Thirty years ago, Wine Spectator published the first major story about New Zealand wine. “Uncorking New Zealand: Time to Try Its Dazzling Whites” read the cover, with images of corks from Cloudy Bay and Coopers Creek. Back then, the two-island nation had about 15,000 acres planted, and sold just under 1 million cases worldwide.
Since then, New Zealand has become one of the world’s most successful wine nations. Currently there are 102,000 acres planted, and 40 million cases were sold in 2023, according to the New Zealand Winegrowers. The tiny country produces less than 2% of the global wine supply, but it’s the world’s sixth-largest exporter of wine by value. Another thing that’s evolved? The image of corks no longer applies, as most vintners there eschew cork (only about 15% of the wines we review still use the closure).
Moreover, New Zealand’s vibrant, fresh, aromatic wines have changed the conversation about wine styles globally. Its zingy Sauvignon Blancs have been embraced by wine lovers, and I see that influence in crisp white wines all over the world.
“Freshness and vibrancy [in wine] is a star which is always going to be growing because our food preferences are becoming cleaner and fresher,” points out Cloudy Bay winemaker Nikolai St. George. “It’s nice to see some varieties and some of the Old World countries that are being cleaned up and freeing up a few faults and tidying up now for sure.”
The reputation of New Zealand wines has been cemented in dependability and overdelivering for the price. Based on the 180 wines I have reviewed in blind tastings at our Napa office since my previous report (“Eyes on the Prize,” Oct. 31, 2023), New Zealand wines offer an exciting mix of varieties, regions and expressions, centered around cool-climate Sauvignon Blancs, Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.
Back in 1994, we posed the question, when will wine lovers in the United States begin to take notice of these wines?
Denne historien er fra October 31, 2024-utgaven av Wine Spectator.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra October 31, 2024-utgaven av Wine Spectator.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
New Zealand's Success Story
From small beginnings, the country’s wines have ascended to global prominence
Wine Is Healthiest Choice for Drinkers
Decades of research has linked light to moderate drinking, especially of wine, to a range of health benefits.
In Pursuit of the Perfect Crust
“Dough is always the hardest challenge for any home chef,” explains chef and restaurateur Tony Gemignani. “But it’s the foundation of any great pizza.”
SEAVEY VINEYARD
In Napa’s Conn Valley, a family-run winery marches to its own drum
CALIFORNIA RHONES Show Their Range
RECENT VINTAGES DELIVER EXCELLENT REDS AND WHITES IN AN ARRAY OF STYLES
Tuscany Comes of Age
Anchored by the 2021 vintage, Tuscan reds set a new standard of quality
The Absolute Best Places to Eat and Drink in America
PROFILES OF THE 63 WINE SPECTATOR GRAND AWARD WINNERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY TODAY, AS THE PROGRAM MARKS ITS 44TH YEAR
Events- A Grand Tour for Wine Spectator- a perfect day with an evening of outstanding wines.
A young couple in shorts and festival shirts sped into the ballroom of the New Orleans Marriott on a mission.
Big Wine Players Target Pinot Noir - Plenty of small winery owners are cashing out, either because they're looking to retire or they see selling as the best way to keep their label growing
Plenty of small winery owners are cashing out, either because they’re looking to retire or they see selling as the best way to keep their label growing
Restaurant Awards- Lazy Bear- Lazy Bear bills itself as a modern American dinner party. But it's so much more.
Lazy Bear bills itself as a modern American dinner party. But it’s so much more. This Mission District restaurant effortlessly strips away the formality of a multicourse dinner and replaces it with conviviality, nostalgia and curiosity. With reverence for time and place, Lazy Bear is an ode to California where guests dine in concert with the season and can explore diverse wines, including an impressive collection of older California vintages.
