Wines from Hawke's Bay
"I believe the best Cabernets in New Zealand are from Hawkes Bay. Not to be outdone, the Chardonnays show in spades and the Syrahs are superstars." - Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate
Hawke's Bay is New Zealand's second-largest wine region with a long heritage of producing wine. One of Hawke’s Bay’s greatest strengths is its geographical and climatic diversity. This varied landscape provides an environment in which to grow a number of varieties for an array of wine styles. Worth checking out if you are interested in New Zealand wine.
About Hawke's Bay
New Zealand's oldest wine region is Hawke's Bay, where winemaking has been present since 1851. Ranking as the second-largest wine region in the country, it contributes approximately 10% to the total wine production.
Boasting a considerable size and diverse landscape, Hawke’s Bay has the capacity to produce a broad spectrum of grape varieties at a consistently high quality. It is particularly recognized for its excellence in Red Blends, Syrah, and Chardonnay. The famous Gimblett Gravel area is located within this region.
Hawke's Bay climate
The region experiences abundant sunshine, with heat summations somewhere between Burgundy and Bordeaux. The coastal influence moderates the intensity of hot summer days, allowing for an extended growing season. The elevated terrain surrounding the area provides protection against strong winds, although inland regions may face the occasional risk of frost. During the growing season, challenges may arise from cooler and wet weather, but the well-draining soils mitigate its impact.
Hawke's Bay soil
The legacy of four major rivers’ historic meanderings, Hawke’s Bay is a virtual kaleidoscope of soil types, creating significant impact on viticulture and wine styles. The densely planted plains are alluvial over gravely subsoils: Havelock has more sandy loams over clay pans while Hastings is surrounded by loamy clays. Red metals and famously arid, stony Gimblett Gravels are noteworthy features; the surrounding rolling hill country is clay and limestone-based. Bridge Pa contains the oldest soils on the Heretaunga Plains. These are distinct as they consist of low fertile, free draining alluvium deposit or eroded ash, loess and underlying sediments.
Hawke's Bay subregions
- Coastal Areas: The two grape growing areas located directly on the coast enjoy the most dramatic effects of the temperate climate and long growing season. The gravelly soils of Bay View in the northern Esk River Valley area and Te Awanga in the South have achieved recognition for premium Chardonnay and early ripening reds, including Pinot Noir.
- Hillsides: Increasingly explored for the differences offered in soil and altitude; they are predominately planted in red varieties. Long-established around Havelock North, hillsides in the Maraekakaho and Bay View sub-regions produce stellar wines and as vines march inland.
- Alluvial Plains: Shaped by rivers and criss-crossed with gravel beds, free-draining alluvial soils and stony terraces, the plains fan out between Havelock and Napier, covering the pioneering vineyards of Taradale and Meeanee plus the Gimblett Gravels and Bridge Pa Triangle area, home to some of the region’s best wines.
- River Valleys: Running across Hawke's Bay are four rivers, which have over time created a huge diversity of grape growing sites. These sites have provided sheltered environments, with variations in altitude, aspect to the sun and variations in soil type. Fine examples of premium Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir are sourced from the higher altitude sites.
- Central Hawke's Bay: Inland at an altitude of up to 300 metres Central Hawke's Bay vineyards are characterised as being cooler areas showing potential for Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.
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