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Industry News
Grower Workshop Marlborough grape growers and vineyard managers are invited to a free industry workshop near Blenheim on May 10. The key theme of this year’s Grower Workshop is to extend operators’ knowledge and ensure confidence in their dealings with contractors. The event, which is facilitated by the Marlborough Viticulture Task Force, will involve participants moving through various stations covering communication with contractors, quality control and cost of pruning, vine health and pruning wounds, seasonal labour and compliance, vine balance and pruning, and best practice for cutting and mechanical options. The workshop is at 160 Paynters Rd on May 10, and runs from 8.30am to 12pm, followed by a free BBQ.
Pinot Noir NZ 2017
The Pinot Noir NZ Vimeo Channel offers a number of clips from the recent celebration in Wellington, including keynote speaker presentations, regional clips, and the Turangawaewae and Evolve clips. Go to www.vimeo.com/pinotnoirnz to check it out.
Third ranked in USA
New Zealand now rates as the third highest wine import into the United States in terms of value, according to a recent Gomberg Fredrikson Report. The total value of New Zealand wine imported into the US in 2016 reached US$400 million, only surpassed by Italy (US$1,960m) and France (US$1,589m).
“To be third ranking in terms of value in the world’s largest wine market is outstanding, especially given New Zealand produces less than 1% of the world’s wine”, says New Zealand Winegrowers Chief Executive Philip Gregan.
The Gomberg Fredrikson Report owner, Jon Moramarco, says New Zealand wine - and especially Sauvignon Blanc - is very popular in the States and continues to grow at a rate much faster than the total market. “The growth doesn’t surprise me, just because of the quality and value of what New Zealand has to offer.”
New Zealand wine exports have reached a record high and now stand at $1.61 billion, up 5% for the year end January 2017. New Zealand wine is exported to more than 90 countries, and is New Zealand’s 7th largest export good.
Welcome Trade Agenda
New Zealand Winegrowers has welcomed an announcement by the Prime Minister of the government’s new vision for trade strategy outlined in Trade Agenda 2030. The shifts in trade policy will help increase the resilience of the New Zealand wine sector by creating more opportunities to grow exports and diversify markets says NZW General Manager Advocacy Jeffrey Clarke. “Extending the coverage of quality free trade agreements and reducing non-tariff-barriers will ensure the wine industry continues to benefit from the open and rules-based trading conditions that have underpinned our success.”
The organisation also welcomed the investment of an additional $91 million into the government’s trade architecture “to make sure New Zealand can deliver on the aspirations of the trade agenda”, he says. The industry is working towards a goal of $2b of exports in 2020.
Wire Warning
Marlborough Lines issued safety warnings late last month, following a power outage caused by a large expanse of grape netting being picked up and blown over 11000 volt power lines.
Operations Manager Brian Tapp says another warning has been issued following the November earthquakes, with some road crossing power lines being found lower than they should be. Contractors and vineyard owners therefore need to give additional consideration to checking the height of lines over vineyards before harvest. To get hold of the two safety posters regarding these issues, contact Wine Marlborough.
Real Estate
Very few sales have been reported in the past month, with full-scale preparation for harvest taking the focus of vendors, says Joe Blakiston of PGG Wrightson Real Estate. “In saying that, the enquiry from outside the region is very strong with larger development blocks of particular interest.” He says several properties in the “fringe areas” of the Awatere Valley have been on the market, but have attracted subdued interest, “with earthquake and climate issues making this area less favourable at present”.
Several larger Sauvignon Blanc
production blocks with no residences are listed for post-harvest sale, says Joe, who expects “keen demand” for these. “Buyers will be motivated by the outlook for the viticulture real estate market which shows no signs of waning.”
Wine Show
Marlborough Wine Show judges will be at work at the Marlborough Convention Centre from October 9 to 11 this year, with the Celebration Dinner on October 26. The show provides a platform for New Zealand’s biggest wine region to benchmark and showcase its wines. Last year had a record number of entries, with 549 wines judged, 53 gold medals and 17 trophies awarded, as well as the Marlborough Museum Legacy Award.
Wedding vow
Allan Scott Family Winemakers has vowed to provide the wedding reception for a lucky couple and 80 of their nearest and dearest. The Marlborough wine company is running a competition to give a pair of newlyweds a $15,000 wedding reception at its Twelve Trees restaurant, including venue, table decorations and gourmet set menu.
The Marlborough Vineyard Brunch The Marlborough Vineyard Brunch, to be held on Mother’s Day, Royal Easter Show Wine Awards Marlborough’s Whitehaven Wines took two trophies at the 2017 Royal Easter Wine Show, winning with its Pinot Rosé 2016 and Noble Riesling 2014, having previously won a trophy for the Rosé at the 2016 Air New Zealand Wine Awards, and for the Noble Riesling at the 2016 New Zealand International Wine Show.
In another repeated success story, Hunter’s Riesling won the Rosebowl at the Royal Easter show for the third time. The award is dedicated to rewarding wines that have evidenced a capacity to develop grace and complexity over time. Minister of Finance Hon Steven Joyce presented the award - for the Hunter’s Marlborough Riesling 2016, 2010, and 2006 - at the Royal Easter Show Wine Awards Gala Dinner.
Winemaker James Macdonald says Riesling has always been seen as a strength of Hunter’s. “What’s more pleasing as a winemaker is the link to cellaring potential.” Last year Jane Hunter received the Wolf Blass AM Award in Australia recognising Hunter’s contribution to Riesling.
Trophy winners Champion Wine of the Show - Villa Maria Reserve Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2014 Champion Methode Champenoise or Sparkling - Te Hana Reserve Cuvee NV Champion Chardonnay - Villa Maria Reserve Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2014 Champion Gewurztraminer - Giesen The Brothers Gewurztraminer 2014 Champion Sauvignon Blanc - Thornbury Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Champion Riesling - Mount Brown Estates Riesling 2016 Champion Pinot Gris - Waipara Hills Pinot Gris Waipara Valley 2016 Champion Other White or Red Varieties - Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Malbec 2013 Champion Sweet Wine - Whitehaven Marlborough Noble Riesling 2014 Champion Rosé - Whitehaven Marlborough Pinot Rosé 2016 Champion Pinot Noir - Wild Earth Special Edition Pinot Noir 2014 Champion Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet predominate - Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2013 Champion Merlot or Merlot predominate - Mission Estate VS Merlot 2015 Champion Syrah - Goldie Estate Reserve Syrah 2014 Gold Medal for Winemaker of the Year -Nick Picone (Villa Maria) Heritage Rosebowl - Hunter’s Wines Marlborough Riesling 2006, 2010, 2016 The New Zealand Wine Hall of Fame - The latest inductee into the New Zealand Wine Hall of Fame is Dr Alan Limmer, formerly of Stonecroft Wines
is the perfect post vintage celebration. Wine Marlborough is hosting the brunch on the lawns of Cloudy Bay on Sunday May 14, the day after the Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon. Wines from all 14 vineyards on the half marathon route will be available at the one-off brunch event, starting with a complementary glass of Cloudy Bay Pelorus on arrival. The brunch is on from 10am to 12pm on May 14, and costs $70 per person, including brunch, coffee and all tasting wines. Tickets via EventFinda (http://bit.ly/2nBzr7h). For more information email events@winemarlborough.co.nz
CLASSIFIEDS
LARGE METAL SIGNS FOR SALE
Previously used as large Wine Trail
Map signs across Marlborough.
Contact Harriet Wadworth at Wine
Marlborough for more information.
