Central Otago
Central Otago is the world's most southerly wine region. Soil structures vary dramatically from those of other regions with heavy deposits of mica and schists in silt loams. A new and rapidly expanding wine area, Central Otago is now New Zealand's seventh largest wine region. Pinot Noir is the dominant grape variety, no suprise given the ideal growing conditions and endless accolades being afforded to these wines. Chardonnay ranks second with Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling a following. Central Otago contains some of the most breathtaking scenery in New Zealand. The wines have a purity, intensity and vibrancy matched by equally beautiful surroundings.
Terroir
Ringed by mountains interlaced with lakes and deep river gorges Central Otago is New Zealand’s most spectacular setting for vineyards. Central Otago is really a series of sub regions: each a pocket of possibility in a rugged mountain landscape. Many are quite different and the wines they produce already have distinctive characteristics, though individuals may differ in their definitions! There are 4 main sub regions:
Gibbston
The first location to be planted in Pinot Noir, Gibbston is a north facing valley slope of The Kawarau Gorge, as it falls from Queenstown to Cromwell. 5 km’s long by 2km wide, it is around 350 M above sea level and receives around 600mm rainfall. The coolest and highest of the sub regions harvest usually begins at the end of April. Heavy loess deposits over schist rock and river gravels. Wine Typicity; red fruit and dried herb aromatics with backbones of acidity.
Wanaka
The most northerly and one of the most beautiful sub regions. Wanaka is cooler than some, but often has a good frost record because of the influence of the stunning lake. At 290 to 320 metres above sea level, with an average rainfall of around 600mm, the vineyards have a similar but slightly warmer climate than those in Gibbston. Harvest begins typically around the middle to end of April. Soils are thin layers of loess over schist rock Wine Typicity; red fruit aromas, savoury tones, complexity and minerality.
Alexandra
The most southerly sub region, Alexandra would be in the middle of the heat range of Central Otago microclimates. Spreading from gentle hills to wild rocky escarpments, it is probably the most varied as well. This was one of the earlier sub regions to be explored and planted. Spectacular schist outcrops dominate the arid landscape and it has the widest of diurnal shifts which help moderate the higher temperatures seen here. The vineyards are around 175 metres above sea level and receive around 260 mm annual rainfall; harvest typically is towards the end of April. Soils are typically fine sands and river gravels low in loess topsoil Wine Typicity; Spice notes with overt fruit, rich in aromatics however lighter in fruit tannin structure.
Cromwell
Cromwell is a large basin surrounded on three sides by mountains – it is effectively in the middle, located between the other 3 sub regions. It is around 250M above sea level and receives around 400mm rain annually. It is the warmest on average of all the sub regions with the harvest beginning typically the week after Easter regardless of when this is and extending to the end of April.The largest of all sub regions, it contains around 70% of all plantings and has already started to be further divided into smaller areas.
Central Otago Wine Events
NZ Wine Online Central Otago Wine tour
23-27 March 2010
Join us as we explore some of Central Otago's finest vineyards and Queenstown's best attractions for five days in march this year. We'll be guided by well-known Wine identity Jim McMahon on an educational and entertaining journey through the world's most beautiful wine region...Pinot Noir, anyone? CLICK HERE for more details.
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Key Facts
World's most southerly wine region.
The first wine-grapes were planted in Central Otago in 1864.
The first commercial release of a Pinot Noir from Central Otago was the 1987 vintage from pioneer Alan Brady at Gibbston Valley winery.
Today Pinot Noir represents about 80% of all plantings and is the foundation on which the industry in Central Otago is built.
45 North and 45 South are very different worlds. In the temperate zones, global winds flow West to East round the planet. In the North that journey takes them through heavily populated and industrialised regions. In the South, there is only Central Otago and Patagonia. While well over 100 million people live between 44º and 46º North, there are less than 400,000 living in the Southern strip. This reflects in a lack of pollution and disease pressure - there is no vineyard in Central Otago within 200 kms of a traffic light!
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Vintage Reports
Central Otago Vintage Report Summary 1997-2007 (PDF)
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