Marlborough Magic

It’s hard to believe that in 2019 the modern era of viticulture and wine making in Marlborough is nearly 50 years in. Marlborough thrives on its wine industry with many support enterprises from wine tourism, cheese, beer, deer farms and events bringing in folks from around the world.

With over 500 growers, over 140 producers and around 24,000 hectares of vines in the ground Marlborough remains New Zealand’s largest wine region, largest for Sauvignon Blanc and Sparkling wine, and on volume overall.

Significant growth in plantings, producers and exports are fuelled by the demand for classic varieties now associated with the region such as Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. Plantings of Pinot Noir and bottlefermented sparkling wine have increased significantly as well. Syrah, which is not normally associated with the region, has been recognised by many local and international wine writers as being a variety to keep tabs on. Other varieties such as Gruner Veltliner, Albarino and Gewurztraminer are among several showing promise.

Marlborough is located at the top of the North-Eastern reaches of the South Island and is essentially a collection of valleys nestled between the Richmond Ranges and Wither Hills. With an abundance of bright sunshine (plus a high UV index) along with the Southern Alps immediately south - the region receives plenty of cool southerly winds –assisting vines to produce lots of flavour with naturally high acidity. These attributes also allow wine makers to take advantage of naturally forming pyrazines (in the fruit) giving that grassy or fresh herb component in the bouquet and wine. Some producers like to keep this attribute less obvious. The valley floor originally formed by glacial activity some 14,000 years ago has left behind mostly free-draining stony, river wash and alluvial soils. This also means irrigation is common. Clay based soils are more abundant in the surrounding hills. Biodynamic to commercial farming is practised across the region.

Last month Marlborough was the centre for the second International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration where many overseas guests, speakers and locals were able to discover, and for some rediscover, the region as well as some of New Zealand’s finest Marlborough wines.

1

MT BEAUTIFUL NORTH CANTERBURY CHARDONNAY 2016

No mistaking the signature of North Canterbury in the bouquet of this wine - a core of silty minerality followed by aromas of cashew and mild toasty oak then fruit messages of peach, apple and grapefruit. Gentle creamy textures from oak influence, medium+ alcohol and fruit core. Youthful and vibrant, a wine that will age for some time. Best drinking from 2020 through 2026. Points 95 RRP $26.90 Ph: 03 319 8155 www.mtbeautiful.co.nz

2

MT BEAUTIFUL NORTH CANTERBURY PINOT NOIR 2017

Really nice bouquet of Pinot Noir with a complex toasty, nutty, oak layers between aromas of red berries and a savoury mineral core. Dry on the palate, packed with flavours of red berries, dark plum and savoury oak spices - the complexity continues through the palate. Abundant fine tannins and acidity to match. Youthful, fresh, firm and tasty. A wine that will continue to age well for some time. Best drinking 2021 through 2029. Points 95 RRP $32.00 Ph: 03 319 8155 www.mtbeautiful.co.nz

3

ASTROLABE AWATERE VALLEY MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018

Varietal, fruity, gentle savoury quality, nicely complex and classic. A lovely wine on the palate with abundant texture and flavour. Fine herb, savoury, lemon and green apple, some tropical fruit notes and satin texture. Lengthy and engaging finish. Balanced and well made. Drink now and through 2022. Points 94 RRP $27.00 Ph: 03 5776794 www.astrolabewines.co.nz

4

ASTROLABE MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018

Classic bouquet and palate of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with aromas and flavours of citrus and tropical fruit, sweet herbs and a core of fruit and wet stone minerality. Everything to like about this wine with a satin texture, abundant acidity and lengthy finish. Drink now and through 2022. Points 94 RRP $23.00 Ph: 03 5776794 www.astrolabewines.co.nz

5

FRAMINGHAM MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018

A really lovely bouquet of Sauvignon Blanc with scents of flowers and ripe lemon, some tropical fruits, apples, minerality and a sweet steely aroma. Balanced, refreshing and crisp on the palate with sweet herbs and tropical fruit, citrus and minerality. Lengthy finish. Drink now and through 2022. Points 94 RRP $24.99 Ph 03 572 8884 www.framingham.co.nz

6

CLOS MARGUERITE MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018

Lovely bouquet of Sauvignon Blanc - varietal, distinctive and a little different with aromas suggesting a merge between Old World and New World styles. This shows more acutely on the palate with flavours and textures of minerality and gentle herbaceousness with a fruityness that is not too forward or intense. Lovely satin texture with abundant acidity and even, persistent flavour. Well made and lengthy on the finish. Drink now and through 2022. Points 94 RRP $29.00 Ph: 021 415 692 www.closmarguerite.co.nz

7

MT BEAUTIFUL NORTH CANTERBURY PINOT GRIS 2017

Really nice bouquet and palate of Gris. A dry style with tension and poise on the palate. Flavours of white orchard fruits especially apple and tart green pear. Spice and silty minerality. Lengthy finish and well made. Drink now and through 2021. Points 93 RRP $24.00 Ph: 03 319 8155 www.mtbeautiful.co.nz

8

ASTROLABE SLEEPERS VINEYARD MARLBOROUGH ALBARINO 2017

Aromatic bouquet with aromas of fleshy, juicy, ripe and floral suggesting yellow peach and lemon, yellow apple and stony mineral. Albarino is a variety that transitions on the palate from fleshy round and peachy to citrusy and tart - this wine does exactly that. Clean fresh lines, plenty of acidity, crisp and dry on the finish. Balanced and well made. Drink now and through 2022. Points 92 RRP $27.00 Ph: 03 5776794 www.astrolabewines.co.nz

9

AKARUA ‘PISA’ CENTRAL OTAGO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018

Distinctive bouquet with aromas of sweet herb and citrus, apple and core of minerality. A whisper of dried herb. Fruity on the palate with a core of red apple, white peach and citrus flavours. The minerality and sweet herb returns. Plenty of acidity, a decent length and finish. Drink now and through 2021. Points 92 RRP $29.00 Ph: 03 445 0897 www.akarua.com

10

YEALANDS ESTATE SINGLE VINEYARD AWATERE VALLEY MARLBOROUGH RIESLING 2018

Floral, precise and fruity bouquet with aromas and flavours of lemon and white peach, ripe green apple and rose. Crisp and dry, lightweight on the palate and refreshing lengthy finish. A lovely aperitif option and great with delicate seafoods or summer salads. Drink now and through 2026. Points 90 RRP $22.95 Ph: 03 575 7618 www.yealands.co.nz

11

ASTROLABE MARLBOROUGH RIESLING 2017

Fragrant and enticing bouquet with peach and lime, apple and honeysuckle. An off-dry style with lower alcohol, contrasting acidity and flavours of stone fruits, citrus and apple. The honeysuckle is stronger with the residual sweetness. Juicy and silky texture. Drink now and through 2024. Points 90 RRP $25.00 Ph: 03 5776794 www.astrolabewines.co.nz

12

ASTROLABE ‘WREKIN VINEYARD’ LATE HARVEST MARLBOROUGH CHENIN BLANC 2018

Peaches and honey, sweet red apple and beeswax. Creamy and sweet on the palate with contrasting acidity. Clean refreshing finish leaving a sweet red apple flavour in its wake. Drink now and through 2024. Points 90 RRP $30.00 Ph: 03 5776794 www.astrolabewines.co.nz

Wines are scored out of 100 points and are listed in no particular order. Numbers are not indicative of a ranking.

Cameron Douglas MS

BIO:

Cameron Douglas is New Zealand’s first and only Master Sommelier. He is a Senior Lecturer at AUT University in Auckland, local and international wine judge, wine commentator and wine educator as well as a speaker and presenter in New Zealand and internationally. Cameron is also an examiner with the Court of Master Sommeliers Worldwide. He writes the wine lists for a variety of establishments including Mekong Baby, Nanam Republic and Michelin-Starred New York establishment The Musket Room.