10. Marlborough, New Zealand
GST: 15.4
Plantings: 23,200ha
Main grapes: 77% Sauvignon Blanc, 11% Pinot Noir, 5% Chardonnay
Marlborough’s developing sub-regions provide ample evidence that a single GST for an entire cool climate region is a broad measure.
The Southern Valleys are a series of valleys perpendicular to the (original) Wairau valley at its southern, cooler side, extending into the marginal northern slopes of the Wither Hills.
“Waihopai is the biggest of the southern valleys, with the most potential”, said Sam Weaver of Churton Wines, which sits at 200m above sea level. “But vineyards are frost prone, and water availability is an issue.”
Cooler still is the Awatere valley, over the Wither Hills to the south. Jason Flowerday of Te Whare Ra (based in the Wairau valley) works with a grower….