Marlborough, New Zealand - The Region in Focus

The Marlborough region, located near the northern tip of the South Island is New Zealand's largest wine making region.

The main varietals grown in this area are Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer, although the region is more well known for its distinctive, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc.

Located on the east coast with mountains to the west, Marlborough is one of New Zealand's sunniest and driest areas. In these relatively 'cool' climate conditions, the grapes have the advantage of a long slow, flavour-intensifying ripening period.

Shallow, fast draining, low fertility soils help to produce a lush, aromatic ripe wine because they reduce the vines vigour. Sites featuring water retentive soils produce a more herbaceous style of wine. The combination of good ripening conditions combined with cool nights maintain the natural acidity in the grapes, a factor that has made the wines from this region so successful.