Winepress - Feb 2014

WINEPRESS Issue No. 233 / February 2014

Changing Perception

Obit John Marris

Multi Sprayer

The Official Magazine of

Generation Y-ine

www.wine-marlborough.co.nz

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HELPING GRAPE GROWERS DO MORE WITH LESS

In this issue...

Regulars

Features

3 6

12

Editorial Tasman Crop Met Report

11 From the Board 16 Generation Y-line 29 Wine Unwound 27 Wine Happenings From Home and 28 News Away All correspondence including advertising / associate memberships / change of address to: Wine Marlborough PO Box 511, Blenheim 7240 T: 03 577 9299, F: 03 577 9298 E: admin@wine-marlborough.co.nz www.wine-marlborough.co.nz

Printed by: Blenheim Print Ltd. T: 03 578 1322 WINEPRESS is printed with vegetable oil based inks on elemental chlorine free paper which is sourced 100% from well managed forrests and manufactured under ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems.

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Multi Sprayer Innovation Given the window for getting sprays onto the vines can be very short, new technology developed by Aspiration Holdings is certain to be embraced. The multi sprayer allows two separate sprays to be put on at the same time.

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Obit – John Marris The Marlborough wine industry lost one of its founders late last month. John Marris was well known for finding all the original land for Montana back in 1973.

But he went on to make his mark in many other ways in the next 40 years.

Wine Fest Turns 30 Earlier this month the Marlborough Wine and Food Festival celebrated its 30th birthday. It has come a long way from the tours around the wineries back in 1985 – so this month we look back at where it came from to be the longest running and largest wine festival in the country.

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NMIT Replants Vineyard While in the past the vineyard at the campus of NMIT in Blenheim has had a reliance on Pinot Noir, changes are underway. Many of the Pinot vines are being replanted with varieties ranging from Albariño to Lagrein. We find out more this issue.

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NORTH FACING BROOKBY ROAD VINEYARD The soils and slopes on Brookby Road in the Omaka Valley have a reputation for producing some of the best wine in the country. Featuring approximately 18 canopy hectares of Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, this vineyard has been developed since 2004 with a good balance of flats and north facing slopes. There is a Loncel frost monitoring system and four frost propellers. A potential house site with views to Cook Strait, attractive native plantings in the margins, a three bay implement shed and double garage complete the package. This is a deadline sale and it is requested that all offers are received by 4pm, Friday 28th February, 2014. It is possible that it may be sold before that date.

For more information, contact the vendor’s exclusive agent Tim Crawford today.

220 Ballochdale Road Marlborough Deadline Sale 4pm, Fri 28 Feb 2014 Bayleys, Cnr Charles & Seymour Street, Blenheim (unless sold prior) www.bayleys.co.nz/112805

Tim Crawford M 021 704 833 B 03 578 7700

VINING REALTY GROUP LTD, BAYLEYS LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

MARLBOROUGH PRODUCING VINEYARD

Marlborough

48 Parsons Road, Wairau Valley This vineyard property is established in the Wairau Valley just west of Wairau Valley township with a total land area of approx. 20 hectares (approx. 50 acres). The developed / producing Sauvignon Blanc & Pinot Gris 16.65 ha vineyard has a contractual grape supply agreement with a major wine company until 2018 harvest. Improvements include an older style dwelling together with nearby designated building site plus ancillary out-buildings, additional improvements include four frost machines and a secure irrigation supply.

NOTE: This vineyard property can be independently managed for an absentee owner (if required).

Deadline Sale 4pm, Fri 28 Feb 2014, Bayleys, Cnr Charles & Seymour Street, Blenheim (unless sold prior) www.bayleys.co.nz/4110170

John Hoare

M 027 432 1410 B 03 578 7700

Jackie Hert

M 027 292 3762 B 03 578 7700

VINING REALTY GROUP LTD, BAYLEYS LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

www.bayleysmarlborough.co.nz

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The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

Produced by:

From the Editor

Wine Marlborough Free to all levy paying members Associate Members: $77 +GST Editor: Tessa Nicholson 16 Bank Street Blenheim T: 021 709 571 E: tessa.nicholson@me.com If you wish to make contact with any member of the Wine Marlborough Board, the following are their email addresses.

Clive Jones: cjones@nautilusestate.com James Jones: james@starborough.co.nz Blair Gibbs: blair@spyvalley.co.nz Ivan Sutherland: ivan@dogpoint.co.nz Ben Glover: ben@zephyrwine.com Ruud Maasdam: ruud@staetelandt.co.nz Guy Lissaman: glissaman@xtra.co.nz Laurin Gane: laurin.gane@xtra.co.nz

Welcome to 2014, although by the time you read this we will be well into the second month of the year. The 30th annual Marlborough Wine and Food Festival will have been and gone and the industry will be settling back in preparation for the upcoming vintage.

At the time of writing this, Marlborough has been fairly blessed with the weather, despite the many days of wind. It has so far been a dream season. There were no nasties to shock the vines at the time of flowering. The weeks leading up to Christmas were warmer and drier than average, meaning fruit set was ahead of normal, and early on in January the talk was of a season that was up to two weeks ahead of last year.

All this follows on from the very warm conditions back in December 2012, that set up the vines for flowering this season.

This has meant growers throughout the region have had no rest since Christmas, working hard to ensure the quality of this vintage is at its highest level.

Mechanical thinning, fruit thinning and canopy management have all kept growers frantic. Many have also dropped a cane, after undertaking yield estimates. This is positive news for the region. Quality ahead of quantity is quickly becoming the mantra of the season.

NZW CEO Philip Gregan was quick to point this out at the recent Wines of New Zealand annual trade tasting in London. With the average price of a bottle of New Zealand wine selling for £7, we are the most expensive country of origin in the UK, well ahead of second-placed France, which has an average price of £6.04. But as Gregan pointed out, we need to be constantly aware that to justify those high prices, we need to produce the best wine in the world. Quality, quality, quality!

Which is why it is so heartening to see so much work within the vineyards this season.

In this, the first issue of Winepress for 2014, we take a look at how we could reposition ourselves in the international market, to take advantage of the hard work and quality we produce. Mike Spratt, former NZW board member and owner of Destiny Bay on Waiheke Island has an interesting proposal. Read it, see what you think. He is keen to hear back from anyone who has a view on his comments. As am I. What do you think? Is this proposal a goer? Whatever your views, I am interested to hear.

Send your comments to tessa.nicholson@me.com, to be included in the next issue.

Also this issue, we remember one of the region’s wine industry founders - John Marris, who died at the age of 73, in late January. He is the only person to have lived and been involved in the Marlborough wine industry, since those first tracts of land were bought back in 1973. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.

Simon Clark: simon@clarkestate.com Simon Bishell: s.bishell@slingshot.co.nz

TESSA NICHOLSON tessa.nicholson@me.com

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Protecting the Planet and Saving the New Zealand Wine Industry GUEST COMMENTARY BY MIKE SPRATT, DESTINY BAY VINEYARDS

In January 1979 a nuclear powered submarine from the most powerful navy in the world entered Auckland harbour.

It was not greeted warmly. Many will recall dramatic pictures of fearless people swarming over the deck of the USS Haddo surrounded by a flotilla of tiny boats protesting the threat of nuclear annihilation.

For decades, long before it was fashionable, New Zealanders have stood tall against mighty corporate and national interests to protect the planet and its inhabitants. Whether interfering with offshore oil drilling, stopping the slaughter of marine mammals, or taking to the streets to keep New Zealand nuclear free, Kiwis have united around common purpose.

Protecting the planet is in our nature.

Preserving the land is more than a slogan to New Zealanders. We demand environmental commitment from our industries. Our winegrowers lead the world in eco-friendly practices. More of them invest in organic, sustainable and biodynamic grape growing than any other country. Anywhere. More than ninety percent of our fifteen hundred members invest time and money in programmes with one aim: reduce the harmful effects of farming on the environment.

Yet, despite our proud history and unwavering commitment to protecting the planet, we have watched our wine

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industry’s economic engine stutter and stall. Over the past decade, our premium packaged wine prices have eroded from just under $11 per litre to just over $8 per litre. In the words of one of our small winegrowers, “it is hard to be green when you are always in the red.”

Perhaps it is time to fundamentally change the narrative about New Zealand wine and begin to reclaim the economic high ground. But what story can we tell that will be distinctive, powerful and compel people to pay more for our wine?

There is no question that we make critically acclaimed wines of almost every variety. Our wines are respected around the world and we are considered to be a premium wine producing country. But accolades and comparative product advantages are not enough. Not nearly enough to change consumer perceptions and behaviour. If we want customers to seek out our wines and pay more for them without thinking twice about the price, we must speak to their hearts as well as their heads. Not warm or fuzzy

The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

feelings like those associated with pretty scenery, baby ducks and puppies, but powerful emotions that jolt the limbic system and make a person sit up and take notice.

Fortunately, a potent emotional argument has been right in front of us for decades. We are not just committed to protecting the planet, we invest money in it. Lots of money.

The environmentally friendly programmes we follow are labour intensive. The equipment and materials we use are expensive. Our compliance and audit requirements are onerous, time consuming and frustrating. But we make these investments anyway because it is important.

Naturally, it is going to cost more to make and buy our wines. But then, protecting the planet is worth it.

Protecting the planet is worth it.

Six simple, truthful and emotionally compelling words that reinforce a powerful proposition. Enjoy our wines

because they are good, but seek them out and pay more for them because protecting the planet is worth it.

New Zealand Wine. Because protecting the planet is worth it.

This distinctive and emotionally powerful proposition has the potential to shift New Zealand wine from a comparative shopping choice to an emotionally driven purchase. In the world of product placement, few have achieved such a lofty position. However, if we hesitate, if we fail to act before some other country launches a competing campaign, we will forever regret our lost opportunity.

Delay is a luxury we do not have if we want to reclaim the moral and economic high ground. Changing customer perceptions and purchasing behaviour is not easy and it will not come without cost. We can find the money if we have the will. Taking the first meaningful steps to reverse the price trend will cost us a few cents per litre and compared with the upside, it is an investment that is hard to pass up.

The time for tinkering with the edges of the problem is over. It is time to change the story about New Zealand wine and remind the world that no one makes fine wine with the same commitment to protecting the planet as we do.

Like our predecessors who boarded the decks of submarines, sailed in front of whaling boats and protested in the streets to force change, the path of our industry can be altered if we act with conviction and without fear.

There is a way for you to help.

The Board of Directors of New Zealand Winegrowers has one purpose: Protect the competitive position and support the profitable growth of wine from New Zealand.

If you agree that “protecting the planet is worth it” is a proposition we should promote, let the Board know. They care.

They want to be responsive. They want to do the right thing. But they need to hear from you if you support this idea.

Take a minute and send a message.

Following are the email addresses for each member of the New Zealand Winegrowers Board of Directors. They will appreciate hearing from you. And by the way, please copy us on your message at support@protectingtheplanet.co.nz.

Fabian Partigliani, Pernod Ricard, fabian. partigliani@pernod-ricard-nz.com Joe Stanton, Constellation Brands New Zealand Ltd, joe.stanton@cbrands.com Jim Delegat, Delegat’s Wine Estate Ltd, jim.delegat@delegats.co.nz

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Fabian Yukich, Villa Maria Estate Ltd, fabiany@villamaria.co.nz Dominic Pecchenino, nzyanks@xtra.co.nz James Dicey, Mt Difficulty, jdicey@gmail. com Chris Howell, prospectvines@slingshot. co.nz Steve Green, Carrick, wines@carrick. co.nz Paul Dunleavy, Te Motu Vineyard, paul@ temotu.co.nz Peter Holley, Mission Estate Winery, peter@missionestate.co.nz Mike Brown, Kono Beverages Tohu Wines, mike.brown@kono.co.nz Blair Gibbs, Spy Valley Wines, blair@ spyvalley.co.nz John Clarke, 06 8623877, bawjclarke@ gmail.com Rex Sunde, Artisan Wines Ltd, rexsunde@gmail.com Richard Rose, kvl@silkweb.net.nz Xan Harding, Black Bridge Estate Ltd, xan.harding@xtra.co.nz Gwyn Williams, gwynwilliams@xtra.co.nz Doug Bell, Bell Vineyard, bellvine@xtra. co.nz Alan Knight, Vigneto Ltd, al@vigneto. co.nz Christine Kernohan, Gladstone Vineyard, christine@gladstonevineyard.co.nz

K40

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December 2013 was warm, dry,

December 2013 weather

reasonably sunny and very calm

Table 1: Blenheim Weather Data – December 2013

December 2013

December 2013 December compared to LTA LTA

Period of LTA

December 2012

Temperature The mean temperature for December 2013 of 18.1°C was 1.4°C above the

GDD’s for: Month - Max/Min¹ Month – Mean²

251.1 243.3

118% 117%

212.7 208.4

(1996-2012) (1996-2012)

246.4 239.0

Growing Degree Days Total Jul – Dec 13 – Max/Min Jul - Dec 13 – Mean

684.1 716.6

128% 123%

535.9 584.7

(1996-2012) (1996-2012)

552.9 599.7

2012 and 2013 were very different. The

Mean Maximum (°C) Mean Minimum (°C) Mean Temp (°C)

23.3 12.9 18.1

+1.5°C +1.3°C +1.4°C

21.8 11.6 16.7

(1986-2012) (1986-2012) (1986-2012)

23.6 12.3 18.0

2013 were all well above average, unlike

Ground Frosts (<= -1.0°C)

0

-

0.1

(1986-2012)

0

Air Frosts

0

-

0

(1986-2012)

0

Sunshine hours 233.9 95% Sunshine hours – lowest Sunshine hours – highest Sunshine hours total – 2013 2448.5 99.7%

246 167.4 321.2 2455

(1930-2012) 2011 1974 (1930-2012)

256.4

Rainfall (mm) 16.8 34% Rainfall (mm) – lowest Rainfall (mm) – highest Rainfall total (mm) – 2013 700.1 109%

49.0 0.8 124.0 644

(1930-2012) 1934 1984 (1930-2012)

580.0

Evapotranspiration – mm

142.8

103%

139.0

(1996-2012)

149.8

in February 2012. I have updated the

Avg. Daily Windrun (km)

225.1

76%

298.7

(1996-2012)

273.6

table to include the flowering data and

Mean soil temp – 10cm

18.4

+0.7°C

17.7

(1986-2012)

18.7

temperatures during flowering in 2013.

Mean soil temp – 30cm

20.3

+1.2°C

19.1

(1986-2012)

20.9

The flowering data is from the Sauvignon

long-term average but almost the same as in December 2012. However, the temperature patterns in December

(0.0°C)

weekly temperatures during December December 2012 when the first half of the month was cool and below average, followed by the second half of the month hot.

The maximum temperature of 28.2°C, recorded on 21st December 2013

2443.3 25.4

was quite a bit lower than the high temperatures recorded on 25th and 26th December 2012 of 32.0°C and 29.8°C respectively.

Table 2 was included in Met Report

blanc regional vineyard, at Pernod

¹GDD’s Max/Min are calculated from absolute daily maximum and minimum temperatures ²GDD’s Mean are calculated from average hourly temperatures

Ricards Squire Estate block in central Rapaura.

Table 2: Dates and duration of flowering of Sauvignon blanc in central Rapaura in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013; mean temperature and mean daily maximum temperature over flowering

Early Mid Late End Mean

flowering flowering flowering flowering Temp °C

2010

1% - 2 Dec

54% - 6 Dec

2011

1% - 8 Dec

35% - 15 Dec 90% - 22 Dec

2012

1% - 7 Dec

42% - 11 Dec 80% - 14 Dec

2013

1% - 24 Nov 66% - 3 Dec

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Mean Duration Daily Max °C

90% - 13 Dec 97% - 16 Dec 2-16=16.8 21.8

Flowering was at 1% on 24 November 2013 and was almost completed by 6 December. This is the earliest start to flowering since 2006, which also began on 24 November. However, the duration of flowering in 2006 was much longer due

15 days

to cooler temperatures (data for 2006 not

98% - 27 Dec 8-27=15.1 19.4

20 days

shown in Table 2).

96% - 18 Dec 7-18=16.4 22.2

12 days

96% - 6 Dec 24-6=16.9 21.8

13 days

The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

Sunshine December 2013 recorded 233.9 hours

sunshine or 95% of the long-term

mm per day; compared to the average

2013 recorded well above average

average. Sunshine hours were very

of 139 mm. Potential evapotranspiration

rainfall (April, May and June). June

evenly spread during the first three weeks

is the amount of water that an actively

recorded the highest total of 114.6 mm.

of December 2013, recording 55.8, 58.2

growing grass pasture, with freely

and 62.2 hours respectively. However,

available soil moisture, would use during

the fourth week from 22 to 28 December

the month. 142.8 mm during December

recorded a much lower total of only 38.6

was 8.5 times (850%) the total rainfall

hours due to overcast days associated

for the month; i.e. this means that there

with the rainfall received.

was a potential water deficit of 126 mm

Rainfall Blenheim only received 16.8 mm rain during December 2013 or 34% of the long-term average of 49 mm. However, only 0.4 mm rain was recorded from 1-24 December and 16.4 mm was recorded

for the month; (Evapotranspiration 142.8 mm – Rainfall 16.8 mm = 126 mm). The potential water deficit is the amount of water that would need to be applied to pasture by irrigation to keep it actively growing.

Temperature The mean temperature for 2013 was 13.86°C; 1.0°C above the long term average for the 81 years 1932-2012, of 12.85°C. 13.86°C for 2013 was almost a full degree higher than the mean temperature of 12.9°C for 2012.

As shown in Table 3, 2013 entered the record books as the 2nd warmest year on record for Blenheim. The warmest on record was 1998 with a mean temperature of 13.95°C.

from 25-31 December. Blenheim

Windrun

experienced quite a number of overcast

Average daily wind-run for December

days in December with little sunshine

2013 was 225.1 km, compared to

Year

Mean Temp

when no rain was recorded. Blenheim

the long-term average of 299 km for

1998

13.95

1st

and the surrounding Wairau plains and

December; i.e. average daily wind

2013

13.86

2nd

Awatere valley escaped the higher rainfall

speed was 9.4 km/hr compared to the

2010

13.71

3rd

recorded in other regions; e.g. Richmond

December average of 12.5 km/hr.

1990

13.64

4th

2005

13.61

5th

1999

13.59

6th

2001

13.58

7th

near Nelson recorded 71 mm rain during December. Rainfall recorded in Blenheim during December has fluctuated markedly over the past four years, 20102013, from the highest total on record in 2010 of 131.6 mm, to the 2013 total being the 12th lowest on record for the 84 year period 1930-2013.

The December 2013 total of 16.8 mm is the lowest total since December 1994, which recorded only 3.0 mm. With the low

Annual Statistics for Blenheim 2013, compared to the long-term average Sunshine Total Sunshine for 2013 was 2448.5 hours or 99.7% of the long term average of 2455 hours. The 2013 sunshine total exceeded the 2012 total by only 5.2 hours; or less than half a sunny December day’s sunshine.

Table 3: Warmest years on record for Blenheim for the 82 years 1932-2013 Rank

The hottest days of 2013 were 7th and 20th January with 29.8°C, i.e. Blenheim did not hit 30°C at all in 2013. The coldest day of 2013 was 29th May with an air frost of -1.7°C and a ground frost of -6.8°C. Frosts

rainfall during December 2013, central

Rainfall

Marlborough dried out considerably and

Total Rainfall for 2013 was 700.1 mm

further rainfall was needed to avert a

or 108.7% of the long term average of

summer drought developing. Fortunately

644mm. This was 120.1 mm higher

the first eight days of January 2014

than the 2012 total of 580 mm. Four

recorded 50 mm rain. This rain was

months during 2013 recorded well below

welcomed by pastoral farmers, but not by

average rainfall; (February, March, July

Windrun

those on holiday.

and December). December recorded

For the sixth year in a row (2008-2013)

the lowest total of 16.8 mm. Five months

Blenheim has recorded lower than

recorded close to average rainfall

average daily wind-run; i.e. all these

(January, August, September, October

years have been calmer than average.

and November). Three months during

Average daily wind-run for 2013 was

Evapotranspiration Total potential evapotranspiration for December 2013 was 142.8 mm, or 4.6

Blenheim recorded 47 ground frosts in 2013 compared to 64 in 2012, 58 in 2011 and 35 in 2010. The average number of ground frosts for the period 1986 – 2012 is 52.

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225.1 km compared to the long-term average (1996-2012) of 261.8 km. 10 of the 12

Temperature

months in 2013 recorded below average daily wind-run. January and July recorded

Over the past few months NIWA’s

close to average daily wind-run. No months recorded above average daily wind-run.

Climate Update has been predicting an 80 percent chance of average to

January 2014 Weather January 2014 was both the coolest and the wettest since January 2000. Sunshine

above average temperatures over the

hours and evapotranspiration were both equal to the long-term average. Soil

summer months and only a 20 percent

temperatures were well below average.

chance of below average temperatures.

Unfortunately we got delivered the 20

Table 4: Blenheim Weather Data – January 2014

January January 2014

2914 compared to LTA

January LTA

Period of LTA

January 2013

GDD’s for: Month - Max/Min¹ Month – Mean²

223.1 214.9

90% 90%

246.7 238.4

(1999-2013) (1996-2013)

253.4 242.9

Growing Degree Days Total Jul 13 – Jan 14 – Max/Min1 Jul 13 - Jan 14 – Mean2

907.2 931.5

116% 113%

782.6 823.1

(1996-2013) (1996-2013)

806.3 842.6

Mean Maximum (°C) Mean Minimum (°C) Mean Temp (°C)

22.4 12.0 17.2

-1.0°C -0.7°C -0.8°C

23.4 12.7 18.0

(1986-2013) (1986-2013) (1986-2013)

23.7 12.6 18.2

percent chance, and as the data in Table 5 indicate, the mean temperature for January 2014 was 0.8°C below the long-term average recorded over the 28 years 1986-2013. January 2014 mean temperature of 17.2°C was the coolest recorded since January 2000. The first week of January 2014 was slightly above average but it was downhill from there on, with each of the four weeks getting

Ground Frosts (<= -1.0°C)

0

-

0

(1986-2013)

0

Air Frosts

0

-

0

(1986-2013)

0

Sunshine hours 261.2 100% Sunshine hours – lowest Sunshine hours – highest Sunshine hours total – 2014 261.2 100%

261.6 165.2 335.3 261.6

(1930-2013) 1971 1957 (1930-2013)

281.1

Rainfall (mm) 79.2 164% Rainfall (mm) – lowest Rainfall (mm) – highest Rainfall total (mm) – 2014 79.2 164%

48.3 0 167.0 48.3

(1930-2013) 1978 1985 (1930-2013)

59.0

59.0

the wettest January since 2000, which

Evapotranspiration – mm

140.4

100%

140.0

(1997-2013)

159.4

coincidentally also recorded exactly the

Avg. Daily Windrun (km)

260.5

93%

279.6

(1996-2013)

280.2

same rainfall total of 79.2 mm.

(0.0°C)

281.1

Rainfall and evapotranspiration January 2014 rainfall of 79.2 mm was 164% of the long-term average. Rainfall was distributed fairly evenly throughout the month (Table 5). There were nine rain days during the month. January 2014 is

Mean soil temp – 10cm

16.5

-2.5°C

19.0

(1986-2013)

19.0

Mean soil temp – 30cm

19.4

-1.3°C

20.7

(1986-2013)

20.7

¹GDD’s Max/Min are calculated from absolute daily maximum and minimum temperatures ²GDD’s Mean are calculated from average hourly temperatures

progressively cooler.

Growing degree-day update The growing-degree day line for the current season (Figure 2 Red line - 13/14) has undergone a marked change over the month of January 2014. From mid-

Table 5: Weekly temperatures and rainfall during January 2014 Date

Mean (°C)

Mean Max. (°C)

Mean Min. (°C)

Rainfall (mm)

November to the end of December 2013,

1st – 7th

18.2

22.6

13.9

26.8

the GDD line was on a marked upwards

8th-14th

17.6

23.0

12.2

20.4

15th-21st

17.1

22.7

11.4

22.4

course. At the end of December 2013 the

22nd-28th

16.2

21.4

11.0

9.6

29th-31st

16.8

22.4

11.3

0.0

1st-31st

17.2

22.4

12.0

79.2

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The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

with well above average temperatures,

total growing degree days for the current season were higher than any season since 1988/1989. With predictions of above average temperatures for January

Figure 1: Growing degree days for Blenheim: days ahead (+) or behind (-) average using average hourly temperature data and long-term average 1996-2013 The graph shows the cumulative GDD difference between the season and the long-term average total

it appeared as if the GDD line for this

a much greater impact on determining

the 2014 season is probably following a

season may have been set to rival either

the harvest date than do GDDs after

similar pattern, albeit that the potential

1989 or 1998 (Figure 2). With the mean

flowering. The time from budburst to

crop load in 2014 is much higher than

temperature for January 2014 being

flowering is almost entirely determined

2006.

0.8°C below average, the GDD line in

by temperature. The time from flowering

Figure 2 lost 20 GDDs. However, even

to harvest is a combination of both

with the lower than expected GDDs in

temperature and crop load. The effect of

January 2014 the seasonal total (July

an early flowering is clearly illustrated by

2013-January 2014) is still higher that any

the GDD line for the 2005/2006 season.

year since 1989.

The GDD line during most of November

The early flowering in November/

and all of December 2005 rose sharply

December 2013 has largely determined

with well above average temperatures

that the 2014 harvest will be early. The

and gave rise to an early flowering,

fact that GDDs were below average

similar to 2013. The GDD line was fairly

in January 2014 will have little impact

flat in both January and February 2006

on delaying the date of harvest.

with only average temperatures. Despite

Growing degree days in the early part

this the 2006 harvest was one of the

of the season up until flowering have

earliest on record. I would suggest that

Rob Agnew Plant & Food Research

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HORTICULTURAL SUPPLIES SPECIALISTS | 0800 855 255

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Because the future requires it.

No. 5463

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The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

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From The Board CLIVE JONES, CHAIR WINE MARLBOROUGH

2014 – Looking ‘All Good’ – Well It Should Be We are hearing on the news that the

there is a significant amount of thinning

to be enough of a challenge assuming

outlook for New Zealand in 2014 is

occurring so a lot of this ‘surplus’ is being

we make good quality wine. Any

very promising with a forecast of strong

dealt to before harvest. It has been good

perception of a surplus and lesser quality

economic growth. This is good news

to see mechanical thinning appears to

will see the bulk wine price plummet and

for the wine industry. The hard work put

be a viable and cost effective method of

a knock on effect on grape and wine

in by all over the last few years during

crop manipulation – this certainly seems

prices.

challenging times has hopefully put us

to have been a good season to trial it.

So growers and wineries please keep

in a good position to grow as well. We

More than ever we need clarity in the

communicating. If managed correctly

have seen solid growth in packaged wine

expectations of growers and wineries

there is no reason that we shouldn’t

sales volume and an increase in the bulk

and good communication is the key to

produce another quality vintage this year

wine price. What we now need is an

this and it looks like this is happening. If

and continue to grow the reputation of

increase in the packaged wine sell price

crop caps come into play and a little is

our region. There will always be a future

(sorry consumers you have had it too

left behind by many (either thinned pre-

for quality Marlborough wine made with a

good for a while now).

harvest or left on the vine) this is better

clear route to market. If the 2008 season

The monkey in the room is the question

than those last to harvest having no home

did take us somewhat by surprise, this

of how big the 2014 vintage will be and

for their grapes.

year we have no excuses – we should all

what affect this will have on the supply/

Then there is the issue of quality. We

know what is coming.

demand balance for New Zealand wine.

all know that vine balance is the key

Now if only we could find some way

We certainly don’t want a repeat of what

and a balanced yield depends on site

of controlling the currency exchange

happened in 2008 and there is no way

and soil type etc and this can vary quite

rate........

this should happen – we are looking at a

dramatically. Again we don’t want a

completely different set of circumstances

repeat of 2008 or 1998 where lower

now.

quality wines significantly knocked our

We do know that we harvested 345,000

region’s reputation. The early season

tonnes nationally in 2013 and we know

means we have a good chance of

the wineries were pretty full. Early

accumulating enough sugar but how will

estimates indicated that the 2014 crop

those important and distinctive flavours

is certainly bigger than 2013 and the

develop this year. What effect will the

total tonnage is likely to be limited by

warmer season have? Again previous

winery capacity. There has been some

lessons learnt will be applied to vineyard

investment in tank capacity but even so

management this year and quality must

it is highly likely some fruit will be left on

be the focus. If we do have more wine to

the vine. However it is also apparent that

sell (profitably) this year then that is going

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Multi Sprayer TESSA NICHOLSON

As any viticulturist or grower knows, the window of opportunity to spray vines is very short. Particularly when it comes to cap-fall and pre bunch closure sprays.

The speed of growth, (as happened in

there was any way that a sprayer could

either man. After carefully considering

November and December last year) has

be developed that would allow the

all the issues involved with two separate

to be countered with what mother nature

machine to apply coverage to the bunch

spray units on one machine, a prototype

provides in terms of climatic conditions.

zone, while also spraying something

was released to Ara in 2012. Greer says

And as the size of the vineyard increases,

different onto the top canopy.

naturally, there were a few difficulties.

that window becomes even smaller and

“We used to have a sprayer with the

“Some of the difficulties with the design

timing all the more important.

one big head only, and we asked the

included having to have extra hosing,

No one knows this better than Anne

question, would it be possible to have

separate tanks and pumps and the

Escalle, viticulturist for Ara, a vineyard

two special spray heads. George said

circuits that run the hydraulics. We got

with 425 productive hectares. Ensuring

yes, he thought it was possible.”

some design help with the structural side

the right sprays are being applied at the

George was the man behind the

and have worked with the team at Ara to

right times can be a major headache,

Quantum Mist spray unit, and his son

develop and fine tune the machine. It’s

especially in that early summer period,

Greer said while they had already

basically two whole sprayers put into one

when up to five different sprays may be

developed two spray fans, one on top of

machine and with the flick of a switch

needed, within a very short time frame.

the other, they hadn’t considered running

you can run them parallel, doing the

“Cap-fall and pre bunch closure need

separate products. That didn’t deter

same job, or you can split them to do two

to be done at a special

separate jobs.”

moment, when it’s the right

One of the major advantages

time. It can’t be done before

of the system is that it can be

or after,” she says. “The issue

adapted to fit any tractor or

is that in certain seasons, you

harvester. Ara are using an

don’t have the time to come

over row Pellenc harvester,

back in between and put the

with specialised tilting booms

normal sprays on that the rest

attached, that ensures

of the canopy requires. If the

both sides of two rows are

season is slow, it’s alright.

sprayed at a time.

But if the weather packs up,

Efficiency has increased,

we can miss the opportunity

diesel costs are down, as are

to spray that all important

labour costs and all-important

coverage on the top canopy.”

compaction is also down. But

The dilemma got her talking

the greatest advantage Anne says is being able to remove

with the late George Eady of Aspiration Holdings, in

Two heads and two separate sprays, one for the canopy, one for the

the complication of not being

Nelson. She wondered if

bunch zone.

able to complete the task at

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The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

hand, for whatever reason.

a considerable amount of fine-tuning

stop and have a smoko now. It’s that

“It is the efficiency to do the job when

undertaken on the first prototype released

efficient,” Calvin said.

it needs to be done, not having to think

in 2012. Calvin has also remodelled a

There is more in store as well, as both

about starting it early to ensure we finish

former milk tanker that transports the

Greer and Calvin are considering ways of

on time. This is magic because this

mixed spray to the block where the units

attaching mowers and mulchers behind

vineyard takes four to five days to spray.

are working. This removes the need for

the machines, to cut down even more

But if you have bad weather, or if you are

drivers having to return to base every

time spent driving between the rows.

having to spray different varieties over

time they require a re-fill – a saving of up

More details about the multi sprayer are

different times, it gets very complicated

to 30 minutes a time.

available at http://ahl.net.nz/

and you can end up pushing extremes.”

“There isn’t even time for the drivers to

David Manktelow from Agribusiness, who was involved in the early discussions, says the cost savings alone are huge.

“When we looked at the economics of chemical savings from doing a single application with two different chemicals, it should pay for itself in the first season. A single application of a botrytis fungicide is around $180 a hectare. So if you put 70% of that rate, just to the bunch zone and you still put on your powdery mildew brew to the whole canopy, you are looking at a 30 – 40% saving per hectare.

That’s quite a lot of money.”

Greer says working with Calvin Wilson, Ara’s workshop manager, has seen The tilting booms allow for each side of two rows to be sprayed at once.

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13

Obituary – John Marris TESSA NICHOLSON

While John Marris’s name will forever be etched in the history of the Marlborough wine industry, there was a lot more than just grapes to this special man.

John, who died on January 26, aged 73, begun his career in the freezing works in Picton, moving up to become a draughter and eventually a stock agent with Pyne Gould Guinness. For the past 40 years he was involved in wine, pastoral agriculture, the development of Marlborough as a renowned research hub, and retail and housing development. He was also very much renowned as a family man, to wife Alison, his six children and many grandchildren.

His wine industry involvement began in 1973 when Montana (under an alias) contracted him to find large tracts of land within the Marlborough region. Without knowing what the company wanted it for, he hit up every farmer he could think of and came back with a potential 2800 hectares available for purchase. Montana settled on 1200 hectares paying out a total of $1,345,435, or $1,147 ha, more than double the going rate at the time.

He impressed Montana so much that they then asked if he would find a 28ha (70 acres) industrial site. A few years ago John described to me what happened in this situation.

“I thought, what? Seventy acres of industrial, you would be lucky to find half an acre of industrial round Marlborough at that time. Although there was the industrial park near Riverlands. I went there and asked how much they wanted for it. The price was $250,000. Now you have to realise that Montana had paid just under a million and a half for nearly 3000ac, and here was a 70ac block with the owners wanting quarter of a million.

“So I decided to go to the property

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adjoining. I climbed the fence spoke to the owners and bought an entire 800ac for $180,000.”

While Montana went on to sell the vast majority of that land, they kept the 100ac where their winery is now situated.

He so impressed the bosses at Montana that he was offered the job as Marlborough Administration Manager, which also saw him managing not just the vineyards, but also the many hundreds of hectares that were deemed not suitable for grapes. They were for many years used to grow garlic, peas and fatten sheep and cattle.

In 1978 he became Montana’s first contract grower, planting 17ha of Muller Thurgau. Having seen the mistakes that occurred at Brancott Estate where many of the first vines planted died, John decided to install irrigation on his block – making it the first irrigated vineyard in the region. The success of his vines in the early years convinced Montana that they too needed irrigation if they wanted to be successful in the hot, arid Marlborough climate.

He was hugely instrumental in establishing and liaising with Montana’s first contract growers. One of those was Phil Rose from Wairau River who had this to say about John a few years back.

“John is typified by his drive for everything and his enthusiasm for something he is passionate about. He swept so many people along with him with unbridled enthusiasm. I would describe him as like a dog with a bone, he never gives up and we are lucky to have had someone like him with that

The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

Photo supplied by Fairfax Media / Marlborough Express

enthusiasm and knowledge.”

Neal Ibbotson is another who came under the wing of John, as a contract grower. His property, which neighboured John’s, was home to a large number of pigs, but Neal could see the advantages of utilising the land for vines. He says John’s influence on his decision to plant grapes, as well as on the industry as a whole, has been huge.

“Right from the outset when he was acting for Montana and purchased all that land, through to his involvement in the industry ever since, his influence has been immense.” Neal says. “When Montana first came here nobody realised the potential and how big the industry would become. But John did.”

In 1976, Lincoln University asked John to produce a paper on the potential of Marlborough and Nelson as grape growing regions. In an interview a few

years back, he said this was a defining moment for him.

“I compared different regions in the world and I realised then that we had something absolutely unique here. It all came together as something very, very special and it gave me huge confidence in everything I ever did in the industry from then on.”

While he increased his own holdings over the years, it was the merger with son Brent, who owned the Wither Hills label, that brought a great deal of satisfaction.

The pair combined their winemaking and viticultural skills so well, that in 2002 Lion Nathan bought the company for $52 million.

Throughout his long career in the industry John always championed the need for research, not only in terms of

wine growing, but also for the pastoral, agricultural and horticultural sectors.

He was instrumental in establishing the Marlborough Research Centre Trust in 1983 and remained involved until just a few weeks ago, when he retired due to ill health.

“In those days there was so much happening in the province that required research. I knew because of my time in the vineyards, that things were happening and changing all the time.

I had seen how research was required to understand irrigation, grape clones, water requirements and I saw that there was a need to have a centre where that research could be based. The aim then was to foster research in all spheres.

Wherever research was needed in Marlborough, we wanted to be there.

Viticulture has become very strong, but the aims to foster research in all other areas were and still are very strong.”

(A quote from an interview with John in 2005.)

Perhaps the final words should go to Gerald Hope, the Chief Executive of the MRC. “As a pioneer grape grower, a farsighted investor in land development, and passionate advocate for utilising the natural resources Marlborough provides, he has no peers in his generation.”

John’s knowledge of the Marlborough wine industry from its inception will be greatly missed. The thoughts of all at Wine Marlborough go out to his wife Alison, his six children and many grandchildren.

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15

Generation Y-ine James Macdonald – Winemaker Hunter’s Wines TESSA NICHOLSON Within months of arriving in New Zealand

of experience already behind him.

to jobs that involved mowing lawns or

as a four-year-old, James was already

While he is quick to acknowledge the

pruning olive trees, every spare minute

working in his Aunt Jane’s winery. Albeit,

opportunities he has been given by Jane

outside of school was spent at the

in the cellar door, not the actual winery.

and his father Peter, who is General

Rapaura winery site.

His job in those very early days was to

Manager of Hunters, the success James

“I was lucky through school to be able

place the wine bottles on the shelf aided

has achieved has a lot to do with his own

to come out here and work in the winery.

by long-time employee Helen Neame.

steely determination and skill.

I was always pestering Gary (Duke,

Now 22 years later, he is still working for

For him it was a foregone conclusion

Hunter’s senior winemaker) from the age

his Aunt – better known as Jane Hunter –

that he would end up a winemaker. From

of 12.”

as a fully-fledged winemaker, with a raft

those early days of stacking bottles,

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The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

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He freely admits that during his tender

especially was so insulated from the real

I quickly explained that I hadn’t yet

teenage years, winemaking seemed to

wine world, because it was still booming.

been to university, but I was intending

be the prime position within the industry.

Other areas weren’t like that, as I found

to go. I ended up with a great job in red

“I really wanted to be a key member of

out.”

ferments, looking after yeast cultures.”

the company and realized quite quickly

It quickly became apparent that his new

Technically though, despite his age and

that Gary was a very important part of

employers hadn’t actually read too much

his lack of formal education in terms of

our successes. I have since realised

of his CV, because when he arrived as a

winemaking, he was still one of the most

that viticulture is just as important, but

17-year-old straight out of school, he was

experienced members of staff at the

winemaking seemed steeped in glory

given the position of assistant winemaker.

winery.

when I was younger.”

“They hadn’t looked at my age obviously.

“The Riverland is kind of in the middle

His first vintage was during the school holidays when he was 14.

He actually turned 15 while completing that vintage, which involved two weeks of 12-hour days.

“It was the longest vintage I have ever done. I also had never had so much money.”

Money that eventually went towards buying a car, so he didn’t have to rely on Mum to drop him out to work from school.

Despite the claim that “I was a terrible student”, with report cards that constantly said he had potential but could do better, James left high school with every intention of completing the winemaking degree at Lincoln. But Dad and Jane had other ideas. They wanted him to experience more of the world of wine, rather than just Marlborough.

“I had had a pretty cushy upbringing, very supportive parents and the company, so Dad sent me to the Riverland in Australia to work in a 25,000 tonne winery. For three months, on night shift. The idea being that if I wanted to get into the industry, I had to see what it was really like.

This was 2004 and Marlborough

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17

of nowhere, so they have to go through

Despite his lineage and the fact Jane was

he had the good fortune to be included

the caravan parks looking for vintage

more than happy for him to come back

in the Hunter’s sales team at the annual

workers. Anyone who wasn’t doing

to Hunter’s in the future, neither she nor

trade tastings in London, well before he

anything, was asked if they wanted to

Peter wanted that to happen straight out

had graduated. It gave him some highly

come in and pump over Shiraz.”

of university.

valued skills at selling the product and

That included members of a biker gang

“To be honest it wasn’t something I

promoting the winery. Those skills would

that turned up every year to run the

wanted to do either. So I did a vintage in

be put to good use in America, especially

crushers, who James befriended. It was

the Barossa, (2009). That was fantastic.

given this was during the global financial

a bit of an eye opener for a Marlborough

It was where I really started to get going.

crisis that saw the States in disarray.

boy, especially when he discovered what

Then I went to San Francisco where we

“I had a 1.6 litre Chevrolet and drove from

some of those gang members were up to

had just set up a new distribution model.

LA to Seattle, 20 hours in all, stopping

outside of work hours.

We were importing our own wine into

off in different cities and states, to meet

The other eye opener was the financial

the USA, so my job was to go around

with people in Starbucks. Many people

situation facing growers in the

had gone bankrupt and didn’t have

Riverland.

offices. They had business cards and

“Marlborough was out of control in

that was about it. A lot of wine reps

terms of booming. Here growers were told to grow as much as you can and we will pay you as much as you want.

Over there, wineries were suffering from over supply and they weren’t wanting or needing to take all the grapes growers had. So the growers were really suffering.”

Following vintage, James stayed in Adelaide, the home of his birth, working in retail for a family friend.

There were other employees there at the time who were undertaking the winemaking degree, which re-ignited his passion for the profession. His

“There are a lot of regions producing great red wines.

But there are very few that are producing great white wines. And Marlborough is one of those few.”

had lost their jobs, so they set up their own distribution network. They couldn’t afford to buy stock, so they would basically say they would represent you and couldn’t order from us until they had sold the wine. So they would do a pallet deal, and then order it out of California to whatever state they were in and it would go straight to the customer. Things have moved on a lot since then.”

Over the next two years, James would spend a fair chunk of time increasing market share for Hunter’s Wines. It has worked, because now the company

interest in wine and food matching

has a strong following in that part of

grew, so by the time 2006 rolled

the world.

In between selling, he was also

round, he was ready to return to New Zealand and enrol in the Lincoln course.

all of the individual states to find new

increasing his own winemaking

Given his family roots in Adelaide, why

distributors to take our wine. The US had

experience. For three years he undertook

not stay there to undertake a degree?

never been traditionally a very strong

vintages in Bordeaux, on the Right Bank,

“I had always intended to come back to

market for us.”

a place he describes as amazing.

Lincoln. I guess I never really wanted to

Many winemakers lament the lack of

“Bordeaux is remarkable because you

be too far away from the winery. And I

training for a sales role, which essentially

are at the centre of the wine world. You

also felt the Lincoln course might be a

is an important part of the profession

go to Chateau Petrus and there is a

little more New Zealand orientated. I have

these days. It’s accepted that everyone

winemaker there at 30-years-old who is

since discovered that didn’t really matter,

wants to talk with the winemaker,

just like you. He’s a real person, making

as winemaking principals throughout the

alongside the sales team. But there is no

real wine just like you, and he is happy

world are basically the same.”

formal training for this. In James’ case

to show you his barrels. It’s a wonderful

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The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough

place. Once the door opens in Bordeaux, it’s like a wonderland for young winemakers.”

By 2012, with a number of vintages and life experiences under his belt, James came back to Marlborough as a fully-fledged

Outstanding In Our Field

winemaker He had already established his own label with the help of the company – The Jumper - which specialises primarily in Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Riesling. None is sold in New Zealand, but it has established markets in the US, UK, Australia and China.

And despite being in love with Bordeaux, his preference to make, is not red wines. He couldn’t be more adamant about his favourite – it is Sauvignon Blanc. For such a quietly spoken, and gentle person, James gets quite heated about what he sees as a campaign by winemakers to denigrate out flagship variety.

“From travelling around the wine regions of the world, say France and Bordeaux – you would never hear a winemaker there say; ‘This is my Merlot. It’s okay, but try my Syrah or Chardonnay.’ They say; ‘This is my Merlot, it’s the best Merlot in the world, Bordeaux is the best wine region in the world to grow Merlot and you better, bloody well like it.’

“Whereas for some reason in Marlborough people are so embarrassed about Sauvignon Blanc and its success, that

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many winemakers will say; ‘Here is my Sauvignon Blanc, but try my Riesling, or try my Chardonnay.’ We are very embarrassed by our meal ticket, and I think it is starting to creep into the

Marlborough based but ship nation wide

trade as well. And ultimately it will creep into consumer psyche, if even the people that make the wine are embarrassed by it.

“In Bordeaux I was hired as a consultant winemaker because of Marlborough’s pedigree with Sauvignon Blanc. While our

Priority service for Repeat Customers

Rieslings and Chardonnays are good, Sauvignon Blanc is what keeps the lights on. And dare I say it, always will.

“We are very lucky to be making the wine that we do. It is the wine, that when you go out into the world, people want to talk

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“There are a lot of regions producing great red wines. But there are very few that are producing great white wines. And Marlborough is one of those few.”

Helped along by the likes of James Macdonald, a young winemaker with a big future.

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19

The Country’s Longest Running Wine Festival It started small, with just four wineries

fruity Muller-Thurgaus, classy Sauvignon

market, tours of the winery, wine tastings

involved. It has grown into New Zealand’s

Blancs and heavier but smooth Cabernet

as well as traditional style vintage

largest and longest running wine festival,

Sauvignons!”

competitions such as barrel rolling and

that this year will include more than 60

On Saturday the organisers decided to

grape stomping. People could stomp the

wineries and hundreds of different wines.

promote what was happening out in the

grapes and then fill a glass with juice.

Marlborough’s Wine and Food Festival

country. Admittedly there wasn’t much

“Every three quarters of an hour a bus

has become an institution within the

to show back then, not when compared

left to make a grand tour of the vineyards.

province and gained national and

with today. Only four wineries were up

Each bus had a grower on board to

international recognition. So 30 years on

and running. Te Whare Ra, Hunters’s,

answer questions.”

since the very first one, how much has

Montana and Cellier Le Brun.

But maybe one of the most lasting

the festival helped the growth of the wine

Te Whare Ra held an arts type festival on

memories for Gerry is the German

industry in Marlborough itself?

site at their winery in Renwick. Local arts

beerfest entertainment held on site.

According to one of the men who has

and crafts were displayed, folk musicians

“We sang German drinking songs and

been part of nearly every event, it has

entertained and those attending were

drank mugs of wine!”

not only helped promote the end product

given the chance to try out the latest

The day was deemed such a success

– it has highlighted Marlborough as an

wines. Just down the road Daniel Le Brun

that when the headaches cleared, it was

iconic producer. Gerry Gregg has vivid

was establishing his new champenois

obvious a festival event should become

memories of that very first festival back

winery. A tractor-hay trailer was on hand

a regular.

in 1985. It was tiny in comparison with

to transport people between the two

The next year, there was no grand

today’s event.

venues, with Daniel showing people

opening of any new entertainment

Blenheim was a small country town back

through the impressive winery that

centre, so the Grape Growers decided

then, with just two streets of shops, a

included a hillside cellar.

to concentrate on the wineries in the

population of less than 20,000, hundreds

Back in Rapaura, Hunter’s had all

province. By this stage, Penfolds had

of hectares of cropping and livestock

day barbecues,

farms, and just a few hundred hectares

wine tasting and

of grapes sprouting up within the main

entertained invited

Wairau Valley. It was the opening of the

guests from

new Marlborough Centre that helped

throughout the

establish the first festival. The opening

country.

was planned for February 1985 and the

On the other side

entrepreneurial Grape Growers could

of town at Montana,

see it was the perfect time to promote the

Gerry remembers

every growing wine industry.

the top town style

“A wine tasting was held in the

of day that was

Marlborough Centre on the Friday

held outside the

afternoon, for invited trade from

Riverlands winery.

Wellington, Christchurch and Nelson,”

“We had a merry

Gerry remembers. “They were given

go round, paddy’s

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joined the growing fray, making five visitor

the only venue

sites available.

large enough to

Anyone who had missed taking part

house wineries

in the first year was unlikely to make

and festivalgoers

the same mistake in the second, so

within the Blenheim

the numbers of people attending rose

township. Gerry

dramatically. Buses were put on to

Gregg didn’t like

transport the festivalgoers between the

it and suggested

five sites. There was an amazingly casual

that maybe the

atmosphere surrounding the event, with

committee might

the buses only too happy to stop off at

like to have a look

individual’s houses to pick people up.

at one of Montana’s

Gerry says the huge success made it

vineyards.

apparent that they needed to seriously

“So we all got

look at containing the festival within one

into our cars and

single site.

followed Gerry

So as Festival number three drew closer,

out to Brancott,”

organisers began looking for the perfect

says Bill. “We stood there with him at the

completely different to anything I had

site.

base of the natural amphitheatre and I

ever experienced. I sensed some

Bill Floyd, who at the time was working

remember thinking, this would be magic.”

sort of French thing that I had never

at The Marlborough Express, (one of

The single site festival was born and

experienced in New Zealand before. We

the major backers of Festival 1987)

this time instead of hundreds of people,

could have been sitting in Provence.”

remembers the small committee

thousands turned up.

The festival has been held at Brancott

standing within the confines of the A&P

“It was a really beautiful festival, we

Vineyard ever since. Not without

showgrounds. Dusty, stark and home

created a true village atmosphere,” Bill

a few changes format wise though.

to sheep, cows and other livestock

says. “New Zealand is so sophisticated

From small almost country fair, to

competitions, it wasn’t the ideal site. But

in so many ways now, but back

a large rock concert with the Finn

beggars couldn’t be choosers, it was

then that festival was something

Brothers, (reportedly attracting up to

This painting by local artist Triska Blumenfeld was based on one of the early festivals.

17,000 people), to a quieter jazz style environment. These days the mix seems perfect. Matching wine and food has become a winning formula. There are cooking demonstrations, attendees are encouraged to chose the best food/ wine match of the day, local chefs and restaurants play a major role, and there are more master classes for those wanting to learn about wine.

However one thing hasn’t changed – and that’s the attraction the festival has to consumers. Close to 8000 people turn up each year, generally to brilliant sunshine and hundreds of stunning wines. Long may that attraction continue.

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Contact:

Grant Cathcart Phone 03 313 8339 Fax 03 313 3767 Mobile 021 511 460

roundwood@mcalpines.co.nz

New Plantings For NMIT Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) is replanting vines at its Marlborough Campus vineyard to trial some new and classic varieties and a new type of steel trellising post.

The on-campus vineyard consists of 21

The new varieties planted are:

rows. Previously, 17 of the 21 rows were

2012

planted in Pinot Noir. The recent project

• 1 x row Tempranillo (Spanish red variety famous for making Rioja)

started in 2012 when five rows of Pinot

• 1 x row Gruner Veltliner (Austrian

Noir were replaced with five new varieties

aromatic white variety)

by staff and students from the Diploma

• 1 x row Syrah/Shiraz (Australian clone

in Viticulture and Wine Production

from the Rutherglen region of Victoria)

programme. Last year, another three

• 1 x row Chardonnay (A new clone

rows were replanted and in 2014, there

called 809)

are plans to replant a further two. The

• 0.5 x row Verdelho (Spanish white

new plants have all been donated by

variety from the Isle of Madeira) 0.5 x

Riversun Nursery in Gisborne. Eco Trellis

row Muscat à Petits Grains

Systems, a company producing new state-of-the-art steel trellising posts has

2013

also donated enough posts to re-post

• 1 x row Alvarinho aka Albariño (One

four of the rows.

of the first Portuguese white grape

NMIT Viticulture Tutor Glenn Kirkwood

varieties to be bottled as a single

says he thought it would be beneficial for

variety) • 1 x row Merlot (A good clone with an

both students and industry to replace a

open bunch structure)

number of rows of Pinot Noir vines with more classic and unusual varieties.

NMIT Viticulture Tutor Glenn Kirkwood

“The students have been involved right

(left) with Damian Martin, Plant and

from the beginning and are therefore

Food’s Viticulture & Oenology Science

exposed to all the intricacies of replanting

Group Leader who has a keen interest

a vineyard. They’re involved in all the

in the field performance of the new

(A cool-climate red variety from Alto

young vine training, pruning, weed

varieties.

Adige, near Bolzano in North Italian

management, canopy management – thereby gaining first-hand experience on young vine management. In the longer term, they will also be exposed to the latest varieties that are imported to this country that may be the ‘next big thing’ for New Zealand! They will have the ability to learn how to make wine from these varieties as well as learn how the

vines are best managed. For industry, people interested in planting any of these varieties will be able to view them first-hand on our little vineyard – and the same with the steel trellising posts.”

A mini excavator has been used to remove the old vines and everything else has been done by hand.

• 1 x row Riesling (A German clone from the famous Geisenheim grape breeding institute) • 8 vines of a variety called Lagrein.

Alpine region) 2014 will include • Saperavi (A small-berried, coldtolerant red variety native to Georgia) • Zinfandel aka Primitivo (Thought to be a native to Italy, made famous as a red grape from the Napa Valley in California)

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Multi Cultural Festival A multicultural festival that began in 2006 with less than 1000 people attending, has grown into one of the major family events in Marlborough. But lack of funding is threatening its existence.

Margaret Western is the coordinator

voluntary basis, but as the festival has

Pollard Park. If anyone is keen to help out

of Marlborough’s annual Multicultural

grown, so too has the workload and the

with the event, they can contact Margaret

Festival, and says this year’s event,

expenses.

at; info@migrantcentre.co.nz or phone

planned for March 1, is in dire need of

The festival, which also celebrates Race

her on 021 158 4426

financial assistance.

Relations Day in New Zealand, is held at

She’s hoping that there will be some within the wine industry keen to ensure it continues this year and in the future.

It costs up to $10,000 to organise the festival, which last year saw 31 acts, 17 different food stalls and 15 information and craft stalls.

“Many of these people are involved in the wine industry, either as cellar hands, wine makers or vineyard workers,” Margaret says. “Many more work for industries that work alongside the wine industry.”

While some funding is available from the MDC, it is not enough to cover the costs of organising, or running the event.

Margaret says up until this year, a lot of the organisation has been done on a

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Biking Through The Vines TESSA NICHOLSON

It was with some trepidation that I agreed to take part in Brancott Estate’s latest tourism venture – biking through the vines. After all, it has to be 20 years at least since I last took to a bike as a means of transport.

Lycra wasn’t necessary – thank goodness. Neither was super fitness – again thank goodness. In fact this 4km bike ride through Marlborough’s oldest vineyard is suitable for all ages and all levels of fitness.

It adds a new dimension to a wine tasting, if you can partake among the vines themselves, part of the attraction of the tours. The prelude is nice and easy – even gentle you might say. A glass of Blanc de Blanc and a short video that outlines the history of the Vineyard, takes place at the Brancott Heritage Centre.

Then it’s time to don a helmet, (hat hair for the rest of the day), pick up a bike, a quick walk down the hill and off we go.

After a few wobbles, we head off round the rear of the vineyard, following specially created cycle paths. First stop – the Frank Yukich monument, where his prophetic words – “Wines from here will become world famous” – stands. Off the bikes and a surreal tasting of two of the top tier Sauvignon Blanc begins. Some of the grapes that go into these wines come from the very spot where we have dropped our bikes.

The break gives guide Sarah Robertson a chance to explain the process of the winemaking and pass on some interesting titbits of information regarding the vineyard.

Back onto the bikes and off for a tour round the Marlborough Wine Festival site, which looks strangely empty without all the marquees and thousands of people basking in the sunshine. This spot has been home to all but two of the wine festivals, in its 30-year history.

On we bike, avoiding sprinklers, past the newly created wetlands, home to all sorts of birdlife. One white crested duck is not too keen on these two wheeled

contraptions, but doesn’t seem to have figured out that he should get out of their way, rather than run directly in front.

Finally he makes his way to the water, with a massive squawk of protest.

We dash past the Chosen Rows block, the frost fan and then make our way through the vines to the Forgotten Valley.

Once into the valley, at the rear of the Heritage Centre, we ditch the bikes and taste the Pinot Noirs. Again we taste right next to the grapes that will make one of these wines. I can only imagine how incredible it will be in a few weeks time, when guests can taste the wines, and then the very grapes that make them.

As we head back to base, we pass workers who are busy fruit thinning.

Dozens of green Pinot berries litter the floor between rows, crunching under the wheels. It is a reminder that this is very much a working vineyard and the opportunity to view first hand the efforts that go into creating the perfect bottle of wine, are fascinating.

I arrive back at base in one piece, with no falls, not too many wobbles, and a new appreciation for the beauty of Brancott Vineyard.

The Brancott Estate Vineyard Bike Tours are available daily by appointment.

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Wine Unwound ANNABELLE LATZ IN THE HUNTER VALLEY

Grapes And Kangaroos You know you live close to work when

popping into the air, or see caps of skins

it takes longer to pull on your socks, tie

and bunches soar into the mid-thirty

up your work boots, and strap on your

degree range.

helmet, than actually bike to the winery.

After seeing the first of the Shiraz roll

The kookaburra’s laughter fills this

through the crush yesterday, it was time

Thursday evening air, January 23rd,

to press off the Pinot Noir.

and I’ve just about completed my first

It has been a favourite part of every day

two weeks of harvest at McWilliam’s Mt

- hand plunging the Pinot Noir and taking

Pleasant Winery, in New South Wales’

note of the temperature and baume

Hunter Valley.

level. In Australia, baume, the predicted

Living in a wee caravan next to a

percent of alcohol after ferment, is used

cottage shared with fellow cellar crew,

rather than brix, the sugar concentration

we overlook vineyard blocks, the winery,

level at the time. Frenchman Antoine

forestry and bush.

Baume and Adolf Brix his German

Mt Pleasant winery was built in time

neighbour. Different theories, same idea.

for the first vintage which took place in

The Hunter Valley is well known for

1921 under the clever eye and guidance

its Semillon, a white wine which ages

of young winemaker Maurice O’Shea.

superbly in the bottle. I enjoyed a tasting

In 1932 the McWilliam family became

last weekend, trying last year’s Semillon

but due to my fear of meeting a snake

involved in the story.

which I thought was aromatic and fresh,

I failed to see the fence directly in my

Although today’s winemaking equipment

compared to the 2005 and 2007 vintages

path. After tangling myself in the wires, I

is a modern replacement of what was

which were toasted and round and in fact

very quickly got back to my feet, dusted

used back then, the underground storage

I asked if they had been partially oaked.

off the red dirt and sticks, backtracked,

tanks we step around every day in the

Shiraz is another variety this area knows

and found the correct path. A kangaroo

cellar and fermenters jutting down from

its way around well, and tasting a few last

who was having his early morning stroll

the ceilings are stark reminders of how it

weekend taught me that not all Shiraz

through the vines stopped in his tracks,

all used to be done.

is sharp and peppery as I had always

assessed me, twitched his nose, and

This vintage, chief winemaker Jim Chatto

thought it. Shiraz can taste like velvet too.

hopped away. I had seen some of the

expects about 600 tonne of fruit to

Yesterday morning I decided to walk

oldest and most awarded vines in the

come rolling in; Chardonnay, Semillon,

to work; a perfect opportunity to walk

Hunter Valley, albeit in my own unique

Verdehlo, Shiraz, and Pinot Noir. He is

through the Old Paddock and Old Hill

style.

just the fourth chief winemaker since

Shiraz vineyards, which were planted in

In the years to come I will smile with the

O’Shea started the legacy.

1880 and 1921. At 5.40am I meandered

memories and lessons gained from being

Fermenting Chardonnay in barrel and

through the numerous rows of vines.

part of this year’s Mt Pleasant vintage

Pinot Noir in tubs has been keeping me

Despite my close proximity to the winery,

team.

busy so far. There’s nothing like a 38

I still managed to somehow get a bit lost.

http://annabellelatz.blogspot.co.nz/

degree Celsius day to get a few bungs

Bush bashing seemed the only option,

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Wine Happenings A monthly list of events within the Marlborough wine industry.

To have your event included in next month’s calendar please email details to tessa.nicholson@me.com FEBRUARY 14 Nuits Romantiques, French outdoor movie for Valentines Day - Clos Henri Vineyard – SH63.

16 Brightwater Festival - Nelson 20 Track and Harvester Preharvest Safety Day - Riverlands Truckstop - 5pm 22 Ocean and Orchard Wine and Food Festival – Kerikeri 24 Economic Seminar, FX OCR, interest rates and an economic overview – Marlborough Research Centre Theatre – 4pm MARCH 1 1

8 15 15 23

The Yak – a 6 hour all women team trail event at Yealands Estate. Registrations at www.yealands.co.nz/yak Classic Hits Winery Tour at Villa Maria, featuring The Exponents, Stan Walker, Breaks Co-op. Gates open at 5.00. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.co.nz, Winerytour.co.nz, Ticketdirect.co.nz & Villa Maria Marlborough Cellar Door The Dog Point/Logan Brown Classic Kisi Picnic, 12 noon – 4.30ish. Dog Point Vineyards, Blenheim. Tickets picnic@ dogpoint.co.nz West Coast Wild Foods Festival – 25th Anniversary – Hokitika Gibbston Wine and Food Festival – Central Ortago Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival – Wairarapa, Gladstone Waipara Valley Wine and Food Festival – Waipara

APRIL 4 – 6

The Food Show Christchurch - Christchurch

5

Forrest GrapeRide, Marlborough – full details at www.graperide.co.nz

8

GREAT FOOD, GREAT WINES AND GREAT FRIENDS COME TOGETHER AT HERZOG’S BISTRO! Come and enjoy Marlborough’s stunning Spring days and join us for a casual lunch in the beautiful Bistro gardens or cosy up in front of the open fire for a delicious dinner. All for the love of wine!

And for all you wine aficionados, come and indulge in one of New Zealand’s largest International wine lists!

HERZOG OPENING HOURS LUNCH: Wed to Sun: Main menu, 12pm - 3pm; DINNER: Wed to Sat: From 6pm - late Check out our latest menu online - www.herzog.co.nz CELLAR DOOR: Mon to Fri: 9am to 5pm, Weekends: 11am to 4pm Hans Herzog Estate | 81 Jeffries Road | Blenheim |03 572 8770 | info@herzog.co.nz | www.herzog.co.nz

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News From Home and Away Finance Seminar One of the greatest concerns for wineries is the current state of the New Zealand dollar. On Monday February 24, a team from BNZ will present an in-depth seminar on foreign exchange and how to manage risk, interest rates and where they are going, the New Zealand economy as it relates to the wine industry, and what is likely to happen in the year ahead. Speakers include Markets Economist Craig Ebert, Mike Jones, Leanne Stapylton Smith and Mick Pannett. The seminar will be held at the Marlborough Research Centre Theatre, 4pm, concluding with drinks and nibbles.

World Sauvignon Blanc Conference There were a few eyebrows raised when Austria held the first ever Sauvignon Blanc Conference back in 2008. Many felt it should have been held here in New Zealand, Marlborough in particular, given the domination this part of the world has had on the variety. Even the Austrians are keen to see it held here in the near future. That looks more likely now, with talks currently underway to arrange such an event. Things like this take time and a great deal of input from individuals. While no date is yet being discussed, Winepress will keep you informed as details come to hand.

Overseas Visitors Wine Marlborough and the region has been inundated with visitors during the past month. The majority took part in regional tastings organized by Wine Marlborough, while others were also visiting wineries throughout the province. The following is a list

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GONDOLAS FOR SALE Two x 4½ tonne gondolas. Field adjustable axle width. Will fit 2.2 m rows.$3,500 + GST each.

Please ring 021 365773.

of who has visited and who they represent.

Michel Jamais – wine writer for Swedish magazine Livets Godo Caro Maurer MW – German wine journalist and educator Jane Parkinson – Wine writer for Restaurant Magazine – UK Kim Giesbrecht – Wine buyer BC Liquor Board - Canada Edwin Rabin – Sommelier and writer – Netherlands Will Costello – Wine Director of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Las Vegas Peter Moser – Chief editor for wine of Falstaff – Germany/Austria Joshua Thomas - Restaurateur – San Francisco Tomoko Ebisawa – Wine Writer - Japan Christopher Bates – Master Sommelier - USA Jamie Goode – Wine writer Sunday Express, blogger and wine judge – UK Alf Tumble – Wine columnist for Sweden’s largest daily newspaper A chinese group of six including the Chief Sommelier from Shangarili Hotel -Shanghai Lauren Mowery – Award winning blogger and freelance writer USA Compliance Seminar Once again a compliance seminar is being held prior to vintage. Details are still to be confirmed, but it is likely to be held on February 20 at the Riverlands Truckstop at 5pm. It is a chance for all drivers of harvesters, trucks and gondolas to talk informally with local police. More details will be sent to members once they are confirmed.

Supporting UNESCO World Heritage Bid Central Otago winegrowers are throwing their support behind the bid by Burgundian winegrowers, to have their region declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area that Climats of Burgundy want to have acknowledged is in and around Côte de Beaune and the Côte de Nuits, together with the towns of Beaune and Dijon. Currently there are five wine regions listed as World Heritage sites. They are Loire – France, Bordeaux – France, Tokaj – Hungary, Douro Valley – Portugal and Middle Rhine – Germany.

Members of the Climats of Burgundy were in New Zealand last month for the 10th anniversary of Central Otago Pinot Noir, where support for the bid was promoted.

Disclaimer: The views and articles that are expressed and appear in Winepress are those entirely those of contributors and in no way reflect the policy of the Marlborough Winegrowers. Any advice given, implied or suggested should be considered on its merits, and no responsibility can be taken for problems arising from the use of such information.

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“BUCKLAND GROVE” AWARD WINNING VINEYARD

220 Ballochdale Road Marlborough

18 O’Dwyers Road, Rapaura A little over 5 kilometres from the centre of town, “Buckland Grove” ensures the best of rural lifestyles. As you enter the 5.96ha property, the tree-lined drive and stream boundary laden with Weeping Willows evoke a sense of seclusion, privacy and serenity. Constructed in attractive Oamaru Stone, the three bedroom home was designed with every element carefully considered.

The single label model vineyard consists of 3ha of iconic Sauvignon Blanc – a trophy vineyard responsible for 17 trophies and 30 gold medals at international wine shows and competitions.

Thriving gardens and prolific fruit trees are also testament to the victorious soil. Additional buildings include a double garage, two bay shed with workshop. “Buckland Grove” offers a quality residence and highly regarded vineyard in a very desirable location.

Deadline Sale 4pm, Fri 28 Feb 2014, Bayleys, Cnr Charles & Seymour Street, Blenheim (unless sold prior) www.bayleys.co.nz/4110187

Andy Poswillo

M 027 420 4202 B 03 578 7700

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VITICULTURE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY

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224 Seaview Road, Seddon • 135ha (STS), located in the heart of the Awatere wine region, surrounded by internationally renowned wine companies and established vineyards • 3,892m³/day “B Class” water right for the irrigation of up to 40ha crop and pasture and 126ha vineyard. Water infrastructure to property • Undulating northern aspect with good road frontage • The property is currently grazing livestock, growing process and cereal crops and offers both scale and development opportunity

Deadline Sale 4pm, Thur 27 Feb 2014, Bayleys, Cnr Charles & Seymour Street, Blenheim (unless sold prior) www.bayleys.co.nz/4110130

Andy Poswillo

M 027 420 4202 B 03 578 7700

VINING REALTY GROUP LTD, BAYLEYS LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

www.bayleysmarlborough.co.nz

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