ABOUT WAIRARAPA
30 YEARS IN THE GLASS, 20 THOUSAND YEARS IN THE MAKING
|
The stones of the Ruamahunga River link the three fine wine sub-regions of Martinborough, Gladstone and Masterton. Originating in the brooding heights of the nearby Tararua Ranges, the river meanders southwards through the region, attracting waters from contributory rivers as it streams to Palliser Bay. Meeting Lake Wairarapa, it inspired the region’s Maori name, meaning ‘glistening waters’. New Zealand’s wines are young but their genesis is ancient. Over 20,000 years the river has carved out dramatic cliffs and escarpments to expose stony sub-soils, built up layers of alluvial river terraces and cast its silty river loam across the landscape. Long hot dry summers, cool nights and crisp frosty winters heated and cooled the stones, releasing their minerals and creating free-draining gravels. Invigorating winds ensured healthy growing conditions. A rain shadow effect created by the majestic Rimutaka Ranges keeps the region dry, with low humidity, especially through sunny autumn ripening. Perfect conditions for grapes. So perfect, in fact, they reminded the French wife of early settler William Beetham of her native Burgundy, prompting her to plant over 3000 vines in the late 1880s and produce the region’s first pinot noir vintage in 1897. The vines were sadly a casualty of prohibition in 1905. Fast forwarding 100 years, soil scientists discovered a direct connection to Burgundy. An almost identical mix of free-draining river gravels, temperatures and rainfall to Beaune prompted the vision of cool-climate wines from Martinborough. These scientists, with two locals, planted vines in 1980 and became the ‘founding four’ Martinborough wine pioneers, with hand-tended vines and hand-crafted wines of distinction. That adventurous decision revolutionised the quiet rural district and was repaid with international acclaim. This success triggered the spread of grapes north to Gladstone from the late 1980s, and to Masterton in the 1990s. A century completed the circle of history. |
 |
Key Facts
Seasonal Information
- To the west lie the Tararua Ranges, protecting the region from any prevailing wet weather
- Average rainfall is around 600-700mm (24in) a year, which mostly falls in winter and spring. This makes the Wairarapa the driest place in the North Island
- With 1200 Growing Degree Days on average, conditions are good for flowering and ripening grapes
- The climate is described as semi maritime, influenced by the long coastline to the east and south
- Summer temperatures peak on average at 32-34°C (92°F), with nights of 10°C (50°F)
- Strong north-west winds through spring regulating flowering and crop levels while reducing vigour in growing season
- Long ideal growing season for pinot noir
o Budburst – early September
o Veraison – February
o Harvest – late March through to April
Terrain
- The ancient river terraces are covered by 20-50cm of silt loam soils with loess in places
- Generally very deep alluvial deposits up to 15m deep give very free draining soils
- Some vineyard plantings are on limestone and clay loam soils
- The Wairarapa region accounts for only three percent of national average by vineyard area
- From such boutique scale and low crop levels, the Wairarapa produces only one percent of the national average by volume
Data is averaged over 2004-2008 vintages
Sustainable Winegrowing
With typical far-sighted initiative, Wairarapa wineries were among the forefront of sustainable vineyard management, including a world-first achievement of formal international ISO standards and Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand accreditation. Organic and bio-dynamic vineyards are increasing as winemakers understand that environmentally sustainable practices for land care, soil balance, winery management and energy efficiency complement and support wine quality.
Diverse Varietals
Pinot noir is the flagship wine: its elegance and style made Martinborough’s international reputation. Yet there is so much more to the region, the mineral-laden soils and cool climate nurturing a remarkable range of award-winning varietals. Distinctive sauvignon blanc with tropical fruit flavours, elegant full-flavoured chardonnay, appealingly aromatic riesling and pinot gris; and the emerging, gentle Rhone-like syrah are all among winning Wairarapa wines.