With our New Zealand wine tasting coming up this Friday, we thought it might be an idea to share some fun facts about New Zealand! This country is well known for its Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, and with good reason! The Marlborough region, at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, produces 70% of all wine made in the country, and Sauvignon Blanc makes up 78% of all white wine produced.
Pinot Noir is the main red grape grown in New Zealand, making up 73% of all red wine made, but still just 14% of all wine made in NZ. Phew, stats!!
Villa Maria winery was founded in 1961 by Sir George Fistonich, the son of Croatian immigrants. His parents wanted him to become a carpenter with a trade, but George had other ideas as the large Croatian community were very fond of wine. Having completed his joinery apprenticeship, he started making his own wine at home. From a standing start, George built up his formidable wine empire which includes not only Villa Maria, but Esk Valley, Vidal, Left Field and more.
Villa Maria wines are exported all over the world, but the UK is an important market. The UK is the second largest importer of New Zealand wines (the largest being the US), even beating Australia over NZ imports.
The earliest recorded plantings of grapevines in New Zealand was as long ago as 1819, and the first official winemaker was a Scot named James Busby who had already established a reputation for winemaking in Australia, and began commercial plantings in New Zealand in the 1830’s. James Busby was quite a firebrand, being instrumental in New Zealand gaining its independence, and in designing its own national flag.
At our tastying this Friday, we will be exploring some of the lesser known grape varieties of New Zealand – there won’t be any Sauvignon Blanc, but there will be plenty to keep you interested!!