Marlborough may be known for searing Sauvignon Blanc, but the region is emerging as a world class Pinot Noir producer.
Dive into a look at New Zealand’s rising star.
Pinot territory. Southern Valleys, Marlborough. Photo Courtesy of: Kevin Judd – Greywacke
Marlborough Pinot Noir
Marlborough turns out vibrantly textured, intensely aromatic wines. With its explosive tropical fruit, green herbaceousness, and racy acidity, Sauvignon Blanc is the region’s (and NZ’s) signature wine, but other varietals flourish in this vinous paradise.
A potent Pinot culture has established itself in Marlborough and is a growing force on the New Zealand scene. Marlborough Pinot Noir showcases the region’s pristine fruit, with additional layers of minerality and exotic spices.
Lush, fleshy Pinots with spicy depth drawn from the clay-soiled Southern Valleys, while vibrant, savory-herbal styles spring from the river gravels of Awatere.
Across this diverse winescape, polished tannins and maritime acidity structure Pinots of power and elegance.
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Good examples of Marlborough Pinot typically display bright red fruits like maraschino or morello cherry, and boysenberry accented by perfumed rose petal, lavender, and violet notes.
Lifted bouquets are brought down to earth by brambly, smoky, and truffle undertones, and a layer of stony minerality. Seductive spices like anise, clove, sasparilla, and liquorice tend to appear, along with sweet tobacco, fresh ground coffee, and dark chocolate.
These multi-layered, ethereal concoctions display classic cool-climate vibrancy and abundant ripe acidity that drives a long, clean finish. Like all top-notch New Zealand Pinot Noir, these wines are deeply concentrated without being big or heavy. They clearly reflect Marlborough’s terroir.
Terroir Marlborough. Photo Courtesy of: Richard Briggs
Marlborough Terroir
Marlborough’s well endowed from a grape-growing perspective. At 41.3 latitude, it’s the antipodean equivalent of central France, only with a deep oceanic influence.
In terms of Heat Degree Days (HDD) and rainfall, the region’s almost identical to Sancerre and Burgundy, so it’s little wonder Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir all thrive here!
New Zealand is a windswept archipelago that receives frequent batterings from the Roaring Forties. On the edge of this weather world, Marlborough’s geographic positioning is key.
The Southern Alps and the Richmond Ranges block rain that blows in from the Tasman Sea, while the Wither Hills buffer against southerly blasts direct from Antarctica. The temperate amphitheatre keeps clouds at bay and the sun shining over Marlborough.
Seddon Pinot Noir vineyard along the gravelly…
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