If you’re a wine lover, then you’ve probably heard of Hawke’s Bay, a wine region in New Zealand that’s gaining quite a reputation for its exceptional wines. Situated on the east coast of the North Island, Hawke’s Bay is known for its diverse terroir, which allows for the production of a wide variety of wine styles.
Gimblett Gravels
One of the most famous and revered wine sub-regions in Hawke’s Bay is Gimblett Gravels. Here’s what you need to know about this exceptional area:
- Soil: The region’s defining feature is its gravelly soil, which is a remnant of an ancient riverbed. This unique soil composition provides excellent drainage and heat retention, resulting in wines with intense flavors and distinctive characteristics.
- Wines: Gimblett Gravels is particularly renowned for its Bordeaux-style reds, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. These wines are known for their rich, concentrated flavors, firm tannins, and potential for aging.
- Notable Wineries: Some of the notable wineries in Gimblett Gravels include Craggy Range, Elephant Hill, and Trinity Hill.
Te Awanga
Located on the coast, Te Awanga is a picturesque wine region with its own unique charm. Let’s explore its characteristics:
- Climate: Te Awanga benefits from a maritime climate, with cooling sea breezes that help to moderate temperatures and retain acidity in the grapes. This results in vibrant and refreshing wines.
- Wines: Chardonnay is the star of Te Awanga, producing elegant and well-balanced wines with vibrant acidity and flavors of citrus and stone fruits. The region also produces excellent Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc.
- Notable Wineries: Elephant Hill, Clearview Estate, and Beach House are among the wineries that call Te Awanga home.
Bridge Pa Triangle
Bridge Pa Triangle is a sub-region of Hawke’s Bay that has been gaining recognition for its exceptional wines. Here’s what you need to know:
- Geography: The region is located on a series of old river terraces, which provide a diverse range of soils and microclimates. This diversity allows for the production of a wide variety of wine styles.
- Wines: Bridge Pa Triangle is known for its outstanding red wines, particularly those made from Bordeaux varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec. These wines display ripe fruit flavors, soft tannins, and great complexity.
- Notable Wineries: Some of the notable wineries in Bridge Pa Triangle include Trinity Hill, Paritua, and Alpha Domus.