Brancott Estate Heritage Centre – Marlborough Region NZ
From Axel’s Diary- From the Connoisseur Magazine Archives -First Published in 2013
Marlborough can lay claim to starting the modern New Zealand wine industry. Here in the late 1970s, Marlborough produced Sauvignon Blanc, among other varieties, which led to confidence that New Zealand could produce interesting wine.
Today, the Marlborough wine region represents approximately 60% of total vineyard area in the country. The top varietal here is Sauvignon Blanc, closely followed by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The strong contrast between hot sunny days and cool nights help vintners extend the ripening period of their vines like nowhere else, resulting in unique expressions of their grapes.
For example, Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough offers unique aromas and flavors, which earns them much praise from wine lovers around the world. Even a legendary producer from the French appellation of Sancerre, which traditionally produces the best French Sauvignon Blanc, Henri Bourgeois has recognized the suitability of the Marlborough terroir and microclimate by establishing a winery in Marlborough for producing Sauvignon Blanc.
