The flavor of fresh cut grass in wine of South Island

Discover the of South Island wines revealing the of fresh cut grass flavor during the olphactive analysis (nose) and during the gustative analysis (mouth).

More information on of South Island flavors

Central Otago, near the bottom of New Zealand's South Island, vies for the title of world's most southerly wine region. Vineyards cling to the sides of mountains and high above river gorges in this dramatic landscape. Pinot Noir has proven itself in this challenging Terroir, and takes up nearly three-quarters of the region's vineyard area. The typical Central Otago Pinot Noir is intense and deeply colored, with flavors of doris plum, Sweet spice and bramble.

Two Paddocks, owned by actor Sam Neill, had thought the Last Chance vineyard was the world's most southerly (at 45°15'). But several major Patagonian projects are underway at around 45 to 46°, and Argentina can currently claim the honor for Alejandro Bulgheroni's new vineyard at Sarmiento (45°60'). The viticultural zone covers the mountainous area around the tourist resort town of Queenstown on the eastern side of the Southern Alps. The exact boundaries and sub-regional divisions are not official, but a geographic indication is in the pipeline.

Wineries are scattered around several distinct sub-regions: Gibbston, Alexandra, Wanaka and the Cromwell Basin, itself home to Bendigo, Bannockburn and Lowburn. Lakes Dunstan, Wakatipu and Wanaka all contribute to the terroir as well, along with the Kawarau and Clutha Rivers. Gold brought the first settlers to the region in the 1860s, and most of the towns in this Part of Otago have a Rich gold-mining history. The first vines were planted during this time by a French migrant but, unlike in the Sierra Foothills region of California where the European settlers provided a steady demand for wines, the tough, transient Otago miners had no interest in drinking wine, preferring beer and spirits.

The word of the wine: Metis (grape variety)

A grape variety resulting from the crossing of two varieties of the same species. For example, pinotage (a South African grape variety) is the result of crossing pinot noir and cinsault.

News on wine flavors

Record sales for Burgundy’s Hospices de Nuits 2022 auction

Total sales at the Hospices de Nuits-St-Georges 2022 auction reached €2.49m ($2.74m) from 109 ‘pièces‘ of wines from the Burgundy 2021 vintage, said organisers. Held on Sunday 20 March, sales rose by nearly 30% on last year’s auction, which hit €1.9m from 114 pièces of 2020-vintage wines. One pièce is equivalent to 288 bottles. Sales were €1.6m back in 2020, and this year’s record total is more evidence of Burgundy’s strong momentum on the fine wine market. It also suggests the annua ...

Decanter Editor-in-Chief’s New York Fine Wine Encounter top tips

There are going to be some utterly splendid wines to taste at our New York Fine Wine Encounter – many of the world’s grandest winemakers have brought some of their very best bottles to our event, knowing their hard work and talent will be appreciated by a discerning audience.  My team of experts have picked out a great selection of their personal favourites from the wines on offer, and for their superbly detailed analysis and opinion, you should read the pieces and the picks from Georgie Hindle, ...

Monopoly Napa Valley edition of famous board game released

Fans of California wine and board games can now pour a glass and spend an afternoon playing the new Monopoly Napa Valley edition, released this week by Top Trumps USA, under licence from brand owner Hasbro. Top vineyard areas St. Helena, Calistoga and Yountville are among the properties and places featured, alongside local landmarks and some wineries. Wine lovers who have visited the region may recognise Bounty Hunter, a merchant with a wine bar in downtown Napa. It occupies the high-value ‘Park ...