The International Pinot Noir Day, August 18 is the perfect time to celebrate New Zealand, the home to more than 260 cellar doors with over 500 winery experiences. New Zealand Pinot Noir is now the country’s top red wine variety and the second-most exported wine after Sauvignon Blanc.
Pinot Noir is predominantly grown in the cooler southerly regions in New Zealand: Wairarapa, Marlborough, Nelson, North Canterbury, and Central Otago. The huge diversity in climates and soils enables a wide range of styles from these main Pinot Noir producing regions, while also offering experiences unique to each region.
Growing this grape isn’t easy, but it sure is worth it. Not only do these grapes taste amazing when turned into wine, they are beautiful to gaze upon when growing.
Wairarapa
Wairarapa, meaning “land of glistening waters” in Māori, is the main North Island region with a climate best suited to this heartbreak grape. With a fascinating early settler history, vines were first planted here in 1883 but fell victim to the temperance movement in 1905. Wairarapa’s modern wine history dates from the late 1970s, and the region boasts some of New Zealand’s most sought-after Pinot Noir producers. Between sub-regions Martinborough, Gladstone, and Masterton, there are over 30 cellar doors. The region’s flagship red is richly flavoured and warm, with darker fruit aromas, often with a savoury component.
Marlborough
Although Marlborough is known for its Sauvignon Blanc, it is also the largest Pinot Noir growing region in New Zealand. The first plantings of the variety in Marlborough took place as far back as 1973, though for the next 20-plus years most of the Pinot Noir fruit grown in the region was used to make sparkling wine until serious growth began after the year 2000. Marlborough is a wine-lovers dream destination, as visitors can choose from more than 40 cellar doors within minutes of touching down at the Blenheim airport.
Nelson
The picturesque region of Nelson is found on the northern tip of the South Island, and because it is protected by mountain ranges on three sides, Nelson is blessed climatically. The region often leads the country in sunshine hours, while the dryness of the late summer months suits early ripening Pinot Noir. Nelson has a vibrant artistic and café culture and offers a wonderful sense of tranquillity and relaxation – add in a National Park and many cellar doors all on Nelson’s doorstep, and you have the perfect place to enjoy the wines and the scenery.
North Canterbury
In North Canterbury, Pinot Noir here ranges from perfumed and pretty, to dark and brooding. North Canterbury’s cool, dry climate with high sunshine and a long growing season gives this region’s Pinot Noir finesse and depth, with supple structure and good complexity. Today, vineyards are dotted across the region, and North Canterbury is a great wine destination for those looking to discover some hidden gems. The cellar doors of North Canterbury are all within easy reach of the Christchurch Airport, ensuring you are sipping wine shortly after touchdown.
Central Otago
A spectacular landscape and popular tourist hub, Central Otago is also home to some of the world’s most well-known Pinot Noir and is the world’s southernmost wine region. Pinot Noir from Central Otago is fragrant, lush fruit underpinned by taut structure, silky texture and true intensity. Easily accessible through Queenstown Airport, Central Otago is the perfect place to cosy up to the fire with a glass of Pinot Noir.
For the best New Zealand Pinot Noir experience, the age for 2-5 years and serve at 15 degrees Celsius/60 degrees Fahrenheit. A large round bell-shaped glass is perfect to serve Pinot, as it collects the delicate aromas of the wine. Take a journey through the scenic vineyards in New Zealand where this notoriously fickle grape is grown.
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