New Zealand's warm east coast — Syrah, Bordeaux blends and rich Chardonnay.
The country's second-largest region sits on the sunny east coast of the North Island. Its free-draining Gimblett Gravels store heat, allowing Syrah and Bordeaux varieties to ripen — something rare in New Zealand.
Country
New Zealand
Climate
Warm maritime
Key grapes
Syrah, Merlot
Areas to know
3
Sub-regions and appellations you'll see on the label.
Gimblett Gravels
Heat-trapping gravel — top reds
Bridge Pa Triangle
Red metal soils
Te Awanga
Coastal Chardonnay
Local classics and safe bets.
Say it at the table
“Hawke's Bay is New Zealand's red wine country — peppery, elegant Syrah that's closer to the Rhône than to Australia.”
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