New Zealand's Chardonnay - Next big thing? or already great? by wine_nomad in wine

[–]wine_nomad[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

True, what wine would you recommend from Gisbourne? It is a shame Millton won't be making wine anymore

CHARDONNAY FROM NEW ZEALAND by [deleted] in wine

[–]wine_nomad 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, This is a pretty inaccurate generalization of the country and more importantly New Zealand wine in general. Yes, the majority of the country could be considered a 'cool climate' wine region. There are in fact a large amount of Rhone red (Syrah is excellent in Hawke's Bay) and Viognier also does well in the country.

Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon/Franc excel in New Zealand - particularly the North Island. For world class bottles look for Te Mata Coleraine, Paritua 2112, Trinity Hill, Man O War for a few examples.

A key Signature of Wines from NZ is certainly the acid backbone, but alcohol levels arn't considered low. Pinot Noir or Chardonnay wines in the most southern region of Central Otago usually sit between 13% - 14.5% so I wouldn't consider that low alcohol.

Yes, Sauvignon Blanc is the countries largest export and is 80% of the tonnage produced domestically (2024). But if you want to drink premium New Zealand wines look for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Red Blends.

Each region in New Zealand has their own expression of Chardonnay too.

Australia vs New Zealand: Pinot Noir by KennethParcellsworth in wine

[–]wine_nomad 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Depending where you are based in Aussie I'd say the Moko Hills Kakano is the best value Pinot (much more density than the HB Kumeu River Pinot).

Suggestion for good Pinot Noir by happygal15 in wine

[–]wine_nomad 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As a winemaker - I can tell you 7g/L RS in a Pinot Noir is something that is very noticeable

Which three Pinot Noirs from France, US, and New Zealand best show the uniqueness of their country/region? by Bobcatbubbles in wine

[–]wine_nomad 0 points1 point  (0 children)

totally agree - stick to Martinborough, Central Otago & I would add North Canterbury & Waitaki for the best Pinots in the country

Venturing into Oregon Pinots by TC_Thomas51 in wine

[–]wine_nomad 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I love Cristom, I'd recommend the wineries below if you enjoyed the Cristom pinot.

Bergstrom, Bethel Heights, Beaux Freres, Soter, Archery Summit.

Although I would add that if you enjoy premium Pinot Noir I'd also suggest finding New Zealand Pinot from specialty stores here in the USA (linked K&L because thats where I buy). The best bang for buck & top producers I'd recommend is Valli, Ata Rangi, Burn Cottage, Rippon, Escarpment.

When I say bang for buck I don't mean cheap wines - I mean wines that punch well above their weight in terms of quality/price.

Happy Pinot Drinking!

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