Sara Glickman
Wines Region Essay
Auckland, New Zealand is the home of the country’s wine industry. There are both larger industrial and smaller vineyards in the region. Smaller regions including Kumeu, Matakana, Clevedon Hills and Waiheke Island contain many of the over one hundred vineyards. The city has a great history that began when Croatian settlers introduced grape growing practices to the Kumeu region. Settlers arrived in Auckland in the 1800’s. As they began to settle in the region they started planting grapes and established what is now that Auckland wine region (Auckland Wine 2014). Today, the wine industry helps greatly boost the economy in Auckland. The region’s beautiful history and scenery have helped attract many visitors. It takes days to explore the region so hotels and restaurants have opened as well. The vineyards and other means have created many jobs and much revenue for the region (Auckland 2017).
The climate in the region plays a significant factor in its growing abilities. New Zealand is surrounded by water (Auckland 2017). The city’s maritime environment ensures long days of sunshine and nights with cool sea winds. There is an average of 1240mm of rain each year. The city also averages 2060 hours of sunshine each year. The average temperature during the summer is 23C and the average winter temperature is 14C. Auckland specifically is the warmest of the vine growing areas of New Zealand (Auckland 2017).
The soils of Auckland are a staple feature in this region. The soils contain lots of clay, which prevents drainage. There is however sandstone and mudstone found within the region as well. The nature of the soil can be partially attributed to the history of volcanic activity in the area. The soils are described as thin layers over clay over silt and clay subsoil (Auckland Wine Region 2017).
There are approximately fifty grape cultivars grown in the region. The leading varieties have changed over the course of time. In the 1980’s Cabernet Sauvignon was the most popular, this however shifted in the 21st century when Sauvignon Blanc became the most commonly planted. To date the most hectares are allotted to Sauvignon Blanc, then Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Gris (Auckland Wine Region 2017).
In the late 1800’s phylloxera first invaded Auckland vineyards and began destroying vine roots. The grape growers began replacing the infected vines with resistant American rootstock varieties. Grafted stocks replaced most of the un-grafted European stocks. These new American rootstocks originated from Vitis riparia, V. berlandieri, V. rupestris, and the hybrids developed from these species (Wassilieff). Auckland commonly used the 1202 rootstock. This rootstock is well suited for a clay heavy soil, which is prevalent in the region. The rootstock is most importantly phylloxera tolerant.
Auckland has particular vineyard production practices, specifically regarding training systems. Wine production practices are similar throughout New Zealand. Wire trellis systems are very common. They are arranged in the north-south orientation, which provides the greatest balance of sunlight. The balancing temperatures allow for the grapes to ripen more slowly over a longer period of time. This results in flavor growth and a fresher tasting wine (Auckland Wine Region 2017). Vertical shooting position methods are also used in the region and vines can be pruned spur or cane. The harvesting methods very between differently sized vineyards, with the larger using mechanical means and the smaller typically doing the work manually (Wassilieff). Auckland
There are common wine styles and vilification practices in the Auckland region. The region produces many different styles of wine. The region is commonly revered for the Bordeaux style-wines. Some of the most common styles include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blends and complex Chardonnay. Merlot is commonly grown in the heavy soil climate and is therefore very popular in from Auckland. Some other styles produced in Auckland include Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Gris (Auckland 2017).
The Auckland wine region of New Zealand is filled with a rich history. The climate and soil of the region allow for many cultivars to grow successfully. Despite setbacks caused by the phylloxera pest, the rootstock is now more stable and able to sustain pest tolerant growth. Specific vineyard production practices have also been developed to maximize grape ripening. These many features of the wine region have helped make it popular amongst tourist and visitors. I have truly enjoyed learning more about this region. I hope that one day I will have the opportunity to be one of the many visitors to Auckland, New Zealand and get a chance to experience the rich culture and carefully prepared wine from grapes with such great history.
References:
Auckland Wine. (2014, August 15). Retrieved November 07, 2017, from http://www.wine-searcher.com/regions-auckland#winelisttab
Auckland Wine Region. (n.d.). Retrieved November 07, 2017, from http://www.winesofnz.com/new-zealand-wine-regions/auckland-wine-region/
Auckland • NZ Wine. (n.d.). Retrieved November 07, 2017, from http://www.nzwine.com/regions/auckland/
Maggy Wassilieff. 'Viticulture – Grape varieties', Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 13-Jul-12 URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/viticulture/page-2