Not What You’d Expect Paul Tutton, Waipara West Wines

Expect More than Just Great Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand “New Zealand excels beyond Sauvignon Blanc. The country can produce distinctive wines from diverse selection of grapes” Paul Lukacs, Washington Times

More than 25 different varieties planted Share of plantings 2009 Plus even less expected varieties such as Verdehlo, Arneis, Tempranillo, Montepulciano and Zinfandel

10 main regions Span the latitudes of 34 and 47 degrees and Distance of 1,600km Wide range of climates ranging from sub- tropical Northland to ‘Alpine conditions’ of Central Otago Regional Diversity Enables Wide Range of Varieties From Sub- tropical Northland......to mountainous Central Otago LatitudeRain (Oct-Apr) Mean Temp Growing Degree Days (Oct- Apr Keri Keri, Northland S865mm19.3 C1509 Cromwell, Central Otago S243mm16.6 C910

Sweet Wines – Expect more from now on EU legislation changed in late 2009 to allow NZ to export dessert wines to Europe. Key Varieties –Primarily Riesling – also Semillon, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier. Regions –Marlborough, Hawkes Bay, Waipara, Central Otago Styles –Late harvest, botrytised/ noble, ice

Sileni Estate Selection Late Harvest Semillon 2009 Let’s Taste

Northland/ Auckland 10% Mainly found in Hawkes Bay and Auckland, with sunny, warm, maritime climates, moderate rainfall and long, dry autumn. Also unexpected pockets in micro-climates of cooler regions, e.g. Waipara Cabernet – based red wine blends Hawke’s Bay – 75% Waipara

Generally too far south to ripen Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc successfully. One block of river silt surrounded by north facing 50 metre cliffs – creates micro-climate. Merlot ripens early and is on a higher terrace of clay limestone & rocks. The blend is different for every vintage but to me it is the Cabernet Franc which gives the wine its charm and elegance Waipara

Waipara West Ram Paddock 2006 Red Cabernet Franc/ Cabernet Sauvignon/ Merlot Let’s Taste