Marlborough Region – New Zealand

Marlborough Region: Where?

New Zealand Region of Marlborough is located in the heart of the Nation, on the western shores of the South Island. This coastal area overlooks the Cook Strait and the North Island.
A New Zealand province famous for its verdant hills, the surf sea, the magical cliffs and, above all, for the quality of its wines.
In fact, almost 75% of the wine production of the whole nation starts from here. The demand of Marlborough wines continues to grow, both at home and abroad.

The Wine Production of Marlborough Region

A territory of ancient wine-making promises. In fact, already in 1873, the pioneer David Herd planted his first vines of Brown Muscat. A business that, unfortunately, was not successful. However, the undeniable agricultural wealth of the region led the Montana family to create their first wine estate, with Sauvignon Blanc vine plants, thus giving life to a historic winery that today still exists.
An area that is famous for the cultivation of different grape varieties, such as Pinot Noir, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and, above all, Sauvignon Blanc. By now, Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs make the whole world speak about their characteristic flavour, freshness and goodness.

Wines of Marlborough: why so special?

The success of the wines, produced in the Marlborough region, depends on the following factors:

• A fertile, well-draining, sandy loam soil, sometimes with stony gravels, capable of retaining the right water reserves, necessary for the vine, given the scarce local rainfall.
• A mild, sunny and never too cold climate, ventilated by sea breezes and marked by intense temperature variations, between day and night.

Characteristics that, together, favor an optimal ripening of the vine, with healthy grapes, rich in aromatic substances.

Marlborough Subregions

Marlborough Wine Region counts three subareas:

1. Wairau Valley: A famous valley that hosts the centers of Blenheim and Renwick, crossed by the homonymous river. It is mostly characterized by a particularly fertile alluvial soil. Only in the northernmost areas, the ground is more gravely, covered with silt. A perfect habitat for the cultivation of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and other white grape varieties.
2. Awatere Valley: with the coldest climate in the entire region, this area is also characterized by different soil types, which are a combination of gravel, silt-loam and loess. A land with a great propensity for vine cultivation, especially of white wine grapes like Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling.
3. Southern Valleys: this area, with hills interspersed with many river valleys, is marked by a predominantly clay soil and different climatic microzones. A land where Pinot Noir grapes have found an optimal context for development, for the creation of flavorful and almost aromatic red wines.