Central Otago

Central Otago is the world’s most southerly vineyard, it is the only New Zealand region with a continental climate. The first vines were only planted in the 1980’s and the region is dominated by pinot noir (with 79% of the planted hectarage). Other varieties planted are Pinot Gris (10%), Riesling (4%), Chardonnay (3%) and Sauvignon Blanc (2%) and a small amount of Gewurztraminer. Vineyards are planted on valley slopes to catch maximum sunshine and reduce spring frost risk. There are 6 sub-zones in Otago, the original being Bannockburn, which is one of the warmest and arguably the best. Nearby are Alexandra and Cromwell, both of which show great potential and Bendigo, the warmest region and the one undergoing the heaviest planting. Gibbston and Wanaka are the final two, cooler and later ripening and making wines with perhaps greater elegance. Central Otago pinot is intensely fruity and decidedly voluptuous, often with creamy tannins. It has rapidly established itself as a premium region in the eyes of international consumers, however with so many young vines and new vineyards, the real potential here is yet to be achieved.