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Hawke's Bay
New Zealand
Top Subregions: Hawke's BayGimblett Gravels
Region Description
Hawke's Bay is a wine region located on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. It is the second largest wine region in New Zealand, known for producing high-quality red wines, particularly Bordeaux-style blends and Syrah. The region has a long history of winemaking, with the first vines planted in the mid-19th century by French missionaries. Today, Hawke's Bay is home to over 70 wineries and is a popular destination for wine tourism.
Grapes & Wine Styles
The main grape varieties grown in Hawke's Bay are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Chardonnay. The region is particularly known for its Bordeaux-style red blends, which are made from a combination of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other Bordeaux varieties. Hawke's Bay Syrah is also highly regarded, with a style that is often compared to that of the Northern Rhône in France. Chardonnay is the most widely planted white grape variety in the region, and is used to produce both still and sparkling wines.
Notable Producers
The main grape varieties grown in Hawke's Bay are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Chardonnay. The region is particularly known for its Bordeaux-style red blends, which are made from a combination of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other Bordeaux varieties. Hawke's Bay Syrah is also highly regarded, with a style that is often compared to that of the Northern Rhône in France. Chardonnay is the most widely planted white grape variety in the region, and is used to produce both still and sparkling wines.
Fun Fact about Hawke's Bay
Hawke's Bay is home to the oldest winery in New Zealand, Mission Estate, which was founded in 1851 by French missionaries. The winery is still in operation today and produces a range of award-winning wines.
Top Wines from Hawke's Bay
Oyster Bay Merlot
Oyster Bay
Oyster Bay Merlot is a delightful red wine that showcases the expertise of its producer. Hailing from a renowned appellation, this wine is crafted from grapes grown in exceptional vineyards. The unique terroir of these vineyards imparts distinct characteristics to the wine, resulting in a truly memorable experience. The winemaking process is carefully executed, ensuring that the wine retains its elegance and finesse. Oyster Bay Merlot is known for its smooth and velvety texture, with flavors of ripe plums, blackberries, and subtle hints of spice. This wine is a perfect choice for those seeking a well-balanced and approachable red wine.
Read more Food Pairing:
Cheese
Pork
Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Vineyard Te Kahu
Craggy Range
Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Vineyard Te Kahu is a premium red wine produced by Craggy Range, a renowned winery in New Zealand. The wine is made from grapes grown in the Hawke's Bay appellation, known for its unique soil composition and ideal growing conditions for Bordeaux varietals. The vineyard features stony soils that provide excellent drainage and heat retention, resulting in grapes with concentrated flavors and aromas. The winemaking process involves careful selection of the best grapes, followed by fermentation and aging in French oak barrels. The resulting wine is a complex and elegant blend, with notes of dark fruit, spice, and a hint of oak. It is a perfect representation of the Gimblett Gravels terroir and a must-try for any wine enthusiast.
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Beef
Pork
Lamb
Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Sophia
Craggy Range
This Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Sophia has a deep ruby-purple color that hints at the complexity of aromas and flavors to come. The nose is powerful and expressive, with layers of blackberry, dark plum, and crushed rock. Hints of cedar, black licorice, and graphite add complexity. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and intensely flavoured, with firm, ripe tannins and a long finish. It has an impressive structure that will allow it to age well over the next decade or more. Enjoy this remarkable wine now or cellar it for a special occasion.
Read more Food Pairing:
Pork
Beef
Vegetable
Cheese
Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Le Sol
Craggy Range
Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Le Sol is a premium red wine produced by Craggy Range, a renowned winery in New Zealand. The wine is made from grapes grown in the Gimblett Gravels appellation, known for its unique soil composition and warm climate. The vineyard features stony soils that provide excellent drainage and low fertility, resulting in concentrated and complex flavors in the grapes. The winemaking process involves careful selection of the best grapes, followed by fermentation and aging in French oak barrels. The resulting wine is a full-bodied and richly textured red, with flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earthy notes. It is a perfect example of the high-quality wines that New Zealand is capable of producing.
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Beef
Pork
Vegetable
Cheese
Fruit
Mushroom
Te Mata Awatea Cabernets - Merlot
Te Mata
Te Mata Awatea Cabernets-Merlot is an exceptional red wine produced by Te Mata Estate, located in the Hawke's Bay appellation of New Zealand. This wine represents the producer's dedication to crafting world-class Bordeaux-style blends. The grapes are sourced from select vineyards in the region, benefiting from the ideal combination of warm climate and well-drained soils, resulting in grapes of exceptional quality and flavor concentration. Te Mata employs meticulous winemaking techniques, including gentle extraction and aging in oak barrels, allowing the wine to develop complexity and structure. The Awatea Cabernets-Merlot showcases a refined style, with a harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, offering an elegant and balanced wine with layers of dark fruits, subtle herbal notes, and supple tannins. It is a testament to Te Mata Estate's commitment to producing outstanding wines that reflect the terroir of Hawke's Bay.
Read more Food Pairing:
Beef
Cheese
Steak
Pork