Not What You’d Expect

Paul Tutton, Waipara West Wines

Expect More than Just Great Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand

“New Zealand excels beyond Sauvignon Blanc. The country can produce distinctive wines from diverse selection of grapes” Paul Lukacs, Washington Times

Merlot6%

Cab.Sav2% Riesling

4%

Pinot Gris4%

Pinot Noir18%Sauvignon

Blanc42%

Chardonnay16%

Other8%

More than 25 different varieties planted

Share of plantings 2009Plus even less expected varieties such as Verdehlo, Arneis, Tempranillo, Montepulciano and Zinfandel

• 10 main regions• Span the latitudes of 34 and 47

degrees and Distance of 1,600km• Wide range of climates ranging

from sub-tropical Northland to ‘Alpine conditions’ of Central Otago

Regional Diversity Enables Wide Range of Varieties

From Sub- tropical Northland...

...to mountainous Central Otago

Latitude Rain (Oct-Apr)

Mean Temp

Growing Degree Days (Oct- Apr

Keri Keri , Northland

35.18 S 865mm 19.3 C 1509

Cromwell, Central Otago

45.14 S 243mm 16.6 C 910

Sweet Wines – Expect more from now on

• EU legislation changed in late 2009 to allow NZ to export dessert wines to Europe.

• Key Varieties– Primarily Riesling – also Semillon,

Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier.

• Regions – Marlborough, Hawkes Bay, Waipara,

Central Otago

• Styles– Late harvest, botrytised/ noble, ice

Sileni Estate SelectionLate Harvest Semillon 2009

Let’s Taste

Northland/ Auckland 10%

Mainly found in Hawkes Bay and Auckland, with sunny, warm, maritime climates, moderate rainfall and long, dry autumn.

Also unexpected pockets in micro-climates of cooler regions, e.g. Waipara

Cabernet – based red wine blends

Hawke’s Bay – 75%

Waipara

Generally too far south to ripen Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc successfully.One block of river silt surrounded by north facing 50 metre cliffs – creates micro-climate.  Merlot ripens early and is on a higher terrace of clay limestone & rocks. The blend is different for every vintage but to me it is the Cabernet Franc which gives the wine its charm and elegance

Waipara

Waipara West Ram Paddock 2006Red Cabernet Franc/ Cabernet Sauvignon/ Merlot

Let’s Taste