New Zealand Wine Catalogue 2022New Zealand Wine Catalogue 2022
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AucklandAuckland

Auckland

This large and very diverse region is home to some of New Zealand’s biggest wine companies, as well as numerous high-quality boutique vineyards, offering something for every palate.

Key statistics

285

Total Producing Hectares

<1%

Proportion of Total NZ Production (Tonnes)

36

Total Number of Varieties Grown
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Characteristics

Climate
2,060 hours of average annual sunshine. 1,240 millimeters of average annual rainfall. Warm and relatively humid for the most part, rainfall (which decreases moving eastward) can be high some seasons; ripening grapes is generally not a problem but disease pressure can be, lessened by site selection and viticulture techniques. Waiheke Islands Hauraki Gulf location gives it a particularly distinct climate, being both drier, warmer and assisted by cooling sea breezes.
Soil
Auckland's extensive volcanic history has overlain its ancient bedrock with much younger material; millennia have then weathered this away to predominately clay soils, though layered sandstone, mudstone and wind-blown silt are also common. All subregions can vary significantly and while generally soils provide quite poor drainage, management and clone selection have enabled the production of premium wines.
Kumeu
Redolent in history, a source of some of the country’s best wines - a trip ‘out west’ is mandatory for wine lovers. Fertile soils and warm, humid weather are challenging but experience counts and numerous wines regularly receive international plaudits. Chardonnay and Merlot are highlights though the range is broad. Some larger wineries also source fruit from other regions to keep pace with supply.
Waiheke Island
The picturesque island location of Waiheke both defines its boundaries and contributes to its unique terroir. The warm, dry maritime climate promotes intensity, varietal depth and purity of fruit. Long renowned for its exciting red blends, Syrah is a rising star, fresh, elegant and silky, though a range of other varieties from Montepulciano to Petit Verdot, Chardonnay to Viognier also do well.
Matakana
Approximately an hour’s drive north of Auckland is Matakana’s pretty rolling hills and a most welcoming area for wine tourists. Vines are relatively recent but produce stylish Pinot Gris, Syrah and powerful red varieties. The climate is balmy and humid, testing for viticulture, yet careful site selection and vine husbandry ensures warm, spicy wines with good body and texture.
Primary varieties
25% Chardonnay, 16% Syrah, 12% Pinot Gris, 12% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon

About the region

A large, important and very diverse region, home to New Zealands biggest wine companies and tiny boutique vineyards, both of which produce some of its finest wines.


Spread across a large, geographically diverse area, the Auckland wine region encompasses the distinctive vineyard island of Waiheke, the historic West Auckland subregions of Kumeu, Huapai and Waimauku, and stretches north to the coastal enclave of Matakana, and south to Clevedons rolling hills. Award-winning Gewurztraminer is even crafted next to Auckland International Airport.
These areas were established in the early 1900s by Croatian, Lebanese and English winemakers whose legacy and names endure today; Babich, Brajkovich, Corbans, Delegats, and Nobilo to name just a few. While Aucklands current acreage is considerably smaller, magnitude remains in its collective experience, with presence of significant wine companies and not least, exciting, high quality wines over its length and breadth.


Whilst difficult to generalise across such varied terroirs, the subregions are united by a few common factors; volcanic, clay-rich soils, a temperate maritime climate and significantly, proximity to New Zealands largest, most economically important city.


Home to powerful, intense reds – Red blends in the north and
on Waiheke Island (which also has thrilling Syrah) – plus world class Chardonnay and fine Aromatics, the modern Auckland wine industry continues to shine.

Exhibitors with wines from this region

Giesen Group

New Zealand, Marlborough , Blenheim
 
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