New Zealand Wines: Best Of 2018

First, the mixture of climate and rich soil have created near perfect conditions for wine making. The beautiful open country of New Zealand has released some of the most successful wines of the 21st century so far.  New Zealand produces wines grown mainly in the cool weather conditions of the main wine growing regions of the country, yielding unique results. Ultimately, every wine growing country has most famous wines, in New Zealand these include the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and the Pinot Noir.

New Zealand also grows smaller amounts of Pinot Grigio, an amazing white grape.

While wine making in New Zealand only began in the early nineteenth century, great strides have seen a rapid rise in the wine making market within the country. New Zealanders consume nearly 20 liters of wine per person annually. Further, only 33 percent of wines consumed are imported, mainly from neighbors Australia. This means a great deal of New Zealand wines are being consumed locally. Now, we see it all over, from liquor stores across North America, the world over. Here is a look at the top five best New Zealand vintage wines for 2018.

The Best New Zealand Wines:

Mud House Waipara Valley Riesling 2016

Offering outstanding value, limitless charm and an amazing flavor; Mud House Waipara Valley Riesling 2016 is one bottle of White Wine you must try. This vintage has a beautiful scent and is strong and vibrant with a distinctive citrus flavor. Experts have given this wine a four-star rating and it certainly deserves it. It was awarded the silver medal at the 2017 Royal New Zealand Easter Show Wine Awards and is also the winner of Best Buy award from Cuisine.

First, grown in amazing summer conditions, Secondly, the grapes grew particularly ripe and had tons of sugar in them. Additionally, grapes were harvested late in the season to ensure the wine tastes richer and sweeter. As well,  because late harvesting gives the wine a special personality.

Vidal Reserve Gimblett Gravel Hawke’s Bay Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

This 2015 vintage red wine has an interesting blend, 75 percent Merlot combined with 18 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Malbec. It is a beautiful deep red with incredible bursts of fruit with a hint of spice and a smooth finish.

The grapes were grown in climates In a very cool temperature. The Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties blend incredibly well together. In addition, the grapes were harvested in the first few weeks of April and the vintage matured for sixteen months in special French oak barrels. The Vidal Reserve is rich, dense and also very smooth. It pairs amazingly with hard cheese or lamb, even beef. Vidal Reserve is truly one of the best New Zealand wines of 2018

Lake Chalice Raptor Marlborough Chardonnay 2016

An amazing wine for a great price. Handpicked grapes, meticulously refined and aged in French oak barrels. It has a high alcohol percentage at 13%. With vibrant notes of peach and grapefruit, and a creamy finish; This vintage wine from New Zealand is complexity in a bottle.

Lake Chalice the Raptor Marlborough Chardonnay 2016 is a wine that has a bright light yellow color and a subtle fragrance of nutty oak from the aging process. Hints of stone fruit and citrus give it incredible flavor. You must try it.

2013 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir, Martinborough, New Zealand

Produced in Southern New Zealand, near North Island.The cool climate of Martinborough are perfect for growing grapes and this part of New Zealand is home to some of the best wineries in the country. The soil in this part of New Zealand is incredibly rich in nutrients, creating balanced and elegant wines made mainly from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Meaty and oily fish pair perfectly with the 2013 Ata Rangi. With hints of citrus and saffron, tart cherry and a smooth acidity; this Pinot Noir is definitely worth the price. Truly a prize of New Zealand.

2014 Trinity Hill Homage Syrah, Gimblett Gravels, New Zealand

The 2014 Trinity Hill Homage Syrah vintage uniqueness stems from the partnership of white and red grapes. This amazing blend is a must try. An aromatic wine aged in oak with a beautiful floral scent, this Syrah has hints of blackberry and licorice. It is a more expensive bottle of wine for those on our list, but it is more than worth it. This wine pairs perfectly beef and venison.

Grown and produced in the wineries of Hawkes Bay in New Zealand. This small region has a big impact on the wine market of New Zealand. Hawkes Bay expanded from 50 to almost 1500 acres. However, first planted in 1981, Hawkes Bay holds amazing history.

New Zealand has truly reshaped the way we look at wine, in a short time frame they have revolutionized their own wine industry. Vintages from New Zealand are available across the globe and are cementing the amazing reputation they have already earned. Truly an amazing and upcoming wine market.