular variety in New Zealand after Sauvignon Blanc. In the near future, there is a possibility that Pinot Gris will become a famous New Zealand wine.
Chardonnay
Although production in New Zealand is not that high, they do produce high quality Chardonnay. The predominant style is one that combines fruit aromas with vanilla aromas from the oak barrels.
Gewürztraminer
It is a variety with a unique flavor that has earned it a loyal following. In the North Island, it tends to have a tropical flavor, while in the South Island, it tends to have a sour flavor.
▶ For more information on NZ wine grape varieties, click here
The appeal of NZ wine is its freshness, so it is generally recommended to choose wine from the latest vintage (the year the grapes were harvested). In particular, if you choose the latest vintage of Sauvignon Blanc, you will likely notice a strong grapefruit-like aroma (although there are some that do not).
Now, let's move on to introducing some recommended white wines. First, we'll start with wines under 2,500 yen.
Mana by Invivo Sauvignon Blanc
| Winery Name | Invivo |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Origin | new zealand |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Suggested retail price | 2,090 yen (tax included) |
This MANA Sauvignon Blanc is a great value wine that allows you to experience the quality of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc at a casual price.
It has a lemon-like citrus flavor and a pleasant acidity. It is a light wine with a clean aftertaste, so it is highly drinkable.
This refreshing wine goes well with salads and fried foods such as fried chicken and white fish.
Villa Maria Private Bin Riesling
| Winery Name | Villa Maria |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | Riesling |
| Origin | Marlborough |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Suggested retail price | 2,200 yen (tax included) |
Villa Maria is a leading New Zealand wine company. Villa Maria is widely known as the winery that has won the most awards in the country at wine competitions around the world.
This time, we will introduce the Riesling from the Villa Maria series.
This Riesling is "off-dry," meaning it has a dry taste with a slight sweetness. It is characterized by a crisp, firm citrus acidity and a slight sweetness.
This is the perfect wine to start a meal and pairs well with marinated salmon, bitter leafy salads, and spicy ethnic dishes.
Next are wines priced between 2,500 and 3,500 yen. In this price range, you have a higher chance of finding a New Zealand wine with a distinct personality.
Invivo Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
| Winery Name | Invivo |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Origin | Marlborough |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Suggested retail price | 2,530 yen (tax included) |
"Invivo" is an up-and-coming winery founded in 2007. In a very short time since its first release, it has grown into a winery recognized worldwide, and its collaborative wines with celebrities such as "Graham Norton" and "Sarah Jessica Parker" are also a hot topic.
The wine we would like to introduce to you is a classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, with a herbal aroma, citrus acidity, and a pleasant bitter taste.
This wine is also recommended for outdoor occasions such as picnics and camping. Please try it chilled and pair it with casual meals such as BLT sandwiches, banh mi, and burritos.
Lawson's Dry Hills Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
| Winery Name | Lawson's Dry Hills |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Origin | Marlborough |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Suggested retail price | 3,080 yen (tax included) |
Lawson's Dry Hills is a winery in Marlborough founded by the husband and wife team of Ross and Barbara Lawson. They were originally farmers who grew and sold grapes, but in 1992 they began producing wine under their own brand.
This Sauvignon Blanc has a rich fruitiness, a mineral feel, and a complex flavor. It is a wine that we recommend as the next step for those who have tried casual Sauvignon Blanc.
This wine pairs well with herb-infused dishes such as salmon marinated with dill and Margherita pizza with basil, as well as ethnic dishes such as fresh spring rolls with cilantro.
Gibson Bridge Pinot Gris Reserve
| Winery Name | Gibson Bridge Vineyard |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | Pinot Gris |
| Origin | Marlborough |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Suggested retail price | 3,190 yen (tax included) |
Gibson Bridge Vineyards is a very unusual winery that specializes in Pinot Gris. The owner, Howard Simmons, is adamant about doing all the work related to the grapes by hand when making wine.
The Pinot Gris we are introducing is a wine that was fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks and aged sur lies (brewing on the lees without racking) for 11 months.
It has a mellow aroma of honey-soaked quince and nectarine, and is very soft on the palate with a mild acidity.
This wine's delicate aroma and flavor go well with food, and it pairs well with Japanese dishes such as grilled salted white fish and stewed pork and Chinese cabbage.
Green Songs Late Harvest Riesling
| Winery Name | Green Songs |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | Riesling |
| Origin | Wairarapa |
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Suggested retail price | 3,190 yen (tax included) |
Next, we will introduce a wine from a Japanese producer. "Green Songs" is a winery run by Kohei Koyama, a winemaker with an unusual background as a graduate of the University of Tokyo and former financial man.
This is Green Songs' first dessert wine (sweet wine) made using Riesling. This wine, called "late harvest", is made by delaying the grape harvest and using grapes with a high sugar content to create a sweet wine.
This is a perfect example of a "Late Harvest Riesling" with a hint of honey and a refreshing fruity acidity. It goes well with desserts in general, but also with blue cheese.
Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc
| Winery Name | Greywacke |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Origin | Marlborough |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Suggested retail price | 4,070 yen (tax included) |
Greywacke is a boutique winery run by Kevin Judd, who was the head wine maker for a long time at Cloudy Bay, a prestigious winery in New Zealand. At Greywacke, Kevin uses his many years of experience in winemaking to create highly refined wines.
This Sauvignon Blanc follows the traditional New Zealand style with a fruity flavor, but with a mellow flavor. It goes well with a wide range of dishes, such as salads, marinated white fish, sauteed chicken, and pork shabu-shabu.
By the way, Kevin is also active as a photographer, and has published a photo book of his work in wine-producing regions in New Zealand, as well as a photo book of dogs living at wineries (you can see them at the Iwasu store "Bokumo"). His photos are also used on the labels of Greywacke wines.
Next up are wines priced over 3,500 yen, which are perfect as gifts or to accompany a slightly luxurious dinner.
Milton Vineyards "River Point Vineyard" Viognier
| Winery Name | Milton Vineyards |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | 94% Viognier, 4% Marsanne, Muscat Petit Grain 2% |
| Origin | Gisborne |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Suggested retail price | 3,520 yen (tax included) |
Milton Vineyards is a winery in Gisborne, New Zealand's easternmost town, and is a pioneer of biodynamic farming in New Zealand.
Milton Vineyards is also New Zealand's only member of the global organic wine organisation, chaired by renowned organic wine producer Nicola Joly.
Another attractive feature is the variety that is not widely grown in other regions, such as Viognier and Chenin Blanc. This Viognier has a strong fruitiness and a somewhat full body.
This mellow, flavorful wine pairs perfectly with fried foods, especially fried shrimp, minced meat cutlets, and vegetable fritters.
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc
| Winery Name | Cloudy Bay |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Origin | Marlborough |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Suggested retail price | 4,455 yen (tax included) |
Cloudy Bay is an essential part of any discussion of New Zealand wine. Its Sauvignon Blanc, first released in 1985, was called "the wine that woke the world up to white wine" and made the world aware of the appeal of New Zealand wine, which was still relatively unknown at the time.
Starting with the latest 2022 vintage, the bottle design has been completely redesigned, giving it an even more stylish impression.
It has a crisp acidity, flavors of grapefruit and passion fruit, and a refreshing herbal taste, and firmly expresses the style of Marlborough, New Zealand's leading beer producing region.
It goes well with carpaccio, green salads, white fish meunière, fried chicken, etc.
Johanneshof Cellars Gewurztraminer
| Winery Name | Johanneshof Cellars |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | Gewurztraminer |
| Origin | Marlborough |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Suggested retail price | 5,060 yen (tax included) |
Johanneshof Cellars is a boutique winery located in the huge wine-producing region of Marlborough, but it is committed to handmade production. Its vineyards are built on steep slopes of 30 degrees, which is rare in Marlborough.
Johanneshof Cellars has attracted attention, having won numerous awards for its sparkling wines made using the Champagne method, as well as Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and rosé wines.
This Gewurz has a very exotic aroma and a strong grape concentration, making it a unique white wine. If you want to pair this wine with Chinese or Thai food, it's perfect. It's even better with spicy food. It also goes well with spicy curry.
Pegasus Bay Chardonnay
| Winery Name | Pegasus Bay |
|---|---|
| Grape variety | Chardonnay |
| Origin | Canterbury/Waipara |
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Suggested retail price | 7,480 yen (tax included) |
This wine is produced by Pegasus Bay , a winery representing the Waipara region in Canterbury. Founded in 1986 by the Donaldson family, pioneers of Waipara wine, it is one of the oldest wineries in New Zealand.
When you bring your nose close to the glass, you can clearly smell the sweet fruit aromas of white peach and pear. The nuances of the barrel, reminiscent of brioche, spread through your nose and linger on your nose for a long time.
It has a rich taste, and the concentrated fruit flavor fills your mouth. This is truly a "rich white wine." Why not try pairing it with fish butter meuniere, seafood gratin, or pork cutlet?
summary
New Zealand is a country dominated by white wines, and Sauvignon Blanc in particular is the face of New Zealand wine.
If you haven't tried New Zealand wine yet, start with Marlborough's signature style of Sauvignon Blanc.
And once you have a good grasp of the characteristics of the aroma and flavor, we encourage you to experience the appeal of Sauvignon Blanc from other regions, or wines of varieties other than Sauvignon Blanc.
We hope this article helps you find your favorite New Zealand wine!
