New Zealand

Home to some of the world’s most iconic wine styles, their exemplar Sauvignon Blanc’s and Pinot Noir’s have seen New Zealand wines soar in popularity across the world and by no means least, in the hearts of British consumer. A relative newcomer to the winemaking world, but in a short period of time New Zealand has established itself as a top wine producing country, and though small in size, it has had a big impact on the world of wine.

Between the North and South Island there are 10 grape growing regions, with varying micro-climates and soils. Most notable of these is of course Marlborough, a region which has done so much to successfully promote the image of New Zealand wines as a whole. At the north-eastern tip of the South Island, Marlborough is responsible for producing some of the country’s finest wines and over time has become synonymous with one grape variety in particular, Sauvignon Blanc.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is iconic, boasting clean fruit, freshness and sharp acidity, it has become a staple in shops and on restaurant wine lists across the UK. Thriving in this Mediterranean climate, benefitting from the close proximity to the sea and the temperature shifts between hot days and cool nights. This match made in heaven was too big for New Zealand vignerons to ignore and now, out of around 38,500 hectares of land planted with vines here, approximately three quarters is planted with Sauvignon Blanc.