Marlborough

88.6% of the Marlborough crop. This dominance is only set to increase as future plantings come on stream, only slightly offset by vineyard removals through redevelopment or subdivision. And the vineyard removals for redevelopment are only a temporary dip as, chances are, they come back into production within the next two – three years with, you guessed it, more Sauvignon Blanc.

The next largest variety in Marlborough, by tonnes harvested was Pinot Noir at 15,504 T and Pinot Gris at 13,449 T. These varieties took a 17% and 16% tonnage hit from Vintage 2022 respectively. While the area in production for Pinot Noir fell 3% from the previous year, the same can’t be said for Pinot Gris. Pinot Gris grape pricing is usually very close to that of Sauvignon Blanc however its average yield per hectare was 10.9 T / Ha compared to 14.4 T / Ha for Savvy, a reduction of 24%. Again, you can see the attraction of growing Sauvignon Blanc in an area where it seems to be extremely well suited, from all perspectives – growing and cropping, wine style and market demand.

As long as all of these continue to be the case, Marlborough’s future looks bright. To horribly mix metaphors, we’re playing to our strengths, by being a one trick pony with all our eggs in one basket.