Recommended2014 CRAGGY RANGE TE MUNA ROAD PINOT NOIR, $55Beautiful berry
aromas, followed by an intensely flavoured, plush palate.2015 MOUNT DIFFICULTY BANNOCKBURN
PINOT NOIR, $55The palate is where all the action is: juicy berry flavours, freshness, fine tannins and
elegant acidity. Good cellaring potential.2015 AKARUA PINOT NOIR, $45Bright and energetic,
with gorgeous aromatics, ripe cherry flavours and integrated acidity.2014 PALLISER ESTATE PINOT
NOIR, $40A lighter style that’s distinctly varietal, with fragrant strawberries and a touch of spice.G
iven its amazing scenery and
fabulous food and wine, it’s easy
to fall in love with New Zealand
and its offerings. Especially its world-
class pinot noirs. This variety has laid
down roots in eight areas of the country
and each has a unique style. Here are
the key players across both islands:
AucklandDue to urban sprawl and
competition from other varieties, only
small pockets of pinot plantings remain,
producing soft, fruit-driven wines. Kumeu
River is an excellent example.
Hawkes BayAn historic region with great
diversity of soils. The pinot noir is very
bright, with defined red-berry flavours.
Try Sileni Estates or Lime Rock Wines.
WellingtonTheMartinborough,Gladstone
and Masterton regions of Wellington wine
country produce aromatically expressive
and flavoursome pinots. Top names
include Ata Rangi, Kusuda Wines, Dry
River, Escarpment, Craggy Range, Urlar,
Johner, Palliser Estate, Martinborough
Vineyard and Gladstone Vineyard.
NelsonA small, warm and sunny region
that’s producing fragrant wines with
vibrant fruit. Try the offerings from
Aronui and Brightwater Vineyards.New Zealand’s wine regions
produce amazing pinot noirs
that are deliciously accessible,
writesToni Paterson.Drinks
PINOT
MOI
MarlboroughThis region enjoys warm
days and cool nights, and its best wines
show vibrancy and clarity. Top producers
include Giesen, Fromm and Te Whare Ra.
North CanterburyNorth of Christchurch,
this is a low-rainfall area with a mix of
gravelly soils and limestone pockets.
Treat yourself to the premium wines
of Bell Hill and Bellbird Spring.
Central OtagoClose to Queenstown, this
is a region of spectacular mountains and
valleys. The climate is surprisingly dry,
with high amounts of sunlight, and its
wines display intensity, concentration
and distinction. Try a selection from
Felton Road, Mt Difficulty, Chard Farm,
Burn Cottage and Two Paddocks.
WaitakiNew Zealand’s newest wine
region in North Otago produces pinot
noir that is elegant and aromatic. Bottles
from Valli and Ostler make a great
introduction to the local offering. #The best way to experience
New Zealand wines is to
skip across the Tasman
to the North Island
city of Wellington,
described by Lonely
Planet as “the coolest
little capital in the world”.
As well as being an ideal
short-break destination from
Australia’s eastern states, once there,
you can be in wine country in less
than an hour. Martinborough (top)
is heaven for lovers of pinot noir.
The town is surrounded by vineyards,
making it easy to go cellar-door
hopping. Even better, hire a bike from
Green Jersey Cycle Tours (greenjersey.
co.nz) and head out for an easy day
of touring. Visit Palliser Estate,
Martinborough Vineyards and Ata
Rangi to buy a few bottles, with a stop
at Poppies Martinborough for lunch
(below). Enjoy afternoon tea at The
Village Café and do a bit of shopping
at the adjoining wine store.Grape escape
Photography by Will Horner (bottles) & Alamy (Martinborough).HG LIVING
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