New Zealand Syrah captures national and international wine critics' hearts
New Zealand Syrah has been slowly establishing a loyal following throughout the world. Wine critics have been impressed by New Zealand's ability to deliver delicate and uniquely flavoured Syrah, comparable only to those from the Rhône Valley in France, where Syrah originates.
«Combine the arid terrior of Hawkes Bay's Gimblett Gravels with the vision of skilled winemakers and it is little wonder that the results have been so phenomenal» says winemaker Nick Picone. In a former life, the Gimblett Gravels formed the riverbed of the Ngaruroro River. With the river long gone, it is now home to some of New Zealand's finest wineyards.
«Hawkes Bay's dry and sunny climate is ideal for providing the heat that Syrah grapes need to fully ripen,» explains Nick. «The low fertility and free-draining terrain helps control the growing vigour of the wines, resulting in low yields but intensely flavoured fruit.»
It's hard to believe that this delicate, finely structured wine is from the same grape as Australia's Shiraz. Australia's climate is characterised by extremely hot conditions, leading to big and bold Shiraz. New Zealand Syrah, in contrast, is more floral, with as much complexity and finesse as Shiraz's richness and power.
What is perhaps most amazing about our Syrah is its relative youthfulness. Over a century ago vignerons experimented with Syrah with little success due to cool and wet climate. However, just over a decade ago winemakers and viticulturists began to see the potencial of the Gimblett Gravels for growing difficult grapes like Syrah and the variety has since flourished.
Wine critics are starting to take notice too, with Syrah having won the Champion Wine of the Show at the Royal Easter Wine Show for three consecutive years. Alastair Maling MW, commented after 2008's competition that, «it is extremely exciting to see a very high number of gold medals being awarded to the ever increasing group of Syrah entries. The number of awards suggests the 2006 vintage was the best group of Syrahs yet and will help position Syrah as a high profile variety for New Zealand.»
International wine critics have been impressed too. Britain's wine writer, Oz Clarke even named the Villa Maria Cellar Selection Syrah as "number one" in his 250 Best Wines Wine Buying Guide 2008.
Alastair believes the enthusiasm for New Zealand Syrah can only grow. «We have only been experimenting with Syrah for a short time. As winemakers learn more about this varietal we can only hope to improve and continue to impress.» | 
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