More than 2 million Australians visited Queenstown in the last 12 months – more than any other destination in New Zealand. While there most have a glass or two of Central Otago pinot noir.
Pinotfiles who enjoy the pinots of Sonoma, Oregon or Burgundy must now be convinced that true value lies with the region of Central Otago.
Most will know that the country’s greatest contribution to the world of wine is their infamous sauvignon blanc, but pinot noir has been making large strides in quality and recognition over the past 20 years.
Central Otago lies on the southern end of New Zealand’s South Island. The region boasts the most southerly wine region in the world, just south of the 45th parallel, the threshold for growing grapes in both the northern and southern hemispheres.
It also has the country’s only continental climate – defined by greater daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations. In some instances, the difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows can reach 55 degrees. What makes this region viable is how dry and long the days are. This far south, the sun is out a long time, which leads to ripe fruit. Conversely, the cool, dry nights help the grapes retain acidity. The resulting wines display depth, concentration and high-toned, vibrant acidity.
Vineyards this far south need to be on north-facing hillsides. It satisfys the vines’ thirst for sunny mornings. Hillside vineyards receive more direct sun than vineyards on the valley floor. Also, valley floors tend to pool cold air at night and make vines more susceptible to frost. An exception to this is the multi winning trophy Two Degrees vineyard in the sub region of Queensberry located between Cromwell and Wanaka. Here it lies between on one side, the Pisa mountain range and on a gradient of 2 degrees the raging Clutha River. The Clutha is the second longest river in NZ and the longest in the South Island. Because of this unique location the cool mountain air is sucked over the vineyard by the river so Two Degrees does not get frosts but benefits from very sub cool nights and hot days frost free..
The second most important aspect is drainage. Rainfall drains away from hillside vines and won’t pool below the soil’s surface and drown the roots. Vines thrive when they are thirsty and searching for water, not when they have an endless supply. On the other hand Two Degrees location is on volcanic and river loam and gravel so it’s vines go deep searching for volcanic springs. Central Otago actually receives on average just 20 inches of rain annually, half of what Burgundy, France, receives.
Within Central Otago, there are more than 20 sub-appellations, each vying to become the best. Pinot gris, chardonnay and riesling are also planted there, and thanks to their cold-hearty nature, they also do well. However these other varietals make up less than 15 percent of Central Otago’s wine. It is clear that like sauvignon blanc up north, Central Otago is officially New Zealand’s pinot noir headquarters..
In terms of style, these wines are typically darker in fruit profile than Oregon and Burgundy, yet lighter and lower in alcohol than California. All things considered, these wines do not fetch the more expensive prices of California, Oregon or Burgundy. They begin at NZ$20, which is a great starting point.
For more information and price on Two Degrees pinot noir email: info@winecommander.net
