New Zealand's 2013 vintage is 'one to remember'

By Erin Smith

Published: 21 January, 2014

New Zealand's 2013 vintage is "one of the best in recent memory", according to the New Zealand's high commissioner.

Sir Lockwood Smith, New Zealand's high commissioner to the UK, opened today's New Zealand annual wine tasting by announcing that 2013 is one of the best vintages in recent memory for the New Zealand Wine region.

Smith said: "New Zealand has extraordinary soils and fascinating micro climates that produce a great range of wines that are being shown today. 2013 is going to be a great vintage from New Zealand."

Marlborough vines Marlborough vinesExpectations are high for this year's harvest in New Zealand, with winemakers and experts describing it as 'one to remember'.

Philip Gregan, chief executive of New Zealand Winegrowers agreed, saying: "The result is that we expect 2013 wines to be vibrant, fruit-driven and complex expressions of the diverse wine regions in New Zealand. 2013 will be a vintage to remember."

Kiwi winemakers have gathered today at London's Royal Horticultural Halls for the 33rd annual trade tasting, which is showing more than 400 wines from 75 producers, giving those in the industry an opportunity to taste the vintage for the first time. The tasting is also a platform for producers from New Zealand to release new products in the UK market.

Jamie Marfell, regional winemaker for the South Island for Pernod Ricard New Zealand, said: "2013 has been of of the best vintages in the 24 years that I have been making wines. It was one of those years that everything seem to just lined up."

Sauvignon Blanc continues to be the most popular variety in the UK market and New Zealand wine has now surpassed the £7 barrier, with growth continuing at higher price points.

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