New Zealand Wine

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New Zealand Wine

New Zealand, the southern Pacific islands 1000 miles away from the nearest land mass of Australia, has an agricultural economy that is far more dependent on sheep and dairy products than it is on wine. Vines were first planted in 1819, but it took New Zealanders more than 150 years to discover that their country's cool maritime climate was suitable for high-quality wine production. Although Sauvignon Blanc is the variety for which New Zealand established an international reputation, it ranks second to Chardonnay, the country's most planted grape. Pinot Noir overtook Cabernet Sauvignon in 1997 to become the country's most planted red variety although a significant percentage of the Pinot Noir corp is destined for sparkling wine production.

Sections In New Zealand Wine