New Zealand’s Wine Future Bright and Red

New Zealand’s Wine Future Bright and Red

While everyone loves Sauvignon, other varieties are eclipsing the perennial star of New Zealand’s show. There is a quiet revolution going on in New Zealand wine and, for once, Sauvignon Blanc is not at the center of the story. The announcement of the gold-medal winners for the Air New Zealand Wine Awards, the country’s top wine competition, proved that, as far as quality is concerned, Pinot Noir rules the roost. Despite making up a little more than 8 percent of the country’s plantings, Pinot Noir accounted for 17 out of 91 gold medals awarded, with Sauvignon Blanc second with 14 golds and Chardonnay picking up 13.

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