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Sauvignon Blanc is by far the most widely planted grape variety followed by Chardonnay. Riesling and Pinot Gris are almost equal and after them come varieties such as Semillon, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Muscat and Chenin Blanc. Of the red varieties, Pinot Noir is now the most widely planted followed by Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Pinotage. 
The U.K. is the main export market, followed by the U.S.A, Australia, Canada, The Netherlands, Ireland, Denmark, Japan and Germany. New Zealand wine growers are generally a very innovative group. Given the country’s location in the South Pacific and the size of the country as a whole,very often it is a victim of the vagaries of nature. The country, viticulturally speaking, is classed as ‘cool climate’ meaning it has a long, cool growing season during the autumn months. This accounts for the fact that the wines retain a lovely, lively fresh acidity especially in the white wines and with the reds generally having a longer hanging time, vibrant colours and fresh red berryfruit flavours. Many wine consumers around the world today are conscious of the environment and the impact that production techniques, growing, cartage and delivery methods have on the environment and on health generally. New Zealand producers quickly became aware of the implications of this and in order to maintain its unique position in the world wine market, the term ‘sustainable’ has become a name synonymous with wine production today. This year, New Zealand Winegrowers adopted a new Sustainability Policy that targets having all New Zealand grapes and wine produced under independently audited sustainability schemes by 2012. Known as SWNZ (Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand) means continual improvement most winegrowers are embracing in issues relating to energy and water usage, climate change, biodiversity and carbon neutrality through this programme. |
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Wines