Marlborough is a wine region located in the northeast corner of New Zealand's South Island. It is the country's largest and most important wine-producing region, accounting for over 75% of the nation's total wine production. With its unique combination of geography, climate, and soil, Marlborough has become a world-renowned producer of high-quality wines. Marlborough's wine industry began in the 1970s, when the first vineyards were planted in the region. Since then, the region has seen tremendous growth, with the number of vineyards increasing from just a handful in the 1970s to over 600 today. Marlborough's wines have become increasingly popular around the world, and the region now produces some of the most sought-after wines in the world.
Marlborough is best known for its Sauvignon Blanc, which is the region's signature grape variety. Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is known for its intense aromas and flavors of citrus, passionfruit, and herbs. The region also produces a wide range of other wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Gris.
Marlborough is home to some of the world's most renowned wineries, including Cloudy Bay, Villa Maria, and Clos Henri.
Müller-Thurgau was the most planted variety in Marlborough in the 1970s. After it was recognized that Sauvignon Blanc provided the better quality, the vineyards were converted.