![]() While the range of soil types is broad, soils are naturally more acidic and higher in soil organic matter than in many countries, thanks to New Zealand’s very long history of heavy forestation and very short history of cultivation. New Zealand vineyards thrive on many soil types, from heavy, water-retaining clay loams in Northland to dry, stony silts of the Wairau Valley. Creating wines that taste intrinsically “of our land” is a driving force for the industry as a whole. New Zealand viticulturists have a special relationship with their soil, because it exerts such a strong influence on the wine’s style and character. Main wine regions of the Southth Island: Marlborough, Nelson, Canterbury/Waipara Valley, and Central Otago. Main wine regions of the North Island: Northland, Auckland, Waitkato, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, and Wairarapa (Martinborough). New Zealand counts with 11 main wine regions which are in turn sub-divided into su-regions. To find out more about New Zealand’s wine regions click here. Within these diverse regions, sub-regional characteristics are beginning to show through and wines are now being distinguished as being not just from a wine region, but from a sub-region and a place. There are a number of distinct major winegrowing regions spread throughout New Zealand, with the majority on the East coast of the Islands in the rain shadow of the mountains. The long ripening period – a result of cool temperatures – allows flavour development whilst retaining fresh acidity, a balance for which New Zealand wines are renowned. ![]() New Zealand wine is distinctive for its purity, vibrancy and intensity. New Zealand has just over 4 million people with a country 10% larger than UK & Northern Ireland – 275,000 sq km’s Vineyards benefit from the moderating effect of the maritime climate (no vineyard is more than 120km, or 80 miles, from the ocean) with long sunshine hours and nights cooled by sea breezes. New Zealand extends 1,600km (1000 miles) from sub-tropical Northland (36° S) to the world’s most southerly grape growing region Central Otago (46° S). Everything you need to know about New Zealand wine.
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