Hawke's Bay Wines
A relatively large and diverse region capable of producing a wide range of varieties to a very high standard, Hawke’s Bay is best known for it’s Hawke's Bay Merlot Cabernet blends and Syrah, and equally impressive Chardonnay, however aromatic whites are consistently good and plantings of Pinot Noir at cooler sites are showing great results. The climate and lengthy growing season also allows regular production of successful dessert styles. New varieties are continually trialled.
PLANTINGS AND STYLES
Syrah 334ha
An exciting variety showing great distinction, gaining strength as sites and clones are refined. Wines are perfumed, elegant with ripe fruit, supple tannins and lingering spice.
Hawke's Bay Merlot Cabernet Blends 1,502ha in 2016
- Merlot 1,079ha
- Malbec 102ha
- Cabernet Sauvignon 243ha
- Cabernet Franc 78ha
Hawke's Bay Merlot Cabernet blends are highly successful, producing wines of great power, elegance and longevity.
Merlot is increasingly the higher percentage in blends, offering rich plummy depths.
Pinot Noir 275ha
Early plantings in Hawke's Bay were primarily for sparkling base production and were on heavier soils. More recent plantings in the last 20 years utilise clones more suited to the production of premium still Pinot Noir and sit inland at cooler, higher altitude sites. Varietal aromatics of cherry, berry fruits, plum, florals and spice, through to more savoury and earthy examples, all with beautifully soft and supple tannins and great flavour richness.
Pinot Gris 432ha
Aromatic, spicy, bold ripe wines with balanced acidity and good body, retaining excellent varietal character and freshness.
Chardonnay 1,041ha
Flagship white variety with excellent fruit intensity and complexity. Wines are full-bodied, lengthy, almost opulent but with finely tuned acidity balancing the richness.
Sauvignon Blanc 918ha
Rich, tropical fruit laden wines, underpinned by bright acidity, they often seen a degree of oak fermentation or maturation, adding complexity and body.
Individual wineries have had great success with Gewürztraminer, Viognier, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Semillon, and Chenin Blanc. Other, more experimental varieties include Arneis, Verdelho.
