REGIONAL NORTH
NORTHERN LIGHTS
New Zealand’s North Island is a mecca for wine lovers, with stunning, ripe Chardonnays and lush, fruity reds
“AUCKLAND’S WINE SECTOR COMPRISES JUST ONE PERCENT OF THE NATIONAL TOTAL”
8 WORLD OF WINE - 2019
AUCKLAND After restaurant licensing began in the early 1960s, Auckland-grown wines were among the first to appear on wine lists. Household family names like Babich, Fistonich, Ivicevich, Corban and Brajkovich changed the way we discovered and enjoyed wine. Brands like Cresta Dore and Bakano Red were replaced by Muller Thurgau, Palomino and eventually Chardonnay, Riesling and Merlot. Auckland’s wine sector is small, with only 326 hectares under vine: one percent of the national planted total. It wasn’t always small, but constant pressure from population growth, urbanisation and other New Zealand wine regions has shrunk Auckland’s produce. From Clevedon in the south, to Matakana in the north and Waiheke Island, some fabulous wines are produced from 108 producers. Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the varieties used for mainly blended red wines. Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc lead white wine plantings. Auckland regional soils are over 200 million years old, and dominated by sandstone, mudstone and clays. It rains a lot in Auckland, so the threat of botrytis and unexpected vine disease carries a constant risk. Recent vintages have favoured the Auckland region, with 2013 and 2014 especially showing some incredible wines across many producers. Chardonnay takes the crown for whites; Cabernet Merlot blends for the red. Varieties to watch out for include Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Gris.
