Awatere Valley

Awatere Valley

42° 5' 6.7164" S

LATITUDE

173° 15' 39.8664" E

LONGITUDE

0

APPELATIONS

about this subregion

The Awatere Valley, nestled within New Zealand's Marlborough region alongside the Wairau Valley and the Southern Valleys, is a distinguished wine-producing area. Its unique environment plays a crucial role in the quality of its wines.

Distinguished by a cooler and drier climate than surrounding areas, the valley's proximity to the ocean and the protective Kaikoura Ranges significantly influences its weather. The soil here, a blend of greywacke, loess, and alluvial deposits, adds a distinct mineral flavor to the wines.

Renowned for growing Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay, the valley benefits from an extended growing season and cool nights. These conditions are ideal for maintaining grape acidity and enhancing aromatic properties. Additionally, the strong maritime winds play a vital role in shaping the grapes, contributing to the complex flavor profiles of the wines.

The Awatere Valley's combination of unique climate, soil, and skilled viticulture ensures its status as a key player in Marlborough's wine industry.

Associations

vinerra illustration
1000

Vineyard Hectares

0

WINERIES

1000 - 1050

GROWING DEGREE DAYS

Discover Terroir

The Awatere Valley, situated within the larger Marlborough wine region of New Zealand's South Island, is known for its picturesque landscape. It is characterized by gently rolling hills and expansive vineyards that stretch gracefully across the valley floor. To the north, the imposing Richmond Range looms, while the majestic Kaikoura Range graces the southern horizon, creating a breathtaking natural frame around the valley.

Adding to the valley's charm, the Awatere River meanders its way through the landscape, not only enhancing its visual appeal but also serving as a vital water source for irrigation purposes in the vineyards. This meandering river, combined with the well-drained soils of the region, contributes to the valley's suitability for grape cultivation.

The vineyards, carefully tended amidst this captivating terrain, thrive and produce grapes of exceptional quality. The unique combination of the valley's geography, geology, and climate makes it an ideal terroir for wine production.

As you explore the Awatere Valley, you'll be struck by the harmonious coexistence of rugged mountain ranges, fertile vineyards, and the tranquil presence of the river. This remarkable landscape not only creates a stunning backdrop for wine enthusiasts but also plays a significant role in shaping the character of the wines that originate from this subregion. It is a place where nature's beauty and the artistry of winemaking seamlessly blend together.

The Awatere Valley, situated within the larger Marlborough wine region of New Zealand's South Island, is known for its picturesque landscape. It is characterized by gently rolling hills and expansive vineyards that stretch gracefully across the valley floor. To the north, the imposing Richmond Range looms, while the majestic Kaikoura Range graces the southern horizon, creating a breathtaking natural frame around the valley.

Adding to the valley's charm, the Awatere River meanders its way through the landscape, not only enhancing its visual appeal but also serving as a vital water source for irrigation purposes in the vineyards. This meandering river, combined with the well-drained soils of the region, contributes to the valley's suitability for grape cultivation.

The vineyards, carefully tended amidst this captivating terrain, thrive and produce grapes of exceptional quality. The unique combination of the valley's geography, geology, and climate makes it an ideal terroir for wine production.

As you explore the Awatere Valley, you'll be struck by the harmonious coexistence of rugged mountain ranges, fertile vineyards, and the tranquil presence of the river. This remarkable landscape not only creates a stunning backdrop for wine enthusiasts but also plays a significant role in shaping the character of the wines that originate from this subregion. It is a place where nature's beauty and the artistry of winemaking seamlessly blend together.

The Awatere Valley, nestled within New Zealand's renowned Marlborough wine region, is a place of exceptional terroir diversity. This subregion is characterized by a range of distinct soil types, each leaving its unique imprint on the wines cultivated here. Let's explore the various soils of the Awatere Valley:

1. Gravelly Soils: Predominant in the lower terraces, gravelly soils in the Awatere Valley provide excellent drainage, fostering optimal grape ripening. These soils contribute to wines known for their pronounced minerality and vibrant acidity.

2. Loamy Soils: Found in some areas of the valley, loamy soils combine sand, silt, and clay, offering balanced water retention and drainage. Wines nurtured in loamy soils often showcase a harmonious blend of fruitiness and structure.

3. Clay-Infused Soils: Closer to the Awatere River, clay-infused soils retain moisture well, particularly valuable during dry periods. These soils form a foundation for wines with rich fruit flavors and supple textures.

4. Marlborough's Signature Mix: The Awatere Valley also hosts the classic Marlborough mix of soils, featuring varying proportions of gravel, loam, and clay. This diversity allows for the cultivation of different grape varieties, each expressing unique characteristics derived from specific soil types.

5. Limestone Deposits: Select locations in the valley boast limestone deposits, highly prized for their ability to infuse wines with complex mineral notes, elevating their overall complexity and character.

These diverse soil types within the Awatere Valley subregion play a crucial role in shaping grapevine growth and significantly influence the flavors and profiles of the wines they produce.

Discover

The Awatere Valley, nestled in New Zealand's Marlborough wine region, boasts a unique physical aspect characterized by its cool climate and the influence of coastal winds from the nearby Pacific Ocean. In this subregion, five key grape varieties flourish, each with distinct agricultural and climatic requirements:

  1. Pinot Noir: Thriving in cooler climates, Pinot Noir grapes in Awatere Valley benefit from the region's temperature fluctuations and well-drained soils, producing wines with unique expressions.
  2. Sauvignon Blanc: This grape variety excels in Awatere Valley's cooler temperatures, where it thrives with balanced canopy management and the right soil conditions, resulting in vibrant and expressive wines.
  3. Riesling: Riesling grapes appreciate the cooler climate of Awatere Valley, requiring careful canopy management and soil selection to achieve the desired balance and acidity in the wines.
  4. Pinot Gris: Pinot Gris vines in this subregion thrive with meticulous vineyard practices, as they are sensitive to climate variations. The cool climate and proper vineyard management contribute to their success.
  5. Chardonnay: Chardonnay grapes in Awatere Valley benefit from the region's cooler temperatures and well-drained soils, demanding attention to detail in viticulture practices to craft wines with distinct characteristics.

In this subregion, these five grape varieties find their unique niches, showcasing the influence of Awatere Valley's climate and terroir on their agricultural requirements and resulting wine styles.

The Awatere Valley in Marlborough, New Zealand, is famed for its wines, each boasting unique aromatic and flavor qualities due to the region's distinctive terroir. Below are the most popular wines from this area, with a focus on their aroma and taste profiles:

  1. Sauvignon Blanc: Known for its sharp acidity and lively flavors, this wine exudes aromas of passion fruit, lime, and herbal nuances, with a hint of mineral undertones. Taste-wise, it offers a crisp and zesty citrus flavor with a lasting fresh finish.
  2. Pinot Noir: Awatere Valley's Pinot Noir features an earthy and rich aroma profile, blending ripe cherry and plum scents with a touch of spicy oak. It tastes smoothly fruity, balanced with gentle tannins and finishes elegantly and long.
  3. Riesling: This variety is aromatic with lemon zest, green apple, and floral hints. Flavor-wise, it perfectly balances sweetness with acidity, delivering a palate of vibrant citrus fruits and a clean, mineral-tinged finish.
  4. Pinot Gris: Exhibiting intense aromas of pear, peach, and honeysuckle, the wine's flavor is a delightful mix of juicy stone fruits with a creamy, slightly sweet finish.
  5. Chardonnay: This wine's aroma is rich with tropical fruit notes like pineapple and mango, complemented by a vanilla oakiness. In terms of flavor, it's full-bodied and rich, combining fruitiness with oak influences for a buttery and enduring finish.

In conclusion, the Awatere Valley's wines are celebrated for their diverse and captivating sensory experiences, reflecting the unique terroir of the region.

arrow-back-to-top