Terrior of the Wairau
Plains and the Gimblett Gravels Grape Growing Distrct
Terroir
Definition of Terroir
A " terroir " is a group of
vineyards (or even vines) from the same region,
belonging to a specific designated area, and sharing
the same type of soil, weather conditions, grapes
and wine making style, which contribute to give
a specific personality to the wine.
It is worth noting that the
great wines of the world are made in regions with
the most marginal grape growing climates for the
selected varieties. The great wines of the Medoc
in Bordeaux are a great example of this. The vignerons
of the Medoc have been very successful in their
manipulation of Terroir, allowing them to make
fantastic wines and decrease the amount of off
vintages.
New Zealands wine regions have
a wide range of Terroir ranging from the warmer
north to the cooler south.
Marlborough has a world-renowned
terroir and microclimate. With its unique combination
of infertile and free-draining stony soils, high
annual sunshine hours and a crisp coastal climate.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is a great example
of how Terroir can create an amazing unique style
of wine no other wine region in the world can
match.
The Gimblett Gravels in Hawke's
Bay are a unique layer of river bed soils, that
were exposed after a flood in 1870 redirected
the Ngaruroro River. This unique sub region is
around 3 degrees celsius warmer than other sub
regions in Hawke's Bay during the Summer and Autumn
months and because of thermal conductivity in
the stoney soils, the evenings are also warmer.
The gravels climate encourages greater berry development
and encompassed with Terroir manipulation using
good vineyard management it produces great wines
to match some of the best in the world.
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