Gisborne
Main grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chenin Blanc
Sub-regions: Ormond, Patutahi, Manutuke
Climate: With seemingly endless hours of sunshine, Gisborne’s climate is warm to say the least, and it tends to be the first of NZ's regions to be harvested. Though rainfall in the late summer/autumn months can be a bit of a challenge for producers, recent advances in viticulture techniques have made life a lot easier for them. Sea breezes have a powerful cooling influence here, which does much in the way of moderating the summer heat.
You should know... Gisborne is predominantly a bulk production region and white wine is definitely where it’s at here, with Chardonnay dominating the area. Gisborne Chardonnays have a tendency to be highly aromatic, with rich, lush palates bursting with fruit, and while many simple, early-drinking styles are produced here there are also some really quality wines on the market with a strong intensity and promising longevity.
Sub-regions: Ormond, Patutahi, Manutuke
Climate: With seemingly endless hours of sunshine, Gisborne’s climate is warm to say the least, and it tends to be the first of NZ's regions to be harvested. Though rainfall in the late summer/autumn months can be a bit of a challenge for producers, recent advances in viticulture techniques have made life a lot easier for them. Sea breezes have a powerful cooling influence here, which does much in the way of moderating the summer heat.
You should know... Gisborne is predominantly a bulk production region and white wine is definitely where it’s at here, with Chardonnay dominating the area. Gisborne Chardonnays have a tendency to be highly aromatic, with rich, lush palates bursting with fruit, and while many simple, early-drinking styles are produced here there are also some really quality wines on the market with a strong intensity and promising longevity.
