The flavor of wheat grass in wine of South Island

Discover the of South Island wines revealing the of wheat 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.

News on wine flavors

Domaines Henri Martin – the spirit of family and terroir

The story of Domaines Henri Martin is that of a family business founded on a shared commitment, across generations, to produce wines with character, true to the quality of the exceptional vineyards and the history of the iconic estates they hail from. Descending from a family rooted in the Médoc for more than 300 years, Henri Martin was well aware of the potential of some of the region’s finest parcels. Motivated by this belief and by a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, he accomplished something q ...

Rhône Valley Wine Tour with Matt Walls

We are excited to announce the first of Decanter’s Wine Experiences, a series of carefully curated wine trips hosted by our regional wine specialists. Each trip is a carefully tailored once-in-a-lifetime experience that will grant guests access to the best vineyards, restaurants and wine experts of the region.   Starting with a trip to the Rhône valley, Matt Walls will be hosting the first Decanter Wine Experience, imparting his knowledge of the region which he has honed over the years while rep ...

Bordeaux innovators: Meet the names to know

When I first visited Bordeaux, the sleepy landscape of turreted stone châteaux and vineyards seemed timeless, with traditions so well established you felt they would go on forever. But new energy in this famous wine region is visible and audible: bees buzz and sheep graze in organic vineyards; brand-new cellars brim with sustainable features and wine fermenting in trendy amphorae; unusual grapes are gaining attention; and the number of women in key roles keeps growing. Yoga among the vines is s ...