For once, it didn’t rain, or not enough to matter. Frustratingly often around here, tail-ends of cyclones slam into the region just when the grapes are at their peak and we’re all ready to pick them for the year’s vintage. This year, however, the weather gods were kinder, and we were given the time, space and sunshine to grow some terrific grapes and craft some great wines.
Summer started early, with warm conditions that allowed all grape varieties to flower well and fruit to set. A little rain around Christmas was a welcome top-up, as vineyards in the Matakana region are not irrigated, due to our clay-based soils and generally higher rainfall. From Christmas through to mid-March, conditions were fantastic, with endless warm days and no rain at all.
This led to all local growers having to get out into the vineyards and pick their grapes at least two to three weeks earlier than normal, with most well into the harvest by the third week in March. The borderline drought conditions broke briefly then, but not enough to do any real damage. Because of this, many vineyards reported a bumper crop and most local winemakers are looking considerably happier and less stressed than they often are at this time of year.
So what does all this mean for wine lovers? Answer: lots of great local wines to come! Over the next 12 months, we should see some fresh, ripe, unoaked whites and rosés from 2019 being released into local cellar doors and stockists. Keep an eye out for albarino, pinot gris, flora, verdelho and viognier from various Matakana producers. Then, in about two years, some rich chardonnays will come onto the market after maturing in oak barrels.
Following that, expect some terrific red wines from 2019, with deep colours, rich tannins and ripe fruit flavours. Blends of merlot, cabernet franc and malbec; syrah; and Italian varieties like sangiovese, barbera and montelpulciano will all be worth looking out for. In short, make a mental note to buy 2019 Matakana wines when you see them.
Lastly, an important diary date: keep your eye out for local events during the inaugural Auckland Wine Week, which runs from June 13 to 23. On Saturday, June 22 at The Vintry wine bar in Matakana, we will be hosting Matakana Magic – a rare chance to taste older vintages of fantastic local wines, expertly matched with food. There will be two sessions, each hosted by local winemaker James Graham and wine commentator Anto Coates.
For full details, bookings and details of other Wine Week events, go to aucklandwineweek.co.nz. Cheers!
Richard Robson, President, Matakana Winegrowers
www.matakanawine.co.nz
Wine - Matakana Winegrowers
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