New Zealand

New Zealand wine occupies a place in the market and the mind of the U.K. wine drinker far more significant than the amount it produces. This is partly because such a high proportion of the (relatively) little it does make is exported, but also because the wines have a distinctive freshness and clarity about them which you don’t find anywhere else. The flagship is Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, which grabbed everybody’s attention when it first appeared with its powerful, intense flavour and satisfying zing. Attempts to find other unique wine styles are working best with Pinot Noir, Riesling and (increasingly) Syrah but it is still Sauvignon Blanc which dominates and which remains New Zealand’s most recognisably and unique contribution to the world of wine.