WAITAKI NEWS UPDATE
• 2008 Vintage Wine Tasting in Auckland 23 July
• The Vintner’s Luck chooses Waitaki Braids
www.waitakibraids.co.nz
LIFE STYLE PRESENTATION OFFER – NOW ON
Click on this link to view offer
OVERVIEW
In 2001 interests associated with Waitaki Valley Wines Limited identified the likely shortage of quality vineyard land in the established viticulture regions of New Zealand. This, coupled with the excellent reputation of New Zealand wines internationally, meant that the market was forecast to require significantly more quality vine growing land to meet the escalating demand. These compelling economic drivers led us on a search that ultimately resulted in the development of vineyards in the Waitaki Valley.
We identified specific micro climates and limestone soil types located in the Waitaki Valley then commenced a two year search. A trial vineyard programme cemented the view that the Waitaki Valley could produce premium wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.
Situated on the north facing slopes of the Waitaki River, between the towns of Duntroon and Kurow, the land offers a number of unique natural advantages that make it suitable for the production of Pinot Noir, Reisling and Pinot Gris.
In particular, the substantial areas of limestone rich soils. These are not currently available as vineyard land in any scale elsewhere in New Zealand. These soils are typically associated with the premium red wines of Europe and in particular the Burgundy region of France.
The following factors reinforce the enormous potential of the area:
- The performance of the inaugural vineyard;
- The heat data (total heat accumulation of 960 GDD);
- The chalk soils;
- The performance of the local orchards;
- The plentiful supply of water;
- Award winning wines (Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris).
Initial viticulture advice was taken from Dr David Jordan, Mr Greg Hay of Peregrine Wines (Gibbston Valley) and further developed by Doctor John Forrest of Forrest Estates Winery and Steve Smith of Craggy Range Winery, whose companies have subsequently developed vineyards in the area.