New Zealand

Question 1

Hawke’s Bay - Which WHITE grape varieties are grown here?

Answer 1

Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Pinot Gris

Question 2

Hawke’s Bay - Which RED grape varieties are grown here?

Answer 2

Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir
Syrah
Cabernet Franc
Malbec

Question 3

Hawke’s Bay - Facts

Answer 3

• Extends around the towns of Napier and Hastings on the east coast of the North Island
• the oldest vineyard area
• the second largest vineyard area after Marlborough
• one of the best
• warm maritime climate
• regular sunshine ensures ripening
• optimum rainfall (400mm, throughout the year)
• Chardonnay (5000 ha)
• Merlot (1017 ha)
• Sauvignon Blanc (895 ha)
• Cabernet Sauvignon (387 ha)
• Pinot Noir (376 ha)
• almost all vineyards on alluvial plains
• soil types vary from well-drained gravel, sandy loam to silty loam; limestone hills
• Classification “Gimblett Gravels”: 800 ha, almost pure gravel with soil washed away by rivers before they changed path. High quality area with requirement for irrigation and addition of nutriants. Appears on the label.
• Bay View in the North is a suntrap: less planted, warm maritime, bud-burst comes earlier, Bordeaux varieties ripen comparatively quickly
• Te Mata peak in the south: frost-free, north-facing, well-draining, ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon (John Buck bought the place)
• Mission Estate in Napier is NZ’s oldest winery
• Esk Valley Estate
• Ta Mata Estate
• Unison, estate in the middle of Gimblett Gravels