New Zealand is famed for the beauty of its landscapes and has become a hot location for Hollywood. A recent movie review said: "If a country could be eligible for best actor award, New Zealand could be in the running for every gong going."
When it comes to wine, New Zealand's star is sauvignon blanc from Marlborough. The flamboyant and vibrant aromatics have set the benchmark sauvignon blanc style that wine producers around the world are trying to emulate. Not to be forgotten are the country's other regions and grape varieties that are quietly building up a reputation for producing high-quality wines with unique personalities.
The Waipara Valley is the thriving home to an increasing number of boutique wineries. Located in the north-eastern part of the South Island, the region has a maritime climate and is protected from strong winds by undulating hills. The diverse soil types and microclimates allow winegrowers to produce notable aromatic white wines from chenin blanc, pinot gris and riesling. For red wines, try the pinot noir, which has perfumed red fruit and an elegant structure.
Bishops Head winery is a small, family-owned winery named after the iconic limestone rock face in the Waipara Valley. Prior to setting up his own winery, owner Peter Saunders accumulated extensive experience at Cloudy Bay and as wine maker for Domain Georges Michel in Marlborough. His winemaking style is strongly influenced by his work at Domaine De Montille and Domaine de la Vougeraie in Burgundy. Bishops Head wines tend to be more understated and restrained in style. The wines allow the fruit to play the starring role.
