Making the Case for New Zealand Reds
BY REBECCA GIBB MW | MARCH 02, 2021
Almost a century before Pinot Noir found its feet in Central Otago and Martinborough, a Croatian-born viticulturist toured New Zealand to assess the potential for making wine. In 1895, Romeo Bragato visited the country’s fledgling vineyards, tasting the fruit and delivering his thoughts on the suitability of the climate and soils. In his
Report on the Prospects of Viticulture in New Zealand, he declared that Central Otago, the Wairarapa and Hawke’s Bay were well adapted to wine production. In a later publication Bragato suggested that the most suitable red grapes were Syrah, the two Cabernets, Dolcetto and Pinot Noir. However, the brakes were slammed on New Zealand’s development as a wine-producing nation. Bragato’s report coincided with the rise of a strong temperance movement, which led to a close-run vote on prohibition in 1919 and ushered in a slew of restrictive measures on wine sales, some of w
New Zealand Wine Week to kick off next month 7th January, 2021 by Lucy Shaw
New Zealand Winegrowers is to launch its inaugural New Zealand Wine Week next month, which will take place from 8-14 February.
With activities planned across the US, UK, Ireland and Canada, New Zealand Wine Week’s events programme includes tastings and discussions.
“These events will explore our New Zealand wine story showcasing our premium, sustainable and diverse wines, and the opportunity to participate in live discussions with leading wine voices from around the world,” said Charlotte Read, general manager marketing at New Zealand Winegrowers.
“In these challenging times we are delighted to be able to work together across our key Northern Hemisphere markets to bring a wide range of valuable intel and insight from renowned speakers.