Wine & Spirits List - Riviera Wine 2020-2021

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NEW ZEALAND - AUST RALIA - SOUTH AFRICA
NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand
Australia
South Africa
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.
AUSTRALIA
RIVIERA WINE NEW ZEALAND - AUST RALIA - SOUTH AFRICA
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 grown 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.