Nelson

A neighbour to it’s big brother Marlborough, Nelson is home to some of the most sunning scenery NZ has to offer, and a range of excellent, varying terroirs throughout the region. While known first for exquisite examples of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Nelson has a growing reputation for the aromatic varieties - Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer as well as its own distinctive take on Sauvignon Blanc and some superb ‘stickies’.

Terroir

Nelson is a distinct wine region with a unique terroir.  At the same latitude as Marlborough, and like Marlborough, Nelson grows a range of varietals to an evenly-pitched standard – Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and, of course, the aromatic wines.   But the climate is different to that of Marlborough. The climate is more temperate.  Diurnal temperature swings during the ripening season are not as great.  The result is the harvest is typically a couple of weeks later than Marlborough, producing wines that are classical and elegant with a subtle restraint.

The Waimea Plains

The alluvial, stony loam soils of the Waimea Plains produce vivid, vibrant aromatic whites that have a flinty backbone to their often overt fruit flavours.  The Chardonnay here is richly expressive with fine acid structure, while the Pinot Noir is perfumed and pretty with supple tannins on the palate.  

Moutere

In the rolling hills of the Moutere region, the gravel threaded clay soils are renowned for producing wines that are dense, textural and deep-scented.  The Pinot Noir and Chardonnay here have great structure and complexity, while the aromatic wines are notable for their texture, poise and generosity.

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