New-zealand/north-island/northland">Northland, as its name suggests, is New Zealand's northernmost wine-producing region, around four hours' drive northwest of the country's largest city, Auckland. Most of the Northland region's wineries are situated on the east coast, particularly around the Bay of Islands and the Karikari Pensinula, with another cluster on the west coast near Kaitaia.
The region's red wines are mostly produced from Syrah, Pinotage">Pinotage and the Hybrid variety Chambourcin. Chardonnay leads the way for white wine grape varieties; Pinot Gris, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc are among the other varieties cultivated here.
Although Northland's contribution to the New Zealand wine industry is minuscule (in 2013, the region crushed 130 metric tonnes of grapes, compared to Marlborough's 250,000), it is important historically. The first vines were planted in the Bay of Islands in 1819, a Full 30 years before missionaries began planting in the Hawkes Bay. The founding father of viticulture in the Antipodes, James Busby, had a Vineyard at his house at Waitangi before going on to establish the Hunter Valley wine region in Australia. This Waitangi property is also where New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in 1840.
In the late 1800s, kauri-gum diggers from Croatia began to move into the area in search of fortune, bringing winemaking traditions from their homeland. While viticulture in the region has never been viable on a large scale, Northland's boutique wine industry is growing fast, with the Northland Wine Growers Association (formed in 2007) boasting a membership of more than 50.
Northland's sub-tropical Climate is unique in New Zealand. Warm, humid summers and rainy winters are challenging for growers, who must employ careful vineyard techniques to avoid mildew and rot.
Originally from Italy, it is the famous Sangiovese of Tuscany producing the famous wines of Brunello de Montalcino and Chianti. This variety is registered in the Official Catalogue of Wine Grape Varieties, list A1. According to recent genetic analysis, it is the result of a natural cross between the almost unknown Calabrese di Montenuovo (mother) and Ciliegiolo (father).
red wines from the region of North Island go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, lamb or game (deer, venison) such as recipes of feijoada ( portuguese cassoulet ), tajine of beef balls and merguez or lamb chops marinated with herbs.
Severe drought and heatwaves have provided challenges for wine producers across Europe in 2022, from maintaining vine health to concerns about – and the impact of – wildfires. Early harvests have been a feature of the vintage and reports emerged this week of records being broken at some white wine-producing estates in Bordeaux. Spain’s Caserío de Dueñas estate in DO Rueda said it began a record early harvest on 16 August this year. While drought and heat have put pressure on yields in some regio ...
Inside the Christmas 2022 issue of Decanter magazine: FEATURES Mastering Christmas Discover which delicious vinous treats MWs Susie Barrie and Peter Richards will be pouring at home this year Christmas vintages What’s prime for drinking: tips from our experts Vintage preview: Chablis 2021 Short supply, but classic styles in a tricky year. By Andy Howard MW Château Branaire-Ducru What makes this fourth-growth classic a St-Julien gem. Georgina Hindle World of Pinot Noir In a time of change: where ...
Wine lovers with a valid passport can apply for the Majestic ‘vintern’ scheme, launched this week and dubbed by the retailer as ‘the best summer job ever’. A three-day placement will include a visit to Quinta da Boavista vineyards in Portugal’s picturesque Douro region. Majestic said the vintern will also taste wines from its Wine Club’s Spain & Portugal Summer Case ‘in situ’, before trying the same wines back at home for comparison. It is offering £600 remuneration for three days, which it ...
