New Zealand Wine
Marlborough sauvignon blanc is the reason most people pick up New Zealand wine, and we have plenty.
New Zealand wine questions
What wine is New Zealand known for?
New Zealand is best known for Marlborough sauvignon blanc, with intense passion fruit, lime and freshly cut grass. It made the country famous in the 1980s. Pinot noir is the second star, especially from Central Otago, Martinborough and Marlborough. Chardonnay, riesling and aromatic whites like pinot gris are also excellent.
Why do New Zealand wines use screw caps?
In the early 2000s, New Zealand winemakers made a coordinated switch to screw caps to avoid cork taint, which can spoil a bottle with a musty smell. Screw caps also keep aromatic whites like sauvignon blanc fresh. Today nearly all New Zealand wine uses them, and research shows they work well for aging too.
Is New Zealand pinot noir good?
Yes. New Zealand makes some of the best pinot noir outside Burgundy. Central Otago, the world's southernmost wine region, produces rich, dark-fruited pinot with fine tannin. Martinborough and Marlborough make more elegant, savory styles. It's often fruit-forward but balanced, and good value compared with Burgundy.