New Zealand is very well know for its internationally very successful sauvignon blanc wines, sauvignons that are very aromatic to the point of sometimes being overpowering. The focus on sauvignon has perhaps been so strong that other grape varieties have suffered behind it but there seems to be a trend today towards “rediscovery” of other grapes than kiwi sauvignon blanc. Here are the top varieties on the export markets (year to January 2011):
- sauvignon blanc 83 % of total exports
- pinot noir 5.9 %
- chardonnay 3.4 %
- pinot gris 1.9 %
- merlot 1.6 %
- cabernet & “blends” 0.7 %
- “sparkling” 0.8 %
- riesling 0.6 %
- other 2 %
(Source: Drinks Business & NZ Winegrowers)
