Discover the top 100 best sparkling wines of North Island as well as the best winemakers in the region. Explore the varietals of the sparkling wines that are popular of North Island and the best vintages to taste in this region.
New Zealand's North Island, warmer and more varied than the South Island. Bordeaux varieties and Pinot Noir as signatures. Merlot in Hawke's Bay as a supple red with notes of plum, ripe cherry, fresh herbs and a spicy touch, round tannins — blended with Cabernet and peppery Syrah. Fine Pinot Noir in Wairarapa/Martinborough (cherry, undergrowth).
Ample Chardonnay in Gisborne ('Chardonnay capital'), taut Sauvignon, floral Pinot Gris. Maritime temperate climate. Varied vineyard.
Very expressive, lively aromatic whites with a pale golden colour, crisp palate with fresh acidity, signature aromas of citrus (grapefruit, lime), exotic fruits (passion fruit), boxwood, blackcurrant bud and mineral notes (flint). Star of Sancerre AOC, Pouilly-Fumé AOC and Pessac-Léognan AOC, defines the great whites of the Loire and Bordeaux. French white variety from Bordeaux and the Loire, exported to New Zealand, South Africa and Chile.
sparkling wines from the region of North Island go well with generally quite well with dishes of rich fish (salmon, tuna etc), shellfish or vegetarian such as recipes of vitello tonnato, paella from an old spanish grandmother... or quiche with bacon and gruyère cheese.
