Marlborough is the leading wine region in New Zealand, which produces more than half of the country's wines. Since the late 1980's, the region is seen as the home of Sauvignon Blanc in the New World.
Marlborough takes the northeast part of the South Island. The region had developed its wine potential later than the North Island's wine regions. Its remarkable growth began in the 1970's with the growing of Sauvignon Blanc grapes. These days, Marlborough is home to the highest number of vineyards in New Zealand. Lately, the creation of wine estates is surging because the local producers want to create their own brand to stand out on the international scene.
Marlborough's valleys are surrounded by mountains. In the west, Richmond Mountains divide Marlborough with Nelson, in the southeast corner the Kaikoura Ranges protect against the oceanic winds and the currents from Antarctic.
Marlborough is divided by two parallel valleys, Wairau and Awatere. They follow the course of two rivers from northeast to the southeast. The vineyards know a high risk of frost. Wairau Valley has a cool climate but Awatere Valley has to deal with colder conditions. Wairau Valley has a wide array of soils. In the north, the gravel lands produces Sauvignon Blanc wines with green pepper flavors whereas the warmer sites make tropical wines.
Grape Varieties in Marlborough
Sauvignon Blanc is Marlborough's star variety, such that the region is deeply linked with the grape, like Mendoza and Malbec. The white wines have a refreshing acidity blended with citrus fruit aromas and sometimes-tropical fruit flavors. Awatere Valley produces crisp wines with zest of green citrus, green pepper and powerful tomato notes. The Marlborough wine estates have other white varietals such as Riesling, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay.
Pinot Noir is side by side with Sauvignon Blanc as a variety used to make the high-quality wines. The red wines have structured tannins and spicy red fruit flavors.
Best producers in Marlborough
Cloudy Bay is the most well known wine estate thanks to its worldly famous Sauvignon Blanc, one of the best of New Zealand. Craggy Range, Isabel Estate, Villa Maria, Wither Hills are too important producers in Marlborough who make outstanding wines.
