Riviera Wine - Catalogue 2018

96 AUSTRALIA, NZ & SOUTH AFRICA
New Zealand
Australia
South Africa
NEW ZEALAND
Only just scraping into the top 30 wine countries, New Zealand is very
small player in the world of wine. The first vines were planted in
Malborough in only 1973, however since then has impressively built up
a well-respected reputation for its pungent style of Sauvignon Blanc.
Due to the high levels of sunshine, these are much fruitier and tropical
than its French counterparts Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. Being on the
same latitude as Burgundy, Pinot Noir grows fantastically well here,
particularly in Central Otago.
RIVIERA WINE AUSTRALIA, NZ & SOUTH AFRICA
AUSTRALIA
Australia is a diverse country, containing many different climates and
producing all styles of wine, with vineyards mostly located in the cooler
Southern parts. Their export market has been very successful, driven
mostly by competitive pricing, consistent quality and engaging branding
and marketing. Shiraz (or Syrah) grows very well in Barossa Valley,
creating a very fruit-forward style compared to wines of Northern
Rhône. Cabernet Sauvignon growns amazingly well in Coonawarra. In
terms of white wines, Chardonnay is grown widely all over in in lots of
different styles from oaked to un-oaked. Semillon is popular in Hunter
Valley and Clare and Eden Valley are best for Riesling.
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa has been making wine for 350 years and is seen as the
oldest of the New World wine countries. The ‘Bordeaux-Blend’ of
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is popular in Stellenbosch. Pinotage is
South Africa’s speciality and was formed by crossing the grape Pinot
Noir and Cinsaut. These wines have a full body and spicy red berry fruits
that can age rather interestingly. Chenin Blanc (also known locally as
Steen) is the most widely grown white grape, made in a variety of styles
and with some more premium producers using barrel ageing to give
extra body and toastiness.